Dispersed camping near Cañon City offers remote desert terrain with sagebrush and juniper trees at elevations ranging from 5,300 to 7,000 feet. Summer daytime temperatures frequently exceed 90°F while nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F even in July and August. Many camping areas feature uneven terrain requiring high clearance vehicles to access.
What to do
Hiking with panoramic views: Temple Canyon Park trails provide rugged hiking opportunities through limestone formations. "The temple view camp site has beautiful views and the ability to get offline and out in serenity's. Not much shade, and there isn't a real access to the trails. Had to hike over to temple ridge about a mile away to find two beautiful intermittent trails," reports a visitor at Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park.
Trout fishing in Grape Creek: The stream running through Temple Canyon Park offers fishing opportunities for brook trout. "It's a small stream but it's sure as hells got some trout in it! I've been fishing this stream since I was a kid, and I still have a good time there. It's got some decent little camp spots too," notes a camper at Grape Creek.
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts abundant wildlife including mule deer, pronghorn, and various bird species. At Haggards RV Campground, located 30 minutes from Cañon City, campers report: "So neat to see pronghorn in nearby fields as we sat drinking coffee."
What campers like
Seclusion from crowds: Many campers value the quiet atmosphere at BLM dispersed sites. "Enjoyed the beautiful views and the ability to get offline and out in serenity's," writes a camper about Temple Canyon Park, though they note the occasional interruption: "Only down fall staying at the temple view camp site is that there is a jeep tour that comes by a few time in the am and afternoon."
Affordable camping options: BLM Rec. Trail Dispersed camping areas provide free camping options with basic amenities. One camper mentions the maintenance needs: "The spot I picked had candy wrappers and street chalk to pick up. The previous Bozos, yeah Bozo is appropriate, left a hot bed of coals in the fire pit."
Proximity to attractions: Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA offers convenient access to regional highlights. A visitor notes: "This KOA journey has a friendly and helpful staff, and offers all of the bare essentials so you can get ready for your next stop. The campground is 8 miles from Cañon City and 4 miles from Royal Gorge."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many camping areas near Cañon City feature rough roads. A Grape Creek visitor warns: "There is no warning on how these roads are!! Please do not bring any trailers or rvs out here as they will not fit/fall off of the windy roads. Roads are super rocky and full of deep holes, not many options to turn around once you've started."
Limited services: Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities. At Royal Gorge KOA, services vary seasonally: "It looked like they had a lot of seasonal activities that were closed when we were there in October."
Water concerns: Bringing adequate water supplies is essential as many sites lack reliable water sources. A camper at Haggards RV Campground notes: "Water system needs work; well water has rust and sediment, be prepared!"
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options at developed campgrounds: Some private campgrounds offer family-friendly activities. At Royal Gorge KOA, a visitor shares: "The camping location was great with lots for kids to do. The campsite pads were great, shelter building with water and a grill, kids rode go carts, the big slide, and putt putt."
Weather preparation: Families should prepare for rapid temperature changes. At Mueller State Park Campground, a visitor advises: "Got below freezing so be ready for the cold."
Campsite selection for tent campers: Families using tents should research site specifications carefully. One Grape Creek camper notes: "Site 2 has a flat spot big enough for a 2 person tent. Otherwise all other ground was on a hill to set up tent. Most other sites are better for larger tents."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling and size considerations: RV campers should verify site dimensions before arrival. A visitor to Spillway Campground recommends: "Site 16 is great for a travel trailer/small RV. Easy access to the river for fly fishing."
Road conditions for larger vehicles: Many camping areas have access limitations. A camper at Spillway Campground cautions: "This would be a challenge for large campers to get to, and archways through the rock on the road in make for a cool drive but limits what will make it down the road."
Water pressure management: Some RV campgrounds have unusually high water pressure. A visitor mentions: "Water pressure here is really strong so make sure you have a water pressure regulator handy."
