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The landscape surrounding Penrose, Colorado features a mix of Bureau of Land Management sites and established campgrounds that serve as gateways to the region's outdoor attractions. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites provide free, primitive camping with basic vault toilets but no water or hookups, appealing to self-sufficient tent and RV campers. Within a 30-minute drive, the Penrose Common Rec Site offers dispersed camping options popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts. For those seeking more amenities, Arkansas Point Campground at Lake Pueblo State Park (about 25 miles southeast) provides electric hookups, showers, and water access. East Ridge Campground near Royal Gorge offers spectacular canyon views with basic facilities, while Red Canyon Park in Canon City features scenic rock formations with roadside camping spots.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many BLM and dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles for access. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, while winter brings occasional snow at higher elevations. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly from June through September. According to a local reviewer of Red Canyon Park, "The campsites are basic and roadside. Some are more level than others. The road through the park can get rutted from time to time, and if it rains a lot for our desert climate, the road can turn into a muddy mess." Visitors to Penrose Common Rec Site should be aware of heavy off-road vehicle use, as one camper reported significant damage to their trailer from an accident involving a side-by-side vehicle.
Many campers use the area as a base for exploring nearby attractions like Royal Gorge, Canon City, and Colorado Springs. The proximity to these destinations makes the camping options near Penrose practical despite their often primitive nature. Sites with shade are highly valued during summer months when temperatures climb. Cell service is generally available near Penrose but becomes spotty in canyon areas and more remote BLM lands. Wildlife sightings are common, with mule deer frequently observed near campsites. Weekends see significantly higher usage, especially at free sites, while weekdays offer more solitude. Most campgrounds in the area are open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months.
"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."
"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.)"
from $36 / night
Check Availability"The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site."
"The views are great (Pikes Peak nearby). Close enough to Pueblo and 35 mins to Colorado Springs. A few horses, and dog park in this park are great."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $69 - $79 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"This campsite is a little hub for a great trail system around the area. Was able to hop some trails with my bike just a few feet away from my campsite."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We booked 2 adjacent sites."
"It was nice and quite, away from road noise, surrounded by mountains. The bathrooms were nice and the water pressure was amazing."
from $39 - $77 / night
Check Availability"This is our second time visiting Lake Pueblo. After staying at Arkansas Point the first trip, we decided to check out the other side of the lake and reserved a spot in Yucca Flats."
"The access to the lakeside water can be a bit tricky. Look for small trails that lead down to the lake. Lots of cliff spots and drop offs."
from $18 - $36 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThis was one of our favorite campgrounds ever. It wasn't full at all when we went in late June and had fantastic weather. A great basecamp for Colorado Springs area recreation. Within walking distance of a nice lake/park. (Just don't try to drive into the lake parking area near closing or the lovely lady in charge of the gate will bark at you :)
GuideOne of the best remote, clean, RV parks I've been to. While it was a little out of season, and we were one of two campers here, we loved it. The owners are incredibly nice. The views are great (Pikes Peak nearby). Close enough to Pueblo and 35 mins to Colorado Springs. A few horses, and dog park in this park are great.
ScoutThe PV team is so nice and helpful, the park is beautiful, very clean (even the bathrooms!) and the decorations throughout add an extra touch. They offered donuts, live music and a movie night while we were here. This park exceeded our expectations and we will for sure be staying here again.
TravelerIt's an almost off road situation. Depending on what side of the trail you come in from. Awd and a higher clearance vehicle are recommended. But the views and seclusion are totally worth it. Not many people out here and not a lot of late arriving folks. Has a decent amount of spots along the way and the night skies are absolutely worth the lack of shade in most of the spots.
GuideNice stream runs through the campground. Great playground for the kids. Nice dog park. A bear had been in the trash a few days earlier, that was a little unnerving but I didn’t see the bear. Thank goodness.
All in all, a nice enough place with full hookups. Super friendly staff.
LegendTuesday, September 1, 2026 Arrived at mueller at 1720, partly sunny. 68 degrees site 33, level and gravel with fire pit and table Electric 30/30 amp Two pit toilets at the end of the rd. Nice and clean T-Mobile is 2-3 bars LTE at site, 5G on the road.
Dish washing gray water station just south of the conifer ridge area. Restrooms were clean and newer, the showers are coin operated. Pit toilet at the end of conifer ridge was clean and nice.
No dogs on the trails. No bugs noticed. No burning of wood in the pits. Propane devices are allowed.
