E
Elizabeth W.
Guide
GuideNorth 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.
Camping near Florence, CO
23 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Florence, Colorado serves as a gateway to diverse camping environments across Bureau of Land Management territory and state parklands. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites offers free dispersed camping with primitive conditions along a scenic corridor, while developed options like East Ridge Campground at Royal Gorge provide designated sites with basic amenities. The camping landscape includes tent sites, RV-compatible areas, and cabin accommodations at locations such as Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA, which operates seasonally from April to October.
Access to campsites varies significantly throughout the region, with many primitive sites requiring high-clearance vehicles on unpaved roads. Several campgrounds feature gravel or dirt access routes, particularly in the canyon areas. "The road is a well maintained gravel road. There are quite a few available spots for folks with 4x4 drive or tent camping. I would NOT suggest this for larger RVs," reported one visitor about Phantom Canyon Road. The climate ranges from hot summer days to cool nights, with higher elevations experiencing significant temperature drops after sunset. Cell coverage is limited or nonexistent in canyon areas and remote BLM lands, requiring advance planning. Most dispersed camping follows 14-day stay limits under BLM regulations.
Mixed-use campgrounds in the area accommodate various camping styles from tent sites to RV hookups. Campers frequently mention the solitude and scenic beauty available at dispersed sites, though popular spots fill quickly on weekends. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "This is a great spot with very dispersed camping spots. Breathtaking views." Developed campgrounds provide amenities such as picnic tables, restrooms, and trash service, while primitive areas offer more seclusion but require self-sufficiency. Water access appears as a recurring highlight in reviews, with many campers seeking sites near creeks or streams. Most campgrounds permit fires in established rings, though seasonal restrictions may apply during high fire danger periods. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly in less-developed camping zones away from population centers.
Best Campgrounds near Florence (262)
1. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
"Look for the off-trail spots to find a more private campsite."
"Free BLM sites along Phantom Canyon Road, an hour outside Colorado Springs. Small creek that follows the road to camp along. Pre-existing fire rings."
2. East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge
"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!!"
"Paved & gravelled roads, hiking trails, free camping, sightseeing, off roading, atv, handicap accessible, dogs off leash, picnic tables, firepits, kid friendly."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
3. East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge
"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."
"This campsite is a little hub for a great trail system around the area. Was able to hop some trails with my bike just a few feet away from my campsite."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
4. Red Canyon Park
"Fun to explore by day through the little canyon or along the rocks above, there's a walk for everyone here. Best enjoyed in fall and spring, summer is quite hot. The campsites are basic and roadside."
"Some great spots close to red bluffs and seasonal river. Went in the autumn and hike along the river bed and climb the falls. Vaulted toilets, fire rings, covered tables and Flatish camp spots."
5. Penrose Common Rec Site
"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."
"There’s lots of trails in the area (OHV) but other than that, not much else to do. There is a clean vault toilet at the entrance, no trash services. Plenty of spots as you keep driving up the hill."
6. Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
"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."
7. Haggards RV Campground
"The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site."
"The views are great (Pikes Peak nearby). Close enough to Pueblo and 35 mins to Colorado Springs. A few horses, and dog park in this park are great."
8. Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park
"This was first camping trip staying in a Colorado State park and it was great! We had an electric only back-in site next to the bathhouse which was clean and had 4 separate bathrooms with showers."
"We were visiting a friend in Pueblo and this place was close by. (Downtown Pueblo has a really nice riverwalk. Found a free museum that honored Medal of Honor recipients.)"
54 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $36 / night
9. Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $69 - $79 / night
10. Phantom Canyon
"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."
Drive Time
- 32 min from Pueblo, CO
- 52 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 1 hr 44 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 8 min from Boulder, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Florence, CO
602 Photos of 262 Florence Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Phantom Canyon RV Ranch & CampgroundL
Indian Springs Ranch and Campground
Cliff’s Edge CampsitesJ
Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
Penrose Common Rec SiteT
East Ridge Campground - Royal GorgeJ
East Ridge Campground in Royal GorgeJ
Phantom Canyon
Echo Canyon Campground - CLOSED
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Royal Gorge RV Resort & Cabins
Manifest Ranch PrivateCamp
Recent Reviews near Florence, CO
1657 Reviews of 262 Florence Campgrounds
Fran K.
ScoutEast 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.
Travelerpike 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.TravelerStarlite 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.
Daniel H.ScoutMountaindale Cabin & RV Resort
Great spot for relaxing weekend getaway for our family. Plenty of room for the kids to explore and they even had a blow up bouncy house for them during the day. Hot tub under the stars at evening time. Very clean bathrooms!
Juliana J.
RangerPhantom Canyon
Love a little history/camping combo!
