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nicole T.
Scout
ScoutHecla Junction Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Signs are posted that say a reservation is required.
Camping near Cañon City, CO
26 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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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 (286)
1. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
"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
"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!!"
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."
"Cañon city view and rock climbing minutes away."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
4. Red Canyon Park
"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."
5. 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."
6. Penrose Common Rec Site
"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."
7. Royal Gorge RV Resort & 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!"
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $74 / night
8. 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."
9. Sand Gulch Campground
"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."
13 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $40 / night
10. 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
Drive Time
- 34 min from Pueblo, CO
- 55 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 1 hr 47 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 10 min from Boulder, CO
Recent Camping Photos near Cañon City, CO
620 Photos of 286 Cañon City Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge
East Ridge Campground in Royal GorgeJ
Phantom Canyon RV Ranch & CampgroundL
Indian Springs Ranch and Campground
Echo Canyon Campground - CLOSED
Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites
Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA
Cliff’s Edge CampsitesJ
Royal Gorge RV Resort & Cabins
Penrose Common Rec Site
Phantom Canyon
Red Canyon Park
Recent Reviews near Cañon City, CO
1715 Reviews of 286 Cañon City Campgrounds
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.
Jeff S.ScoutBlack Sheep Retreat
Beautiful and quiet, miles from any traffic or noise. We used it as a base camp for hiking the local ranges.
- VVirginia E.Traveler
Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
The road getting in is a bit rough, but there were lots of available campsites, all clearly marked. Beautiful views.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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