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Fun Things to Do in the Summer in Colorado Springs 2020 Guide

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Summer is almost here which means there is much family fun to be had. My family enjoys putting together a bucket list each summer to keep us focused on fun and to help us avoid the dreaded “I’m bored.” Below you will find a list that we have built on year after year. Find out the scoop on Fun Things to Do in the Summer in Colorado Springs, CO! Print off the list & cross of your family’s accomplishments.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

  • Grab your loose change (and a $20 bill) and head to Manitou Springs to the famous Penny Arcade. Enjoy horse races with your family, watch a dancing monkey, get a high score playing Skeeball and turn in your tickets for fun prizes. Don’t forget to show off your PAC-Man skills or fine dance moves while your there!
  • Play mini-golf at one of several locations:
    • Adventure Miniature Golf
    • Gold Mine Mini Golf
    • Legends Miniature Golf and Batting Cages
    • Lost Island
    • Peak View Park Miniature Golf
    • World Golf and Sand Creek Golf Course
  • See a movie from inside your car at Mesa Drive-in Theater, Pueblo. Find the move line-up HERE.
  • Spend an afternoon at a local park. Find a new favorite park with the help of our 5 Great Parks and Playgrounds in Colorado Springs article found HERE.
  • Be a tourist for the day by horseback riding with Academy Riding Stables through the Garden of the Gods. Read a review of our visit HERE.
  • Grab fresh produce at one of our local Farmers Markets. Farmers Markets are beginning to open up with additional safety measures in place. (We will be linking a NEW Farmers Market guide soon.)
  • Plan a Colorado Staycation to enjoy more of Colorado as a family. Reference our Summer Staycations in Colorado guide before making reservations. Click HERE.
  • Take a day trip to the Royal Gorge, Canon City.
  • Trek through Cheyenne Mountain State Park ($7 day pass).
  • Drive Pikes Peak Highway all the way to the top. Must pay for day pass. Want more information? Click HERE.

WHERE TO STAY COOL

  • Dip your toes in Prospect Lake at Memorial Park or find another lake or reservoir to visit with the help of our guide found HERE.
  • Spend a day at Pirate’s Cove, Englewood.
  • Get your floaties out for a day of fun at Pueblo Reservoir.
  • Plan a trip to one of Colorado’s hot springs- A lot of fun but not a way to stay cool. Read about our trip to Glenwood Springs HERE.

HAVE FUN ON A BUDGET: FREE FUN!

  • Sign up for the PPLD’s Summer Adventure reading program presented by Children’s Hospital of Colorado that runs June 1- July 31. Want more information? Click HERE.
  • Explore the open spaces surrounding Bear Creek Nature Center, Fountain Creek Nature Center & Starsmore Discovery Center.
  • Enjoy the nature and beauty at Helen Hunt Falls.
  • Follow the trails at Red Rocks Open Space.
  • Take a long walk through the Paint Mines, Calhan.
  • Find a new favorite trail that’s easy for little tykes with our Family Favorite Hikes in Colorado guide found HERE.
  • Discover new public art that’s been installed recently while also knocking out our City Art Scavenger Hunt. Print the 3 page reference sheets HERE.

If your kids are up for a fun-filled summer by participating in a summer camp, check out our Summer Camps in Colorado Springs guide HERE.

There is also a ton of fun happening throughout Colorado and our Macaroni Kid publishers have you covered. Visit HERE to Find Your Family Fun!

 

 

Article originally published at https://coloradosprings.macaronikid.com/guides/5b0f0d405e7ffb7d47dcca72/fun-things-to-do-in-the-summer-in-colorado-springs

Outdoor Fun: Camping near Castle Rock, Larkspur, and Monument

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castlewood canyon
Big valley views from Castlewood Canyon State Park near Castle Rock, CO. Photo: Cathy McCray

Camping near Castle Rock, Larkspur and Monument, b/w Denver and COS on I-25

Aside from the natural attractions within the Rocky Mountains, Denver and Colorado Springs are the state’s two largest attractions. So it makes a lot of geographic sense to basecamp right between the two major cities, connected by I-25. Let’s discover the best campgrounds around the interstate towns of Castle Rock, Larkspur and Monument.

The Pike National Forest lies to the west of I-25 from Castle Rock south through Colorado Springs. It provides easy outdoor adventure from any of these I-25 towns. There can be congestion on the drive between Denver and The Springs but not a problem if you’re already at camp, or take the Highway 67 back way between the cities.

Here are the best camping near Castle Rock, Larkspur and Monument, CO, from north to south:

 

Consider Sedalia/Deckers

If you’re looking to camp in nature near Castle Rock your best bet is the USFS campgrounds to the west in Sedalia/Deckers. They provide the in-mountain experience most look for in a Rockies camping trip. Sedalia is a tucked away southern metro town and gateway to the dirt biking, hiking and fishing within the Pike National Forest. Deckers in a tiny renowned fishing village in the heart of it.

From Castle Rock you’ll just head west to Sedalia via Highway 85, and next Highway 67 further on to Deckers nestled along the South Platte River. Otherwise if you’re okay with with a more rolling plains and foothills experience, opt for a privately-run campground south of Castle Rock in Larkspur or Monument, or due east of town in Elizabeth. All are very doable day trips from either major city.

