Reservations at East Ridge Campground can be made through Campspot, and at $20 per night, the fee reflects recent municipal investment in engineered tent pads, fire rings, and county road maintenance. Sites 1 through 10 accommodate both RVs and tents, while sites 11 through 23 are tent-only. No water is on site. Bring everything you need, because as more than one reviewer puts it, "you have to bring your own water."
The campground sits in open terrain with eastward sightlines, and mule deer move through regularly. Sites have sunken fire pits with grill grates and metal picnic tables. The layout varies in spacing: site 23 draws consistent praise for its privacy, while several other spots sit close enough together that neighbors are noticeable. A camp host is present and, based on multiple reviews, actively manages issues like overnight generator use. Vault toilets serve the two loops and are generally reported as clean and in decent shape.
Trail access is a strong draw here. Mountain bike and hiking routes connect directly to the campground, and the Arkansas River is close enough for a day of whitewater rafting. Deitz B. describes it as "a little hub for a great trail system," with some routes reachable on foot from the campsite. Rockhounding is also possible in the area, with orange granite, feldspar, and quartz reported in the surrounding landscape.
Campers visiting in late May or June note that heat becomes a real factor by midsummer, making spring and fall the more comfortable seasons. November visits have drawn light crowds, sometimes leaving the campground nearly empty on weekdays. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is close by, and Cañon City's restaurants and shops are roughly 15 to 20 minutes away. Campers planning a longer stay in the region can also browse places to camp near Cañon City for additional options. Nearby alternatives include Starlite Vintage Resort and Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA for those wanting full hookups or more developed facilities.
Note that bear boxes are not provided, so store food accordingly, and watch dogs for cactus thorns on the trails.
Description
From this little-known campsite area in the Royal Gorge Park, you’ll be treated to views of Cañon City and the surrounding parks area. New, updated sites are operated by the City of Cañon City. Vault toilets, fire rings, some picnic tables, no water. Approximately 12 sites located 20 minutes west of Cañon City. Open year-round.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsEast Ridge Campground is located in Colorado near Cañon City
Public CampgroundCoordinates
38.46521268 N
105.2921244 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/4/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/28/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/4/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 42 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 3 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 1 hr 55 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 18 min from Boulder, CO
