Camping is the best way to get your taste of a Colorado sky, and in the Royal Gorge Region, there are several ways to experience this American pastime. From tent camping to luxurious RV camping, there’s a camping solution that’s right for you.
For those who choose to travel more simply, tents can be pitched in several areas around the Royal Gorge. By Shelf Road, Sand Gulch and the Bank are BLM campgrounds that are popular with climbers and mountain bikers. Further south is the San Isabel National Forest Campground, Oak Creek, which is free and offers access to the Lion Canyon multi-use trail. Want a hot shower? A washing machine? There are many RV parks in the area that offer tent sites in beautiful settings.
If you prefer to travel in an RV or pull a fifth-wheel or pop-up camper, these RV parks offer pull-through sites with electricity, water, sewage, WiFi, and more. Who says you must be in the middle of the forest to camp? At these RV campgrounds, scenic surroundings create idyllic settings, complete with starry nights.
There are a number of fantastic camping areas in the Fremont County region. Spring, summer, and fall in the Banana Belt of Colorado are perfect for tent or RV camping. Temperatures in April average a high of 64˚F with a low of 34˚F. August averages a high of 86˚F with a low of 57˚F. September averages a high of 79˚ with overnight lows of 48˚F.
Check out our camping directory for a complete listing of RV parks in the area.
PRIMITIVE CAMPING
East Ridge Campground
From this campsite area in the Royal Gorge Park, you’ll be treated to views of Cañon City and the surrounding park area, where you can hike or bike along the 22 miles of surrounding trails. The truly adventurous can get to town via the Royal Cascade Trail–a 3.6-mile trail that descends 1,800 feet and connects to Tunnel Drive Trail near town. The City of Cañon City operates new, updated sites. Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, no water. Twenty-three spacious sites are located 20 minutes west of Cañon City. Open year-round. Reservations can be made online here. ($20 per night)
Temple Canyon Park
Located adjacent to the Temple Canyon trail that takes you to delightful Grape Creek and beyond The Temple. Operated by the City of Cañon City. Vault toilets, fire rings, some picnic tables, no water. Four different campsites spread apart to allow you to enjoy the solitude of this area located 8 miles southwest of Cañon City. Open year-round. (Free)
Red Canyon Park
Enjoy the region’s own red rock formations when you camp in this unique area. Operated by the City of Cañon City. Vault toilets, fire rings, some picnic tables, no water. Approximately five sites are located about 10.5 miles and 20 minutes north of town on Red Canyon Road (CR9). Open year-round. (Free)
THE BANK AND SAND GULCH
These two BLM-run campgrounds are located at the north end of Red Canyon Road (CR9), about 12.5 miles north of Cañon City. Often used by rock climbers during the spring, winter, and fall. Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, no water. Together they include 29 individual campsites and 2 group sites. (Rates vary) Open year-round; sites fill quickly during busy climbing weekends. Expansion is planned for summer 2017.
OAK CREEK
Located atop Oak Creek Grade Road southwest of Cañon City, this campground is a nice, cool respite during hot summers. Access the 2.14-mile Lion Canyon trail from here. Operated by the US Forest Service. While there are three outhouses, as of this printing, two of those have been closed. Fire rings, picnic tables, no water. Approximately 12 sites are located 14 miles south of town. Open during summer. (Free)
FIVE POINTS
Five Points is easily accessible from Hwy 50 and has a passageway under the highway to the day-use site on its north side. At this site, you’ll find an observation deck over the river. Operated by AHRA., 21 miles west of Cañon City. Vault toilets, fire rings with grills, picnic tables, no water. 20 campsites. Open year-round. Rates vary.
PHANTOM CANYON ROADSIDE
Along the historic Phantom Canyon Road are a few primitive roadside sites where camping is available. Along the road are also a few vault toilet areas; these are not located at the camping locations. Plan accordingly and bring a toilet system to take care of your waste. (Burying waste is not recommended.) Not the most acceptable camping alternative, but it works in a pinch. BLM-operated. Open year-round. (Free)
COMMERCIAL CAMPING/RV SITES
Mountain View RV Resort
Mountain View offers 40 RV sites and four cabins. Wi-fi, a playground, an outdoor kitchen with a fire pit, and more are available here. Rates vary. Cabins hold a maximum of four people. Open April 30th through September. mountainviewrvresort.net 719-275-0900
Royal Gorge KOA
Offering 80 RV sites, 20 tent sites, 11 cabins, and 2 “glamping” set-ups, The KOA has a heated pool, mini golf, wi-fi, outdoor community area, playground, and more. They are adjacent to KOA-run Big Slides and go-carts. Rates vary. Open April 14 through the end of October.
Royal View Campground
The Royal View Campground is home to 50 pull-through RV sites, 12 tent sites, and three cabins. Guests can enjoy time at their pool, a hiking/biking path, wi-fi, and more. Rates vary. royalviewcampground.com 719-275-1900
The Starlight Classic Campground
Vintage campers are available, or bring your own RV or tent! Cabins are available, too. A pool, playground, laundry, mini-golf, wi-fi, and more are available for your stay. Rates vary. Open May 5- Oct 1.
