Paved roads give way to a wide dirt road on the approach to Sand Gulch Campground, and reviewers consistently note that the transition is manageable for most vehicles. The campground sits on open terrain within BLM Land — Royal Gorge Field Office, set in a valley with rock walls to the west and mountains to the east. Sites run $20-$40 per night, reservations are available, and the payment kiosk accepts tap-to-pay credit cards only, with no drop box on site.
Rock climbing draws most visitors here. The trailhead to "the Gallery" climbing area starts between sites 9 and 10, and Shelf Road Sites and The Bank Campground are nearby alternatives along the same corridor. The 16 individual sites each include a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Sites sit fairly close together, and campers note the layout can feel tight when the campground fills up, though it runs lightly occupied on many visits.
The vault toilets draw consistent praise. Cali N. calls them "the cleanest bathrooms of any campsite ive been in my whole life," and multiple other reviewers echo that the facilities are well-maintained. The terrain is mostly open with limited shade, so sites with morning shade go quickly. No trash service is provided on site, so plan to pack out. Arriving early on weekends is advisable, especially if you want a first-come site with hookup access.
Description
Overview
With easy walking access to sport rock climbing routes in the popular Shelf Road Recreation Area, Sand Gulch Campground is a 31-site camping facility, open year-round. The campground is located 14 miles north of Ca__on City at an approximate elevation of 6,400 feet and features spectacular views of the surrounding limestone cliffs.
Recreation
Sand Gulch Campground offers sport climbers easy walk-in access to tall monolithic cliffs. Climbers can access Contest and Freeform Walls with bolted routes via the Sand Gulch trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities easily accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, Sand Gulch Campground offers a small day-use parking area for recreationalists.
Facilities
Sand Gulch campground has 29 individual sites, two group sites, and two vault toilets. Individual sites are limited to 2 vehicles and 8 people. The group site is limited to 4 vehicles and 20 people. Each campsite includes a parking space, a metal fire ring and picnic table. Many sites are designed for tent or van camping. Large camp trailers are accommodated best in pull- through campsites 5, 7, 11 (see map). Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at Sand Gulch Campground. Please bring your own water and firewood. Plan to take your trash with you when you leave.
Natural Features
Sand Gulch Campground and the surrounding area is well known amongst rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for the long bands of limestone cliffs dominating the landscape. Stunning rock features paired with the pi__on pine and juniper vegetation, enhance the dramatic vistas and a picturesque camping environment.
Nearby Attractions
The region around Shelf Road offers numerous attractions and recreation opportunities. Popular activities include visiting the Royal Gorge via the Royal Gorge Bridge, the Royal Gorge Train, hiking trails or a rafting trip with one of a number of river outfitters. The Arkansas River offers whitewater rafting as well as outstanding angling. There are numerous trails for all activities in the region as well as agricultural and heritage tours along the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway. The local communities offer a range of shopping and dining experiences. Visit the Royal Gorge Region web page for more information about local attractions: Explore - Royal Gorge Region: royalgorgeregion.com
Fee Info
Individual Sites: $20 per night Group sites: $40 per night There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect, campfires are only allowed in an agency installed fire ring in a campground. Devices using gas are permitted.
Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires. Stoves and fire pits that use propane and have a shutoff switch are okay to use.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSand Gulch Campground is located in Colorado near Victor
Directions
From Highway 50 in Ca\_\_on City, Take Dozier Avenue north following it as it turns west. At the four-way stop sign turn right on Field Avenue and follow it north until it turns into CR 9. In approximately 10 miles, take a left turn at the sign for Sand Gulch Campground.
Coordinates
38.61737 N
105.22956 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/27/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/27/26
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
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 24 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 16 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 39 min from Boulder, CO



















