3 MONTHS FREEPlan your Colorado trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Get the app

Camping near Cañon City, CO

27 campgrounds with availability next weekend

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Cañon City works as a base for Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River corridor, with campground options ranging from full-hookup RV parks to dispersed sites on the surrounding national forest land. The town sits at lower elevation than most of Colorado's camping destinations, which keeps it accessible year-round when higher passes are closed. Check-ins logged on The Dyrt here run steadily across spring, summer, and fall, with reviewers flagging the river access and canyon views as the main draws.

    Cañon City dispersed camping covers the free and undesignated options on Pike and San Isabel National Forest roads if you want to skip the reservation window entirely. Developed campgrounds closer to the Royal Gorge entrance book up on summer weekends, so mid-week arrivals give you more options. Pueblo is about 40 miles east if Cañon City sites are full.

    Best Campgrounds near Cañon City (287)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

      4.5(40)7mi from Cañon CityTents

      "Stopped in Cañon City then drove out to phantom canyon gold belt tour. The coordinates will take you to where the paved road turns to dirt."

      "I was nervous about going here in my Nissan Versa because I had read it was a 4 wheel drive road on several sites, however I was also optimistic after speaking to someone at Canon City because they mentioned"

      2. East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge

      4.3(25)5mi from Cañon CityRVs, Tents

      "Cañon City deserves a lot of praise for this fantastic spot that provides a great opportunity to enjoy all the views that the Royal Gorge has to offer."

      "Right next to the Royal Gorge Bridge in Canon City Colorado, the highest suspension bridge in North America ! Do the Segway tour over the bridge!!"

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      3. East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge

      4.6(18)5mi from Cañon CityRVs, Tents

      "Tucked away and very nice campground close to the Royal Gorge and Canon City if you need to get camping supplies. Get water and ice at the filling station by the Goodwill store for a great price."

      "Cañon city view and rock climbing minutes away."

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Red Canyon Park

      4.4(24)11mi from Cañon CityRVs, Tents

      "The park is fairly remote from Cañon City and has plenty of trails to explore. Sites are large and relatively easy to access by dirt road."

      "Cañon City local here! Red Canyon Park is a Cañon City-owned "mountain park." Fun to explore by day through the little canyon or along the rocks above, there's a walk for everyone here."

      Check Availability

      5. Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA

      3.9(18)8mi from Cañon CityRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Beautiful views and a great walking path for my dog. I could have gone for miles. People are super friendly and it’s clean! Close to hiking. Well worth the visit"

      "The site we got had our door facing another camper's door and our picnic tables were next to eachother, so we didn't spend much time hanging out outside."

      Check Availability

      6. Penrose Common Rec Site

      3.8(12)10mi from Cañon City

      "Easy access and not too far out of Pueblo or Cañon City. We didn't venture much further than the gate at the latrine, but we saw people coming out so I can assume there are spots further in."

      "It’s not the best dispersed camping, but feels like a paid campsite with individual campsites, vault toilets close by, and a simple drive to get to."

      Check Availability

      7. Royal Gorge RV Resort & Cabins

      4.6(7)9mi from Cañon City7 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The camp store was well stocked with firewood, camping supplies, a s’mores bar, cold drinks and lots of Colorado made items. The view from the hot tub was amazing!"

      "We had a great tent spot up on the hill with a great view of the valley behind. So it was a quiet tent spot to ourself, but 30 seconds down the hill foe access to the amazing restroom and showers!"

      from $45 - $74 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Phantom Canyon

      4.4(8)11mi from Cañon CityTents

      "It is a bumpy road, but we had an F150 and a Santa Fe, that both made it in fine, though some spots are walking only."

      "I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers."

      9. Sand Gulch Campground

      4.2(9)13mi from Cañon City31 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Nice views of rock walls and surrounding mountains. Pit toilet clean enough. Decent buffer between sites. Direct access to multiple trails."

      "There was nearly no one else camping here. It was beautiful. It is more open with little shade but we had storms so it was just fine."