Private Campgrounds near Castle Rock

Castle Rock to the north, lies about 30 highway miles south of downtown Denver, and only about 40 miles from Colorado Springs. It’s a bit of a western town with its monumental castle rock and historic district. There’s no campgrounds within the city limits. For RV and tent sites with a rolling plains geography, head east to Elizabeth or south to Larkspur for a private-run campground, the two closest options to Castle Rock. Franktown, just east of Castle Rock, is home to the day-use Castlewood Canyon, a must-visit state park for hiking and stunning views.

Casey’s RV Hideaway

Summer games, activities, rodeos and festivals set in a wooded Colorado countryside.  This campground offers a variety of activities for adults, and children with sporting events, facilities for family reunions, group picnics, and gatherings of all types. Going between Castle Rock and Elizabeth on CO-86 you’ll pass the turn off to Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown.

  • Closest town: Franktown (11mi); Castle Rock (16mi)
  • Specs: 25 RV sites, 3 pull-through sites,  water, restrooms, open year-round, tent camping only in summer
  • Amenities: Disc golf course, pavilion, rodeo event area, splash pad
  • Recreation: Stampede Rodeo first weekend in June, Celtic Festival third weekend in July, disc golf, camps throughout the summer, yoga, dog training, softball, volleyball, football, kickball tournaments
  • Reservations: Yes, at elizabethpr.com
  • Address: 4189 CO-86, Elizabeth, CO 80107 (Map)
  • Directions: From Franktown take Colorado Highway 83 North .2 miles. Turn right on Kelty Trail, go 1.2 miles. Turn right onto Burning Tree Drive .2 miles. Turn left on Colorado Highway 86 east, go 9.2 miles, the campground will be on the left.

Private Campgrounds near Larkspur

Larkspur is really only know because of the annual summer Renaissance Festival that goes on there. It makes a great festival to pair with a weekend camping. There aren’t really commercial facilities in Larkspur, you’ll head north to Castle Rock or south to Monument for shopping and dining.

Jellystone Park at Larkspur 

Family fun close to the Denver Metro is yours at this newly renovated RV park.  You can relax on the 10-acre expanse of the campground or take part in the wealth of recreational activities offered. The Colorado Rockies shine against the western sky, making it the perfect backdrop to your weekend or extended vacation.

  • Closest town: Castle Rock (7mi)
  • Specs: 536 RV, tent, cabin and yurt sites, full hookups, 20/30/50 amp service, RV lengths to 45’, open July 1 to October 18
  • Amenities: Water Park (Yogi Bear’s Waterzone)  Different themed activities every week of the summer,
  • Recreation: Swim in the heated pool, family outings to the playground, wagon rides
  • Reservations: Yes, call 888-726-7807
  • Address: 650 Sky View Lane, Larkspur, CI 80118 (Map)
  • Directions: From  Castle Rock take I-25 south 6.8 miles to Exit 174. Turn right onto Sky View Lane and into the campground.

Private Campgrounds near Monument

Monument is a fun, little foothills town of about 8,000 residents. It has a cool historic district and recreation in its backyard. Enjoy the stunning hiking trails along the front range, gaze a Monument Lake, or head a few minutes over to the town of Palmer Lake and its Regional Recreation Area.

Colorado Heights Camping Resort

Located only a couple miles north of Monument on I-25, Colorado Heights Camping Resort provides two hundred and fifty RV-friendly campsites on a more than two dozen acres. It’s fast to access to Denver in 45 minutes and 30 minutes to Colorado Springs. There is a general store on-site to equip you with whatever your camping needs are.

  • Closest town: Monument (2mi); Castle Rock (19mi)
  • Specs: 200 full hookup RV sites, 50 partial hookup RV sites on 28 acres
  • Amenities: Special celebrations all summer including RC cars and boats, Death by Chocolate, Christmas in July and Hawaiian weekend
  • Recreation: Close proximity to trails, Garden of the Gods just 20 minutes away, the United State Air Force Academy near the campground,
  • Reservations: Yes, at  coloradoheights.com
  • Address: 19575 Monument Hill Rd, Monument, CO 80132 (Map)
  • Directions:  From Monument east on Colorado Highway 105 .9 miles. Turn left on Monument Hill Road go 1.4 miles to the campground.

That’s a roundup of the top campgrounds between Castle Rock, Larkspur and Monument. Drive safe and make sure you get a chance to explore the Pike National Forest.

Don’t forget – check with the facility when making reservations to see what amenities are available during this time as some features may be closed!

Article originally published at https://www.uncovercolorado.com/camping-near-castle-rock-larkspur-monument-co/

Find Monument, Colorado and Colorado Springs Homes For Sale

Welcome and thank you for visiting our Blessings Realty website! We are Monument-based real estate experts providing information about the Monument and Northern Colorado Springs, CO real estate market.

While you’re here, please check out 80132 homes for sale in Monument, CO, as well as other real estate listings around the area.  View listings, photos, market data, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place.

Please contact us today at (719) 425-8929 to buy or sell real estate in Colorado Springs and Monument, Colorado – or for help with your property management and probate real estate needs – we would love to speak with you!

Sincerely,

Claire and Jeff Garlick of Blessings Realty