FIVE PARKS LIFE
Our Brinkley trailer and truck parked under tall trees at Garden of the Gods RV Resort.
BEEN THERE · COLORADO

Garden of the Gods RV Resort

3 NIGHTS, MAY 2026
3
NIGHTS
MAY 2026
WHEN WE CAMPED
COLORADO
WHERE
RV RESORT
TYPE OF STOP

ABOUT THE PLACE

Garden of the Gods RV Resort, Colorado

We spent three nights here in late May 2026, over Memorial Day week. Our full field report is still being written, so here is what to know about the place itself.

The short version

Garden of the Gods RV Resort is a privately run campground on West Colorado Avenue on the west side of Colorado Springs, operated by RVC Outdoor Destinations. It sits close to Garden of the Gods Park, a free city park and National Natural Landmark known for its towering red rock formations.

The resort

  • It offers RV sites, tent sites, cottages, suites and bunkhouses.
  • Amenities include two swimming pools, an off-leash dog area, a playground, a game room, a bathhouse and laundry.

A little history of the Garden

  • Surveyor Rufus Cable gave the Garden of the Gods its name in 1859.
  • In 1879 Colorado Springs founder General William Jackson Palmer urged his friend Charles Elliott Perkins, a railroad executive, to make a home there. Perkins bought land but never built on it.
  • After Perkins died in 1907, his children gave 480 acres to the City of Colorado Springs in 1909, on the condition that it stay free to the public.

What it is known for

  • More than 22 miles of trails. The Perkins Central Garden Trail runs through the heart of the park at the base of the highest formations.
  • Balanced Rock, and a short trail with a view of Pikes Peak through a natural rock window.
  • The Visitor and Nature Center, with exhibits, a theater and guided nature walks.
  • Technical rock climbing, which has its own rules and permits.

Good to know

  • Garden of the Gods is a city park, not a state or national park, and entry is free.
  • Check the resort's site for current site types and policies.

Facts checked October 2026. Things change, so check the official site before you go.

IN THE JOURNAL

Where we wrote about it

Field report coming soon.

coffee first, field report soon

Three of us smiling in front of the red sandstone Garden of the Gods sign in Colorado.
Garden of the Gods Sign
Jagged red sandstone formations rising above green trees at Garden of the Gods.
Red Rock Fins
Red rock outcrops and pine-covered hills under puffy clouds near Garden of the Gods.
Red Rocks and Pine Hills
Erin with arms raised beside a giant balanced red rock at Garden of the Gods.
Erin and the Balanced Rock
Erin in a yoga pose beneath a giant balanced red rock at Garden of the Gods.
Yoga Under the Balanced Rock
Three of us at an overlook with red rock formations and mountains behind at Garden of the Gods.
Overlook Above the Red Rocks
Three of us smiling beneath a towering red rock spire at Garden of the Gods.
Under a Red Rock Spire
Three of us on a grassy trail with red sandstone spires behind at Garden of the Gods.
On the Trail Among the Spires
Matt and Erin in bike helmets at a green overlook on a cloudy day near Garden of the Gods.
Rainy Day Ride Overlook
Erin pointing toward red rocks next to her e-bike on a dirt trail near Garden of the Gods.
Erin and the E-Bike
Matt and Erin in bike helmets smiling above a valley of red rocks near Garden of the Gods.
Riding the Red Rock Trails
The Historic Manitou Springs arch sign against a blue sky near Garden of the Gods.
Historic Manitou Springs Arch
Matt and Erin in bike helmets pointing at the Manitou Springs arch over the street.
Riding Into Manitou Springs
Matt crouching with Rindo, our black goldendoodle, under the Manitou Springs arch.
Matt and Rindo in Manitou Springs
Matt, Erin and Rindo smiling together near the Manitou Springs arch.
All Three of Us in Manitou Springs
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