Cool spot. I like there were different sized spots and a clearly marked line where a 4WD/AWD vehicle is needed and no large rigs. I found a spot that was visible by the road, but there was water access and cool surroundings. The main road was well paved, but turning into my site was a bit rough and I needed the 4WD. There were large animal (I assume black bear) prints to give that extra bit of camping excitement, but no actual sitings (one day, Juliana. One day). Some mosquitos but not overwhelming. The scenery was gorgeous. Definitely a bit desert-esque but it was legitimately perfect weather in mid September. Cool creek rocks and a stunner of a sunset. Would absolutely return again. No numbered sites. Toilets about 1/4 mile beyond the drive through boulder.
- Juliana J.Ranger
Cripple Creek BLM Area
Worth the trek! Stunning landscape right on the creek
Quite the drive but worth it. They were repaving some of the road and I personally had no issues getting to a site. It’s gravel, but doable for most vehicles. There was a propane tank and some trash left behind when I got there (always disheartening to find), but it didn’t feel “lived in” like some other spots have so I ultimately felt pretty safe. It was truly beautiful. I got a spot right at the creek that was tucked away from the main road. Maybe a handful of cars passed throughout my stay, so very peaceful and quiet. Zero amenities, so come prepared. No Verizon cell service. Lots of milky quartz laying about, beautiful birds and minimal bugs. Would make the trek here again in a heartbeat.
Lauren P.TravelerFive Points Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Very close to the highway
Basic amenities, but clean and easy to find. The campsite is very close to the highway, so if you're looking for something more off the beaten path, keep looking. However, if you just need a place to sleep with great views, this is a solid spot. We saw bighorn sheep and even heard what sounded like a bobcat possibly mountain lion at night.
Shannon F.ScoutPikes Peak RV Park
New owner are not good people
I want to start on a positive because that is the type of person I am, and because this review is going to have a lot of negative. This park is a great location for sightseeing, especially if you are going to Pikes Peak by way of the Cog or shopping in Manitou. My GM and I worked hard to make the park as great as we could with the very little funding that we got. As seen in the reviews we had excellent customer service and had high standards for keeping the park clean. I was very good at my job and I loved doing the work until the new owners took over. When the park was sold, we had high hopes that the new owners would be good people and want to put real work into the park. We were very disappointed that they turned out to be money grubbing horrible people. Ken, one of the owners, treats people and his business very Trump like. He and his wife must state that they are religious more than a few times when having a conversation; I personally think this is to make themselves look good to cover the toxicity that truly lies under the surface. When they meet people, they put on a façade and lie and say whatever they think people want to hear to get what they want; proven to me by the broken verbal promises they made to me. They are not community driven; they are money driven; you can make money and still be good people, but they chose not to be. They practice wage theft just like big corporations by over working employees and under paying them; in their words“you must wear all hats”. They are the type of people that use others until they don’t need them then throw them away like garbage. I was bullied into quitting on a phone call where Ken was very disrespectful and unprofessional with me. The phone call was me trying to explain that I could no longer do the FB post due to our deferent ethical viewpoints, and he would not let me talk by saying“you are not doing your job, are you going to quit” repeatedly. I found out that I was not allowed to post about Manitou Pride parade because he said,“it is not family friendly, and the company and I do not promote the LGBTQ+ community”. I am a proud member of that community and so I should not be the one to post on FB for the company. The groundman quit a day later because of disrespect and broken verbal promises. Then a few days later my boyfriend was fired and then Sheryl the GM was fired.(I believe they were fired for retaliation) Ken only wants employees that are easy to exploit or controlled, because he is incapable of managing people without fear and bullying. He boasted that he is called the grim reaper in business, but I don’t think that is the flex he thinks it is. But yes, he was the destruction of the community we put so much work into. I also want to voice my disappointment in Dana, who Sheryl worked hard getting to be allowed to come back as an employee. Dana did great work her first summer with us, so it was a shock to see her true colors show when she started to brown nose Ken. She spread multiple rumors, I feel the worst one was about Melinda’s daughter and the things she wrote about in her diary. I also did not like how she used David, the guy that does the golfcart tours in Manitou, was nice to his face then talked so badly about him when he was not around. I truly think Jesue and her father would be ashamed of her for how she acted to get her new position.
Guide to Florence
The Bureau of Land Management lands surrounding Florence, Colorado feature high desert terrain between 5,000-6,000 feet elevation where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during daytime and drop to 50-60°F at night. Most dispersed camping spots near Florence, Colorado are accessible via unpaved roads through pinyon-juniper woodland, requiring preparation for dusty conditions. Late spring and early fall provide the most moderate camping weather with lower visitation.
What to do
Historic tunnel exploration: Drive the Phantom Canyon Road through historic railroad tunnels dating from mining days. "This is a fun spot to camp. Theres a cool tunnel to drive through too. Will definitely come back," notes a visitor to Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for bighorn sheep, mule deer, and diverse bird species across camping areas. At Red Canyon Park, one camper spotted "a bighorn sheep loved the stream," making for memorable wildlife encounters.
Mountain biking: Access extensive trail networks from several campgrounds. "There are beautiful fire pits and standard picnic tables... Hikes of any length can be started right from the campground or a short drive away," reports a camper at East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge.