Wednesday, August 2, Sunny and 46 at wake-up, light breeze, very nice.
TravelerCheck in was a breeze. Ranch hands available to help you to your site. The creeks are amazing. Go check out the Emu’s. We had wild raspberries at our site, that was treat. Lots of rain; but we had dry firewood which was well thought out.
ScoutThis campground charged upfront for full 5 day stay. They closed due to fire which is understandable. They are back at park now. They do not return calls or emails. They will not refund. Buyer beware.
GuideSuch a beautiful drive in and quiet, lush spot. The road isn't too bad, some ruts in a few shots due to recent rain but our 24' RV handled it great. Peaceful open meadow spot near the river. We'll be back!
Dispersed camping options near Penrose, Colorado stretch beyond the main BLM lands into the surrounding mountains and canyons. The area sits at approximately 5,500 feet elevation where summer nights can drop 30-40°F from daytime highs, creating comfortable sleeping conditions even during hot periods. While many sites lack formal amenities, campers find the trade-off worthwhile for the privacy and direct access to recreation.
Rock climbing access: Head to Shelf Road for limestone sport climbing routes that remain accessible year-round. "We 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. You need to go a few more miles and you will see signs for BLM land," reports Gregg & Sally W.
Mountain biking trails: The network near East Ridge Campground offers routes for multiple skill levels. "What we really loved about this place was its access to some great hiking trails! We took the Canyon Rim trail to the Overlook trail and got some gorgeous views of the gorge (out and back hike, a little over 4 miles)," notes Shannon C.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide prime viewing hours for mule deer and pronghorn. "Stunning views of the canyon and great star gazing. Just get there on a weekday or all of the off the road spots will be taken up," advises Matthew L., who camped at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.
Secluded creek sites: Campers appreciate finding spots away from main roads. "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," explains Madi G. from Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.
Stargazing opportunities: The area's limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "We stayed in Yuca Flats, site 459 for 4 days in July. Sunsets were beautiful and the nighttime show of stars spectacular!" reports Kristin K. who stayed at Arkansas Point Campground.
Hot shower access: After dusty days exploring, clean facilities become a priority. "The bathhouse is extremely clean, with several private bathroom/shower rooms. There is also a laundry with 4 washers & dryers," notes Lori C. who stayed at Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort.
Fire restrictions: Regulations change frequently during summer months. "We had to melt snow. Pack in your stuff and pack it out!" advises Sebastian from Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites, highlighting the need to plan for water access.
Bugs and wildlife: Prepare for seasonal insect activity. "BRING BUG SPRAY! Mosquitos were a bit annoying but DEET helped. BE SMART ABOUT FOOD! We did have a bear encounter as we were driving out of the park," warns Abby D. from Red Canyon Park.
Road conditions: Many sites require careful navigation. "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," shares Kallie B. about Red Canyon Park.
Choose sites with physical barriers: Look for natural features that contain young explorers. "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. We didn't have to worry about them being near the roads," suggests Madi G. about Phantom Canyon.
Consider campgrounds with amenities: When roughing it becomes too rough, options exist. "The tent set ups are perfect and the facilities are a bonus. Love the location to bounce around the area," notes Alex F. from Golden Eagle Campground.
Pack extra water: Limited access means planning ahead. "There is no running water, had to melt snow," reports Sebastian from East Ridge Campground, highlighting the need for self-sufficiency even at established campgrounds.
Level site selection: Trailer owners should scout carefully. "The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site. About 30 min from Pueblo and 30 from Canon City on Hwy 50 just east of Hwy 115," advises Tj H. from Haggards RV Campground.
Off-road vehicle awareness: Some areas have significant OHV traffic. "We got in at about 10:00 pm with no problems at all, 2wd Truck. Found a beautiful spot to park up for the night before doing the Royal Gorge," shares Matthew W. about Penrose Common Rec Site.
Watch for road hazards: Some access roads pose challenges. "Very narrow roads in with no real place to turn around. More for tent campers. Disappointed because I was hoping to stay there," warns Lynne W. about East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Penrose, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Penrose, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 246 campgrounds and RV parks near Penrose, CO and 65 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Penrose, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Penrose, CO is Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites with a 4.6-star rating from 39 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Penrose, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 65 free dispersed camping spots near Penrose, CO.
What parks are near Penrose, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Penrose, CO that allow camping, notably PSICC and Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.
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