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Best Campgrounds near Florence, CO

1,467 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Florence, Colorado (235)

    1. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    38 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    8 miles

    "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

    25 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

    $20 / night

    "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."

    3. East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge

    15 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "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."

    "My partner and I really enjoyed this campsite and the surrounding area. We got site 23 and IMO it’s the best spot with the most privacy. Other spots were a bit crowded and close together."

    4. Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA

    18 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 275-6116

    "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."

    5. Penrose Common Rec Site

    11 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "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."

    "Restrooms were available at entrance as well as a loves a couple few miles away for showers."

    6. Red Canyon Park

    21 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

    "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."

    7. Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park

    39 Reviews
    Pueblo, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 561-9320

    $36 / night

    "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.)"

    8. Haggards RV Campground

    8 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 547-2101

    "The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site."

    "There's a seasonal pool, walking trails and a HUGE fenced dog park. Most spots are pull thru, and it's worth the short, easy drive from I-25."

    9. Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 576-0619

    $69 - $79 / night

    "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."

    10. Phantom Canyon

    5 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    12 miles

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Florence, CO

585 Photos of 235 Florence Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Florence, CO

1467 Reviews of 235 Florence Campgrounds

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Divide, Colorado

    A little hard to find

    This place is a couple miles off the highway. The county roads getting here are no issue. Its a little hard to find in the dark. There is a green gate that says no parking, but thats actually the gate you drive through to get to the Forrest service road. So just open it up and close it behind you. The road is dirt and there are several spots before it may get bad. The first spot is a large pull through but it is covered in horse poop. Also the place gets very busy in the morning with people from town walking their dogs but they stay quiet and peaceful. 1 bar verizon signal. No bathrooms.

  • ncgirl 0.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Monument Glamping

    Unforgettable Glamping Experience!

    Highly recommended! From the moment we arrived, everything was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully designed. The tent was spacious, clean, and cozy — with all the comforts of a hotel, but surrounded by nature. The hosts made sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Whether you’re looking to disconnect and unwind or just enjoy nature (we saw several deer right outside our tent) without sacrificing comfort, this is the place to do it.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Round Mountain

    Free site 200 yards down road

    Hard to stomach a paid site with no hookups when a free blm campground is within site. This place has picnic tables and bathrooms that is about thenonly difference. They do have a water pump but no hook ups at site. Low verizon signal. Sites are close together and open. Just save some cash and gondownnthe road 1/4 mile

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    North Round Mountain

    Cool rocks, can see Pikes peak

    This is a nice little dispersed campground. The main road is pretty good. You can see Pikes peak off in the distance behind the trees. The area is covered by these big rocks and boulders which makes walking around fun. There is atleast 1 very large site for a medium size rig when you first pull in on the left. Other than fire pit no real amenities. Was literally no one around for miles in october. 1-2 verizon bars depending.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Salida BLM Land

    Close to town good cell

    This place ia close to salida which is nice. Your Google maps may not get you here . Instead put in race track trail trailhead and it will take you right to to main parking lot. The road to the dispersed sites goes up from there. Its not great but 2wd van is fine if careful. Good cellphone signal. But the spots are small, close together, and super uneven. It makes no sense why some of them are so slanted, but its fine for a 1 night stay. I wouldnt recommend this as a destination

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Garden of the Gods RV Resort

    Clean, pretty, well cared for.

    I recently stayed at this campsite and was very impressed by how clean and well-kept it was. The bathrooms and showers were spotless, the picnic areas were tidy, and the grounds were clearly cared for on a regular basis. It made the whole camping experience much more enjoyable and comfortable.

    The campsite itself was beautiful, surrounded by tall trees and well-maintained trails. The natural scenery was stunning, and everything from the campsites to the common areas looked inviting and peaceful. It’s clear that a lot of effort goes into keeping the place both functional and pretty.

    One of the best features was the heated pool. It was clean, comfortably warm, and a perfect way to relax after a day of hiking or exploring. The pool area had plenty of space to sit and unwind, and it added a nice touch of comfort to the outdoor experience. Overall, this campsite perfectly balances cleanliness, beauty, and relaxation.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Rocky Top Motel & Campground

    Nice facility

    Spots are level. Cell Verizon and ATT is good. View to the east is nice. Propane refill available. Showers are clean and hot. 4 clothes washing and dryer machines. Downside is there’s not any trails to hike immediately from the site. You have to drive to them. Also it’s located on a bluff so it can get a bit windy. Overall I like this place and recommend it. Leave it better than you found it

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Penrose BLM sites

    Not many sites

    There are a couple large sites, but mostly just and open lot and therefore no privacy

  • Daniel C.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Forest Service Road 250 Dispersed

    Great Spot Near 11 Mile Reservoir

    Great location, 2.5hrs from Denver and about an hour from the Springs. Had great space for our setup. Only a 5-10 min drive to the state park with great fishing. Drove my VW wagon and had plenty of clearance to manage the dirt road.

Guide to Florence

Camping near Florence, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax under the stars, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Mueller State Park Campground. One visitor said, "The renovated restrooms were super clean, and had heat and lights."
  • Scenic Views: Many love the views at Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "Beautiful park with great hiking trails and full hookups. Up on the side of a mountain overlooking Colorado Springs."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness at Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping. One camper noted, "It was quiet but very windy at the top of the mountain."

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in summer. A camper at Pinon Flats Campground warned, "In July, there were a ton of mosquitoes everywhere except over the sand."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Zapata Falls Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor mentioned, "There are no frills at Zapata Falls—no hook-ups, no hosts, and only vault toilets."
  • Reservation Required: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Mueller State Park Campground noted, "You do have to reserve online now in advance."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like the Colorado Springs KOA. One parent said, "They do fun activities on the weekends like mining for gems and tie-dye shirts."
  • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good facilities and supervision, like Garden of the Gods RV Resort. A reviewer mentioned, "It’s a very safe area."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to check quiet hours. A family at the Colorado Springs KOA appreciated that "quiet time starts at 11pm so it’s nice and quiet for the evenings."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Eleven Mile State Park noted, "No hookups, trashy. Winds in the evening almost made me leave site."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs, like Arkansas Point Campground. A camper mentioned, "The spots are pull through which makes setup and tear down so much easier for camp!"
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Campers at Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground advised, "The road up to the campground for about a mile and a half was pretty steep, probably 8 to 9% grade. Watch your brakes coming down."

Camping in Florence, CO, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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.

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