Fort Carson is one of the Army’s largest installations, located just south of Colorado Springs at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. It’s home to the 4th Infantry Division and a major Army hub.
Whether you’re visiting, here for training, or PCSing in or out — here’s what you need to know about lodging near the base.
Jump to: Hotel Picks · Vacation Rentals · On-Base Lodging · Pet-Friendly Hotels · PCS Entitlements
Lodging Near Fort Carson
The primary off-base corridor is along S. Circle Drive and Cheyenne Mountain Blvd, both within 10-15 minutes of the main gate. The town of Fountain, just south of the post, has additional budget-friendly options within 5 minutes of the south gate.
Colorado Springs in general has more hotel inventory than most areas near bases — which means more options but also more variation in quality.
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Microtel Inn & Suites Fountain/Fort Carson
Sub-5 minute drive to the south gate in Fountain. Clean, updated rooms, excellent breakfast, friendly staff. Best off-base value pick near the post.
Book Now →Home2 Suites Colorado Springs South
Highest rated in the area. Full kitchen, great breakfast, spacious rooms. Good for longer TLE stays — pet-friendly with solid reviews from extended stay guests.
Book Now →DoubleTree by Hilton Colorado Springs
Solid mid-range option on the Cheyenne Mountain Blvd corridor. Pool, hot tub, full restaurant and bar on site. Good family option when you want a little more amenities.
Book Now →Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs
Not the closest option, but if you’re in town with kids — especially during a longer TLE stay — this is worth the drive north. Indoor water park, USAFA visitors center nearby. Surprisingly affordable for what it is.
Book Now →Vacation Rentals Near Fort Carson
Colorado Springs has strong vacation rental inventory year-round — the outdoor recreation market keeps it active even in the off-season. Weekly rates regularly come in at or under the standard government lodging rate. For PCS families spending three weeks waiting on housing, a rental with mountain views, a full kitchen, and a yard is a sanity-saving upgrade over a hotel room.
If you’re PCSing, VRBO bookings are reimbursable under TLE as long as the nightly rate is at or under the lodging cap. Keep your booking confirmation and get an itemized payment receipt to file with your voucher.
Search Vacation Rentals Near Fort Carson →
On-Base Lodging at Fort Carson
The Candlewood Suites on post is your first call — it’s an IHG property with full kitchens, free laundry, and pet-friendly rooms. Check here first for official travel. If unavailable, get a non-availability confirmation number before booking off base for official travel.
- Address: 7222 Sheridan Ave Building 7306, Fort Carson, CO 80913
- Phone: (719) 374-9158
- Reservations: Book through IHG Army Hotels
- Pet policy: Pet-friendly, with a pet deposit of $75 and $10/night fee — but confirm current fees and restrictions when booking
Pet-Friendly Lodging Near Fort Carson
The Candlewood Suites on post and the Home2 Suites are both solid pet-friendly options. Colorado Springs is a very dog-friendly city overall — most hotel corridors have pet-friendly options, and outdoor recreation is everywhere. Always call ahead to confirm current breed restrictions and fees before booking.
Pet hotel fees are reimbursable under JTR paragraph 050107 — up to $550 CONUS total per PCS. Keep itemized receipts showing pet fees as a separate line item for your voucher.
Fort Carson Location Factors You Should Consider
Colorado Springs is a real city. Unlike a lot of installation towns, Colorado Springs is home to several colleges and tourist destinations, so it has solid restaurants, shopping, and things to do. You’re not stuck in a highway strip of chain hotels here — there’s an actual downtown and surrounding area worth exploring.
Outdoor recreation. Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Pikes Peak, and dozens of hiking trails are within a short drive of base. If you’re arriving during TLE and need to keep kids busy, you have lots of options.
USAFA. The Air Force Academy is about 20 minutes north on I-25. The visitors center is free, the chapel is worth the stop (when it’s not under construction), and the grounds are genuinely impressive. Worth a day trip if you have the time.
Altitude. Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet, and altitude sickness is no joke. If you’re coming from sea level, plan for adjustment time and take it easy — headaches and shortness of breath are common for the first day or two, especially with kids or pets.
Winter weather. Snowstorms can hit well into April, and even in June. If you’re PCSing in the off-season, check road conditions before you drive over any mountain passes and keep an eye on forecasts along your route.
PCS Entitlements at Fort Carson
TLE Quick Facts — Fort Carson
Authorized TLE days: Up to 21 days CONUS (JTR Table 5-13)
Daily TLE cap: Up to $290/day
Standard PCS lodging cap: $110/night
Pet reimbursement: Up to $550 CONUS (JTR 050107)
The amount you receive depends on your household size and the locality per diem rates at your installation. The overall TLE daily cap is $290, covering both lodging and M&IE combined. Keep in mind lodging taxes are reimbursable separately and do not count against you.
Know Your PCS Entitlements Before You Book
There are two different lodging entitlements on a PCS move:
- If you’re staying near Fort Carson on the drive between duty stations, your lodging is capped at the standard CONUS rate — currently $110/night.
- If you’re moving to or from Fort Carson and using TLE, your lodging is based on your family size and the local per diem, up to $290/day total.
For the full picture of what you’re authorized — MALT, per diem, TLE, DLA, pet reimbursements, and more — see our complete PCS entitlements guide.
Or plug your move into our free PCS planner to calculate travel days, per diem, and mileage in one shot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lodging at Fort Carson
The Candlewood Suites on post is operated through IHG. It offers full kitchens, free laundry, and complimentary breakfast, and has pet-friendly rooms available. Call (719) 374-9158 or book through IHG directly.
The S. Circle Drive and Cheyenne Mountain Blvd corridor has the most options within 10-15 minutes of the main gate. Fountain, just south of post, is worth checking for budget options — the Microtel there is under 5 minutes from the south gate and well-reviewed.
Up to 21 days for a CONUS PCS per JTR Table 5-13, split between your losing and gaining installations.
Yes. Vacation rentals are reimbursable under TLE as long as the nightly rate is at or under the lodging cap. Always attempt on-base lodging first, get a non-availability confirmation number if it’s unavailable, then book off base.
Yes — up to $550 CONUS total per PCS under JTR paragraph 050107. Keep itemized receipts showing pet fees as a separate line item.