      Available next weekend

      from $20 - $40 / night

      1 Site Available

      10. Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort

      4.5(16)18mi from Cañon CityRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "A great midpoint basecamp location for going up to Colorado Springs area or down to Canon City(Royal Gorge) areas.  The campground was always quiet in the evenings and felt secure. "

      "This is a lovely park about 30 minutes south of Colorado Springs. We camped here for 5 nights in a back in spot with full hookups, site 51."

      from $69 - $79 / night

      Check Availability
    View all 287 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Presented byLifeStraw

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Cañon City Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Cañon City, CO

    620 Photos of 287 Cañon City Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Cañon City, CO

    1720 Reviews of 287 Cañon City Campgrounds

    • CThe Dyrt Pro User
      Nov. 6, 2026

      Witcher's Cove Campground — Eleven Mile State Park

      Beautiful Lakeside Camping, Worth the Bumpy Drive!

      If you are looking for a place that is close to the water and where you step out of your vehicle and immediately feel the breathtaking beauty and peacefulness of nature around you, this is the place. We were here for four nights over Labor Day weekend. We don’t usually camp in Colorado on holiday weekends because everywhere is so busy. However, our son had Tuesday off from school, so we extended our trip to avoid the Monday traffic. I was pleasantly surprised that even though the campground was fully booked, it didn’t feel busy or overcrowded. We fished for trout and crawfish and caught plenty of both! 

      We were in site#803. The site was level, we had good Verizon cell service, and we loved being close to the water. We were able to leave our fishing raft and paddleboard on the shore overnight. There are only two campsites on this side of the campground which is great, especially if you have a curious dog! But, there is activity during the day at the boat dock, not a lot, but enough to note. You’ll want sites at the other end of the campground if a few cars coming in and out during the day bother you. No RV hookups at Witcher’s Cove, but if you need that you can camp on the other side of the lake at Rocky Ridge Campground. 

      The only downside is that the dirt road driving in and out is terrible. It is heavily washboarded and bumpy, for a few miles. We took it slow and still had minor damage to our camper trailer as one of our cabinet doors fell off on the drive in! It was probably loose to begin with, but the bumps were so bad it made the screws come out of the wood. That won’t keep us away, though. We will just tighten everything up before our next trip, and we will definitely be back!

    • MThe Dyrt Pro User
      Nov. 6, 2026

      Brown’s Grotto

      Designated camp sites with picnic table and fire pit. One bar Verizon at first site as you enter. I had no cell service beyond that. Very difficult to find a level spot. Nice views. Convenient for an overnight stay.

    • Fran C.
      Nov. 6, 2026

      Starlite Vintage Resort

      Too fun!

      I stayed on a Friday and Saturday night.  I got to ride the fire truck, listen to live music, and eat pizza while watching the sun go down and watching the Royal Gorge Bridge.

      I glamped in one of the trailers, but the rental RV sites and the camper trailer sites looked nice, too.  The tent areas were close together, but a couple seemed okay.

      The staff is super nice, the shower/restroom area is new and was very clean, even on a busy weekend.  The dishwashing sink is outdoors, but they provide Dawn soap, a sponge, and a drying rack.  There are lots of cool hangout areas.  The pool was closed, as it was September, and it is sort of basic, but looks like something the younger set would like.

      The location is great for hiking, Royal Gorge Park, and the train.  

      Absolutely would do it again, even if it seems a little pricey not to have indoor plumbing.

    • EThe Dyrt Pro User
      Nov. 4, 2026

      North Round Mountain

      Great packed road into the camp. We stayed in November and had the place to ourselves. Lots of sites. We stayed back near the end of the camping area and had a beautiful sunrise and sunset.

    • Fran K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Nov. 2, 2026

      East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge

      Primitive but very clean with lots of trails and great views of the canyon. Only 5 mins from the Royal Gorge Bridge.

    • Duane V.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 28, 2026

      pike national forest (CR 511)

      Not to far off of a paved road. You do have to open and close 1 gate. Just a lot of people walking dogs on the nearby trail.

    • N. Cole P.
      Oct. 25, 2026

      Starlite Vintage Resort

      Super cute campground, well kept, beautiful views, very close to the Royal Gorge. Camp hosts were very responsive, we got in a little late and they were quick to help us out. A few things that are important to know: they have a lot of stickers, the super sharp prickly ones and the super sticky ones. They have a decent size dog run(dog park) area that is great because of the stickers. It’s a good spot to take your dogs let them run off some energy. I would suggest a small cover down there due to all the weather. We really thought the sauna and hot tub should be available to the patrons staying here at the facility and so we went to go check it out and it cost $29 for an hour. Which was a bummer.

