Dispersed tent campsites near Cañon City, Colorado range from 5,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation across Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands. The region features distinctive red rock formations and sandstone cliffs with temperature variations of up to 30°F between valley floors and higher elevation sites. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 85-95°F, while nights cool significantly, especially at campsites above 7,000 feet.
What to do
Wildlife watching opportunities: At Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites, campers report frequent wildlife sightings. "Every summer I go on a road trip, camping, backpacking and visiting national parks, while driving through Colorado we drove through Phantom Canyon Road and we stopped about 20 times through our drive and just admired the view," notes Shelby C.
Mountain biking trails: Near Oil Well Flats, numerous single-track trails cater to intermediate riders. Trails range from 1-5 miles in length with moderate elevation gain. These routes connect to a larger 25-mile network popular with local riders.
Rock climbing access: The region offers over 1,000 sport climbing routes on limestone walls. "The Banks campsites are perfect if you're climbing at Shelf Road. You can hike from the campsite," writes Alice C. about Shelf Road Sites. Climbing routes range from beginner 5.7 grades to advanced 5.13 routes.
What campers like
Creek-adjacent campsites: Many campers value tent sites located near seasonal water features. "We found an amazing camp site that was down a slope. We parked up top and lugged everything down the slope. It was tough but so worth it. There was 5 different camp site areas at the bottom right next to the water," writes Madi G. about her experience at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.
Star-gazing conditions: Higher elevation camping areas around Cañon City provide exceptional night sky viewing. "At night the site was amazingly dark. This was my first real time seeing the Milky Way. It was so amazing I am glad my friend was there so I have backup to my story," shares Marissa W. about Davenport Campground.
Varied tent site options: Sites offer different terrain features for tent camping preferences. "Some sites had a shelter with picnic table. Site 2 where we stayed had a covered shelter with picnic table," notes Vanessa R. at Davenport Campground. Other locations offer more primitive surfaces without structured amenities.
What you should know
Vehicle accessibility concerns: Many camping areas require careful navigation on unpaved roads. "The dirt road took us up through the mountains with plenty of options to pull off and set up camp," explains Chelsea F. about Phantom Canyon Road. However, another camper notes: "It took us three attempts to get our overweight 2-wheel drive van up the hill and back onto the road. There are a lot of loose rocks."
Seasonal insect considerations: Multiple reviews mention insect activity at tent campsites near Cañon City. "The worst and only bad part was the 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 unless you're prepared to get eaten up by the flies," warns Madi G.
Water availability limitations: "No potable water so be sure to bring your own," advises a camper at Davenport Campground. Many dispersed camping areas lack reliable water sources, requiring visitors to bring sufficient supplies for their stay. Seasonal creek flows vary significantly based on snowmelt and rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Secure campsite selection: Choose sites with natural boundaries to contain small children. A Phantom Canyon camper notes: "We took a cavas wagon for the heavy items and let it roll backwards down the slope with the help of two people. Not easy but highly worth the hard work as you're secluded from the road and have a lot of tree coverage for hot days. Also great to utilize this if you have young children who like to wander."
Accessible recreation options: Several areas feature kid-friendly trails near tent sites. "Trail right off campgrounds is an easy, beautiful hike," reports Becki S. about Davenport Campground. Family hikers can access trails directly from camping areas without driving to trailheads.
Bathroom facilities: Toilet availability varies across tent camping locations. "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," explains a Phantom Canyon Road camper.
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: Red Canyon Park has varied access road quality. "The road is dirt and goes for 7+ miles if you keep going to exit the park a different way. Be warned that after 2/3 miles the road gets 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," cautions Kallie B.
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas have restrictions for larger RVs. "Fairly steep and rough road up into the campground. Once you're in, the roads are decent. Some sites had broken glass and trash and some were clean and decent," notes Robert M. about Oil Well Flats, suggesting caution for RV campers considering this location.
