Cheyenne Mountain State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Known for its peace and quiet along with a large range of recreational activities, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is calling out for you to visit no matter what time of the year you are hitting the road in your RV. Located only a few miles away from Colorado Springs and the Rocky Mountain Range, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a popular place to visit for locals and tourists alike wanting to explore the great outdoors.
Previously a homestead, the park officially opened in 2006 and contains over 1,600 acres of nearly untouched lands. It is the only state park within El Paso County and one of the only open areas of land in the Colorado Front Range that is protected, making it a very important conservation area. Educating visitors about the land is a critical part of helping areas such as Cheyenne Mountain State Park stay in pristine condition, so throughout the year, you can attend education programs run by park rangers.
Hiking is the most popular activity at the park thanks to 28 miles of trails that wind there way through the different ecosystems, including the Dixon Trail that will take you to the top of Cheyenne Mountain. The trails are also open to biking, so if you love to ride, remember to pack your bike before departing for your RV getaway. Checking out The Trails End Visitor Center, firing an arrow at the archery range, and having a relaxing picnic are also must-dos when visiting this Colorado paradise.
You will be impressed with the camping options at Cheyenne Mountain State Park as there are four campgrounds to choose from with a total of 51 RV-friendly sites and that are suitable for tents. All of the RV sites are equipped with full hookups, so you won't have to rough it during your stay. Cheyenne Mountain State Park is open all year round, so pack up your own or rented RV and come check it out!
RV Rentals in Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Transportation
Driving
Cheyenne Mountain State Park is easy to get to and very RV-friendly, so you shouldn’t have any issues getting around inside the park with either your rig or a smaller vehicle. However, it is important to note that the Colorado weather tends to be unpredictable -- even in the summer months. Mountain passes are frequently closed due to snow and ice or mudslides. Storms may occur suddenly, especially during the months of November to March. Take precautions when traveling with your RV and plan in advance. Try to pack emergency equipment such as tire chains, blankets, bottled water, and flashlights. Before embarking on your journey, check with the park office or the Colorado State Highway Patrol on current road conditions.
One benefit of visiting Cheyenne Mountain State Park is that you won't be too far away from civilization, so you can easily pick up some last-minute supplies from Colorado Springs or Pueblo before settling into your new home away from home. If you are coming from the west, you can also stop into Denver and check out what's on offer in Colorado's capital city.
Parking
There aren’t many day-use parking options for RVs in the park, but there are about 12 spots where you can park your RV while you check-in at the campground. You’ll want to set up your RV at the campground before venturing out so that you don’t run into parking difficulties with your RV.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Campsites in Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Reservations camping
The Meadows Campground
Often referred to as the Meadows Group Campground because of the group-use are with multiple grills and picnic tables, this campground contains 12 RV-friendly sites for you to choose from. The sites are very well-spaced, and you will find full hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring waiting for you, along with a concrete pad to park your rig. Some sites also have room for another vehicle, so if you are considering bringing a towed vehicle, this is a great campground to consider using during your stat. RVs up to 70 feet long can be accommodated here.
There is a restroom block at the Meadows Campground, but if you wish to use the coin-operated showers and laundry, you can head down to the camper services building that is open during the peak season. The campground is also pet-friendly, so you’re welcome to bring your furry friends with you.
You should make a reservation before your trip to guarantee that you will have a site waiting for you. Some of the campgrounds will be closed during the winter months, so you can check online or call ahead to the park office if you are visiting during this time to see if the Meadows will be open.
Raptor Glen Campground
Want to experience an amazing view overlooking Colorado Springs? If so, the Raptor Glen Campground is the place for you to stay during your visit to Cheyenne State Park. This campground is the most elevated out of the four in the park, so the views are incredible. Along with having ten sites that offer full hookups, there is also a toilet block in the campground so you won't have to walk down to the main amenity block.
The largest RV that can fit in Raptor Glen is 50 feet in length, but there is only one site that can accommodate rigs that size. Some sites also come with a tent pad, so be sure to look at photos online before choosing what site you wish to stay in so you can see if it is what you are looking for.
You should be able to get cell phone reception on all of the major networks at Raptor Glen, and all sites are pet-friendly like at the other three campgrounds. Reservations can be made up to six months before your chosen date of arrival.
