Best Tent Camping near Florence, CO
Dispersed tent camping dominates the landscape around Florence, Colorado, with BLM sites along Phantom Canyon Road offering tent campers numerous free primitive options. Located approximately 15 miles north of Canon City, these sites provide backcountry tent camping experiences with minimal development and management. Red Canyon Park offers additional established tent camping with picnic tables and drinking water, while Phantom Canyon hosts numerous walk-in tent locations along a scenic creek-side setting with variable privacy depending on site selection.
Access to tent-only sites along Phantom Canyon Road requires navigating a graded dirt road with occasional washboard sections and narrow tunnels. Sites closest to the main road fill quickly on weekends, while more secluded walk-in tent locations require driving further into the canyon. According to one visitor, "Look for the off-trail spots to find a more private campsite." Most tent areas feature previously established fire rings but lack amenities like trash service or potable water. Vault toilets are located at mile markers 8 and 18, providing basic sanitation for backcountry tent campers. Bear activity is common throughout the area, with multiple reports of sightings and tracks, requiring proper food storage.
Areas deeper into Phantom Canyon offer tent campers greater seclusion and scenic views. The creek that runs alongside many sites provides both ambiance and a water source (requiring filtration). A review mentioned that "sites had kind of a driveway to a large and cleared area/loop" with direct creek access for exploration. Surface conditions vary from level dirt to rocky terrain, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles to access. During summer months, temperatures can be intense in exposed areas, while spring brings seasonal runoff that enhances the creek's flow. Fall offers cooler temperatures and typically less crowded conditions for tent camping. Winter access becomes challenging due to potential snow and ice accumulation on the canyon road.
