Cañon City sits at 5,332 feet elevation in central Colorado where the Arkansas River emerges from the Rocky Mountains. Summer temperatures often reach the high 80s with cooler nights dropping into the 50s. The surrounding area features a mix of desert canyon terrain and mountain woodlands, creating varied camping conditions between sites closer to town and those in higher elevations.
What to do
River access for rafting: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to Arkansas River rafting trips. The Royal Gorge RV Resort is positioned about 10 miles from town with "activities for all," according to Deirdre A., making it a strategic base camp for water adventures.
Hiking options: Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort offers nearby hiking trails with "beautiful surroundings" per John K. This campground serves as a good starting point for exploring both mountain and canyon trails within a 30-minute drive.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campgrounds in more secluded settings offer regular wildlife encounters. At Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort, campers report seeing "deer wander around the campsites every morning and evening," making it ideal for nature photography and animal watching according to Lori C.
Hot springs access: The area's mineral hot springs are accessible from multiple campgrounds. "The hot tub was amazing!" notes one camper at Royal Gorge RV Resort & Cabins, which features "fire pits on the patio" that were "cozy and inviting" after a day of exploring.
What campers like
Laundry facilities: Several rv campgrounds near Cañon City feature laundry amenities. At Mountaindale, the "laundry with 4 washers & dryers" is noted as clean and well-maintained by reviewers who appreciate this convenience during extended stays.
Camp stores: Travelers appreciate on-site shopping options. Prospectors RV Resort features a "small store where one can buy any last minute items, such as marshmallows in our case," according to Tammy Z., with another reviewer mentioning it was "well stocked with firewood, camping supplies, a s'mores bar, cold drinks and lots of Colorado made items."
Pool amenities: Swimming options vary among Cañon City area campgrounds. Lance H. notes that "the pool and hot tub were fantastic in the hot days" at Royal Gorge RV Resort, providing welcomed relief during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
Privacy between sites: Campground spacing differs significantly between properties. Lori C. describes her site at Mountaindale as "extremely spacious with room to park our truck to the side and still have a big yard," while Jeff & Nova B. enjoyed a "manicured spot ringed with pine trees."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between Cañon City rv campgrounds. At Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort, "there is no cell service for AT&T or T-Mobile, but you are able to do wifi calling with their WiFi and we streamed a movie one night," reports Lori C.
Road noise factors: Traffic noise affects some campgrounds more than others. Judy P. warns about Mountaindale: "Beginning early morning until late afternoon M-F, trucks roar up and down this road. If your spot is near the road, as ours was, it is very annoying-especially if you try to set outside."
Seasonal operations: While Royal Gorge RV Resort remains open year-round, Mountain View RV Resort operates from "April 17 to mid-October" according to their listing information, requiring advance planning for shoulder season visits.
Campground terrain: Many campgrounds feature terraced layouts due to the region's topography. "The sites are terraced so that everyone has a beautiful view," notes Lori C. about Mountaindale, which helps visitors understand site selection importance.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds offering dedicated children's areas provide valuable entertainment. Royal Gorge RV Resort features a "playground [that] was very kid friendly and the giant jumping pillow was super fun!" according to a reviewer named "mich."
Easy access sites: Families with children benefit from specific site selections. At Haggards RV Campground, "all pull-through" sites make setup easier with children, and as Terry P. notes, there's "a nice dog park on-site. In fact, the best we've seen while traveling."
Bathroom facilities: Clean restroom access matters for families. Tammy Z. reports that at Royal Gorge RV Resort, "The bathhouse was the nicest I've ever seen at a campground," indicating superior facilities for family needs.
Swimming options: Pools provide essential recreation for children. The "heated pool" at Garden of the Gods RV Resort is described as "clean, comfortably warm, and a perfect way to relax after a day of hiking or exploring" by Dustin M.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV sites vary in levelness throughout the area. Diana B. mentions that at Royal Gorge RV Resort & Cabins, one "thing we didnt like is road coming in was a little wash pan. Hard on our older rig."
Shared utilities awareness: Some campgrounds have unusual hookup configurations. Jason F. notes that at Garden of the Gods RV Resort, "After getting setup I found out that I'd need to climb up the short retaining wall into my neighbors site to hookup our water hose."
Big rig considerations: Larger motorhomes have specific requirements at Cañon City rv campgrounds. Joel G. reports that Haggards offers "All pull-through" sites that can accommodate larger rigs, while Kevin H. notes "plenty of space" at the same location.
Reservation timing: RV spots fill quickly in peak season. Caroline D. suggests: "This campground is centrally located. We arrived around 5pm and were given a tight space," indicating arrival time impacts site assignments.