    • Jeff S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Black Sheep Retreat

      Beautiful and quiet, miles from any traffic or noise. We used it as a base camp for hiking the local ranges.

    Guide to Cañon City

    Campgrounds around Cañon City, Colorado range from established sites with amenities to primitive areas on public lands. The region includes several notable options like East Ridge Campground at Royal Gorge, offering tent and RV camping with picturesque views just minutes from the Royal Gorge Bridge. Phantom Canyon Road provides BLM dispersed sites for those seeking more solitude, while developed options like Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA feature cabin rentals and full hookups. Both public and private lands support diverse camping experiences within short drives of town, with some campgrounds positioned at higher elevations that capture panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

    Access to most camping areas remains seasonal, with some campgrounds like Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA operating from April through October. Many primitive sites have no drinking water available, requiring campers to bring their own supplies or fill containers in town. The dirt roads leading to several campgrounds are well-maintained but can become challenging during winter months or after heavy rain. Vault toilets are common at established sites, while developed campgrounds provide full shower and bathroom facilities. Maximum stay limits of 72 hours apply at some locations, particularly at East Ridge Campground. A camper noted, "Night temps were good for car camping in winter months. Hikes of any length can be started right from the campground or a short drive away."

    Campers consistently praise the quiet atmosphere and scenic surroundings at most sites near Cañon City. East Ridge Campground receives particularly positive feedback for its level tent pads, metal picnic tables, and fire pits with cooking grills. Several visitors mentioned wildlife encounters, with one review noting "Lots of mule deer" and "the sounds of crickets and gentle breezes will help you sleep soundly." Proximity to outdoor recreation stands out as a major advantage, with multiple trails accessible directly from campgrounds for hiking and mountain biking. While sites closer to town offer convenience for supply runs, the more remote locations provide greater seclusion. The area's camping options balance accessibility with natural immersion, positioned between the higher elevations of Colorado's mountains and the more temperate climate of the lower Arkansas River Valley.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where are the best campgrounds in Cañon City, Colorado?

    Cañon City offers excellent camping options for every style. East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge stands out with its spectacular views of Cañon City and proximity to Royal Gorge Bridge. Accessible via dirt roads on CR-3A, this city-maintained campground provides a perfect base for exploring the gorge area. For those seeking a natural setting, Red Canyon Park offers large, accessible sites with plenty of hiking trails to explore, though it's somewhat remote from town. Other notable options include BLM Shelf Road Banks and Sand Gulch Campgrounds for budget-friendly sites with basic amenities, and Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA for those wanting essential RV services. For a basecamp that allows exploration in multiple directions, Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort sits perfectly between Cañon City and Colorado Springs.

    When is the best season for camping in Cañon City?

    Spring and fall offer the most pleasant camping weather in Cañon City. Red Canyon Park is particularly enjoyable during these seasons, as summer temperatures can get quite hot in the area. April through May and September through early October provide moderate temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. In mid-April, temperatures typically stay above 40 degrees, making it comfortable for overnight stays. BLM Shelf Road Banks and Sand Gulch Campgrounds are accessible year-round but are most comfortable during spring and fall. Summer camping is possible but prepare for heat, especially at lower elevations. Winter camping is available for the adventurous, though you should be prepared for cold nights and potentially icy conditions on access roads.

    What camping amenities are available near Cañon City?

    Cañon City area campgrounds offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA provides essential services including water and electrical hookups, located conveniently about 8 miles from Cañon City and 4 miles from Royal Gorge. For RV campers, Haggards RV Campground features spacious pull-through sites that can accommodate large rigs without unhooking, with full hookups available. Public campgrounds like East Ridge offer more rustic experiences with pit toilets and well-maintained sites. Most areas have picnic tables and fire pits, while BLM sites provide vault toilets and campground hosts. For water and ice, campers recommend the filling station near the Goodwill store in Cañon City. Cell service varies by location, with ATT coverage reported in many areas around the region.

    Keep Exploring

    5. View all Colorado cities for camping