Cobbler Grove Campground
The Cobbler Grove Campground is the smallest of the four campgrounds within Cheyenne State Park, so if you are looking for some peace and quiet, this is the best place for you to stay. The campground offers full hookups and is suited for RVs up to 50 feet in length. All sites are back-in besides Site 11, which is of the pull-through variety. Expect some beautiful views if you decide to stay here since it is an elevated camping area.
There isn't a lot of shade in the Cobbler Grove Campground, but most of the sites are suitable for you to use an awning or pop-out since they are all spaced out from one another. Unlike the other campgrounds, there isn't a restroom block at the Cobbler Grove Campground, so you will have to walk down to one of the other campgrounds if you don't have a toilet in your RV.
Sites in the Cobbler Grove Campground often are reserved well in advance since there aren't many to choose from, so if you want to stay here, it is recommended that you do the same.
Swift Puma Campground
The Swift Puma Campground is the largest of the four campgrounds within Cheyenne State Park, so if you want to make some friends during your visit, this will be the best place to stay.
Like the other three camping areas, all of the RV sites feature full hookups, so you won't be roughing it in the slightest. Your site will also come with a fire ring, picnic table, and a 12 foot by 12-foot tent pad, so you can pitch a tent if you want to get out of your rig. This is a pet-friendly campground, and you can expect large sites that have a concrete pad to park your rig. RVs up to 50 feet in length can fit into some of the Swift Puma Campground sites, but make sure that you reserve them in advance, so you don't miss out.
Alternate camping
Tent-Only Camping
While RV camping is definitely the most popular accommodation choice when visiting the park, there are also some tent-only campsites for visitors who want to experience a more primitive experience. In total, there are ten tent-only sites to choose from within the park, all of which are found at either the Swift Puma or Meadow campgrounds. These sites have no hookups, but they are all walking distance to the central bathhouse. Like the RV sites, they are very popular, so you should consider reserving one online before your arrival. If you don't make a reservation in advance, you can also stay at one on a first-come, first-served basis if they aren't all in use.
Seasonal activities in Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Off-Season
Train To Hunt
Held in the spring at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, this race is an opportunity to test your nature skills. As an archery competition, this two-day event starts with challenge courses, socials, and a Hunters Course to conclude the event. Whether you want to watch or join in, this is a popular event that you won’t want to miss if you are visiting the park during this time.
Trail Challenges
You can participate in two hiking challenges at the park. The first is the 100 Mile Trail challenge by completing the goal of logging in 100 miles of trails. The second is the Cheyenne Mountain State Park Trail Challenge, which is to complete all 18 of the existing trails. Miles must be confirmed by staff and can be done at your own pace. Once the challenges are completed, participants have the opportunity to earn a special patch for the Trail Challenge and the 100 Mile completers will receive a Cheyenne Mountain State Park Challenge Coin.
Hiking Nature Trails
Enjoy a stress-free, easy walk on one of the 18 great trails at the park. These pathways link together so that hikers can enjoy up to 28 miles of different levels of hiking through rolling foothills. Enjoy great views of the mountains and the city below during your time on the trail. Visitors found the trails to be well identified, with plenty of markers and maps, as most allow you to work your way back to the trailhead without fear of getting lost.
In-Season
Yoga in the Park
Build your balance and sense of community during your morning by joining other park visitors at Yoga in the Park. Taught by certified instructors, classes are held several times during the week so you can increase your flexibility and find your inner peace during your visit. These classes are free and held in “The Trails End” Visitor Center, so if you are looking for some casual exercise during your RV stay at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, you will have to go and check them out.
Archery
During the summer months, you will find an archery range that allows you to hone in on your archery skills. Select either the static range with targets ranging from 10 to 80 yards or really test your archery skill set on the walking field/3D course that provides a challenging real-life scenario course with numerous field targets. Never shot an arrow before? No worries, as Cheyenne Mountain State Park does offer beginner archery classes that are available to RV visitors of all ages.
Picnicking
Once you have finished with your recreational activities, a perfect way to end your day is to go for an afternoon picnic. Cheyenne Mountain State Park has 41 different picnic areas available for visitors to enjoy, so you will have a wide choice of places where you can set up. All of the picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and they are equipped with a grill (perfect for grilled cheeses!) and a picnic table. Picnicking is best in the summer months, but the picnic areas will be available all year round.