Rock climbing: Find climbing routes directly accessible from some camping areas. Near Phantom Canyon, "access to climbing walls right by sites" provides recreation without driving elsewhere.
What campers like
Proximity to water sources: Creek-side sites are highly sought after in this dry region. "We found an amazing camp site that was down a slope...right next to the water. It was tough but so worth it," writes a visitor to Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.
Natural rock formations: The colorful geology creates distinctive camping backdrops. "Stunning red rock formations and the campsites are spread out. It was easy to find an available spot Saturday afternoon," notes a Red Canyon Park camper.
Secluded camping spots: Campers consistently praise sites offering privacy. "We stayed in site 23 and IMO it's the best spot with the most privacy. Other spots were a bit crowded and close together," advises a visitor to Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort.
Weekday availability: Most dispersed sites fill quickly on weekends but remain available midweek. "Camped along this canyon road a few times and will never forget it. It is magical, always visit during the week, weekends spots are gone," confirms a Phantom Canyon Road camper.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Biting flies and mosquitoes present challenges at many Florence area campgrounds. "There was an insane amount of biting flies. It was unbearable at times and our dogs were very stressed from them all over them. Bring those fly bags that attract them away from you," warns a Phantom Canyon Road visitor.
Campfire regulations: Fire rules vary by site and season. "There is no designated fire pits only rock pile ones," reports a Red Canyon Park camper, while another notes seasonal considerations: "There was a fire ban, so no fire-pizza delivery to our campsite was a plus!"
Vehicle requirements: Site access often requires appropriate vehicles. "The road is dirt and goes for 7+ miles if you keep going to exit the park a different way... after 2/3 miles the road get extremely rough for several miles to a point that we considered turning our 4Runner around. Cars and campers cannot make it past a certain point," explains a visitor to Red Canyon Park.
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds operate on first-come basis while others require booking. "Looking for somewhere to camp later in the evening on a Sunday. This city campsite looks pretty new. They have level pads engineered for tents and a metal picnic table," shares a camper at East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Select campgrounds offering dedicated recreation options. At Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA, "kids rode go carts, the big slide, and putt putt," providing entertainment beyond hiking.
Bathroom accessibility: Consider facilities when camping with children. "The bathrooms were a bit of a drive from our site. They are nothing lavish (bring sanitizing wipes) but they were nice for the kids who weren't comfortable going outside," advises a Phantom Canyon Road camper.
Heat management: Prepare for intense sun exposure in open campsites. "There is little to no shade at this campground and it gets wicked hot in the summer," warns a camper at Arkansas Point Campground, suggesting early morning or evening activities during summer months.
Site location selection: Choose sites strategically for families with young explorers. "Also great to utilize this if you have young children who like to wander. We didn't have to worry about them being near the roads," notes a parent about creek-side sites at Phantom Canyon Road.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Many dispersed sites limit RV access. "Not really for RV's. Even small ones like mine. Very narrow roads in with no real place to turn around. More for tent campers," cautions an East Ridge Campground visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Plan according to weather patterns for RV camping. "The campsite pads were great, shelter building with water and a grill... Limited restrooms for such a large campground," notes a camper at Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA, which operates April through October.
Water quality issues: Bring filtration for campgrounds with well water. "Water system needs work; well water has rust and sediment, be prepared!" advises a visitor to Haggards RV Campground.
Site spacing: RV campers recommend researching site layout before booking. "The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site," shares a Haggards RV Campground guest about their 34-foot travel trailer experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campsites near Florence?
Where are the best campsites near Florence?
The Florence area offers excellent camping options with diverse scenery and amenities. Colorado Campground near Woodland Park provides a perfect balance of wilderness and convenience, situated next to Manitou Lake with access to numerous trails in the Pikes Peak area. For state park camping, Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers well-maintained sites with walking trails and proximity to Garden of the Gods. Both locations provide easy access to attractions while maintaining a true camping experience with amenities like fire pits and picnic tables.
What RV campgrounds are available in Florence?
What RV campgrounds are available in Florence?
Florence area has several RV-friendly options to accommodate various preferences. Riverside RV Park offers waterfront sites along the Arkansas River with soothing river sounds at night. Pikes Peak RV Park is conveniently located at the eastern edge of Manitou Springs, ideal for smaller RVs though larger rigs can be accommodated. Both parks provide electric hookups and are positioned near local attractions, making them excellent base camps for exploring the region.
Where can I go fishing while camping in Florence?
Where can I go fishing while camping in Florence?
Florence area offers excellent fishing opportunities combined with camping. Lake Pueblo State Park provides both the Arkansas Point and Juniper Breaks campgrounds with access to prime fishing waters. The Arkansas River, which flows through the region, is another fantastic fishing destination with camps like Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA providing nearby accommodations. Both locations offer diverse fish species and amenities like electric sites, clean bathrooms, and covered picnic tables for comfortable stays between fishing sessions.
Keep Exploring