Campsite evenings
Folding Camping Chair · Adult
For an outdoor sitting area at camp; check packed size against your vehicle storage.
RV & camping guide
Garden of the Gods Park by RV
32 min from COSCamping score 9/10Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- COS
- Airport drive
- 32 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 1–2 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- Standard cars are fine for main access roads; AWD is helpful for certain gravel forest service roads during wet weather.
Book in this order
Your route
COS
City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport
Garden of the Gods Park
About 32 min · 16 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Vehicle & road notes
Which vehicle
Standard cars are fine for main access roads; AWD is helpful for certain gravel forest service roads during wet weather.
parking
Recreation Area Crowds
The main Observation Trail lot is small and frequently overflows by mid-morning on October weekends. Arrive before 8 AM or visit on a Tuesday/Wednesday to ensure a space.
signal
Shawnee Dead Zones
Cellular reception is notably poor throughout the Shawnee National Forest interior. Do not rely on streaming GPS; use offline maps or printed forest service charts.
fuel
Rural Gateway Stations
Fuel up in Harrisburg or Equality before entering the forest; there are no services at the trailheads. Ensure you have adequate water as concessions are not available on-site.
Campground reservations
Shawnee National Forest Sandstone Access and Safety
Entry to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is free and does not require a permit. However, camping at Pharaoh Campground is first-come, first-served and fills early during peak autumn weekends. For groups over 75 people, a special use permit from the Shawnee National Forest office is required.
Official source2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan
Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.
Prefer a car and campground trip?
- ✓ Compare suppliers at COS
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at COS
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at COS
- ✓ Compare suppliers at COS
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at COS
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at COS3 · Where to park the rig near Garden of the Gods Park
Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.
RV parks near Garden of the Gods on RoverPass
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Check campground availabilityCampsites near Garden of the Gods on Campspot
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Check campground availabilityTraveling by RV near Garden of the Gods Park?
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Your route
Day 1 · The Ancient Sea Bed
Observation Trail → Garden of the Gods Wilderness
Day 2 · Historic Hollows and River Pirates
Rim Rock National Recreation Trail → Cave-in-Rock State Park
Day 3 · Iron and Stone Heritage
Illinois Iron Furnace → River to River Trail Access
Viator
Tours & experiences near Garden of the Gods Park
Explore guided activities around Garden of the Gods Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Garden of the Gods Park
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
Can I take an RV to Garden of the Gods Park?
Yes, Garden of the Gods Park is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.
Where do I pick up an RV for Garden of the Gods Park?
The nearest airport is City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS), about 32 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.
Do campgrounds near Garden of the Gods Park need reservations?
Entry to the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is free and does not require a permit. However, camping at Pharaoh Campground is first-come, first-served and fills early during peak autumn weekends. For groups over 75 people, a special use permit from the Shawnee National Forest office is required.