Best Campgrounds near Penrose, CO

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Penrose, Colorado (217)

    1. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    36 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    8 miles

    "Look for the off-trail spots to find a more private campsite."

    "Stayed for the weekend, found a place tucked back away from the road and felt completely secluded from the world. No service, no noise, just the sound of the creek and an occasional car driving by."

    2. Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park

    39 Reviews
    Pueblo, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 561-9320

    $36 / night

    "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.)"

    3. Penrose Common Rec Site

    11 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "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."

    "Restrooms were available at entrance as well as a loves a couple few miles away for showers."

    4. East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge

    25 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

    $20 / night

    "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."

    5. Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 576-0619

    $69 - $79 / night

    "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."

    6. Haggards RV Campground

    8 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 547-2101

    "The sites were large and plenty of room for my slideout and not too close to next site."

    "There's a seasonal pool, walking trails and a HUGE fenced dog park. Most spots are pull thru, and it's worth the short, easy drive from I-25."

    7. Red Canyon Park

    21 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 269-9028

    "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."

    8. East Ridge Campground - Royal Gorge

    15 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "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."

    "My partner and I really enjoyed this campsite and the surrounding area. We got site 23 and IMO it’s the best spot with the most privacy. Other spots were a bit crowded and close together."

    9. Royal Gorge-Canon City KOA

    18 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 275-6116

    "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."

    10. Golden Eagle Campground

    27 Reviews
    Fountain, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 576-0450

    $39 - $77 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 217 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Penrose, CO

1297 Reviews of 217 Penrose Campgrounds



Guide to Penrose

Camping near Penrose, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful park with great hiking trails and full hookups," making it a great spot for both hiking and camping.
  • Fishing: Head to Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park for some fishing. A camper shared, "The river is beautiful! The lady at the gate was very nice," highlighting the friendly atmosphere.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Mueller State Park Campground, you can enjoy spotting deer and other wildlife. One reviewer said, "Lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Arkansas Point Campground — Lake Pueblo State Park. One visitor noted, "Sites spaced out. Electricity at site. Water spigots located throughout campground."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer from Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground said, "Very nice and clean park. Lots of wildlife. Tons of trails."
  • Great Views: Campers love the scenic views at Mueller State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Campsites 8 and 9 offer stunning views of Sentinel Point on the backside of Pikes Peak right from your camper window."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent at Colorado Springs KOA said, "They do fun activities on the weekends like mining for gems and tie-dye shirts."
  • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with good visibility and space. A camper at Lone Duck Campground and Cabins mentioned, "The dump site was top notch - all tools supplied," which can help keep things organized.
  • Plan for Bugs: Be ready for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Red Canyon Park noted, "Lots of bugs when it gets hot. The flies bite."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Golden Eagle Campground said, "Sites were close together. Surrounded by mountains," which can be tight for larger rigs.
  • Water and Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. One RV traveler at Garden of the Gods RV Resort mentioned, "They have anything you could want pretty much."
  • Be Prepared for Steep Roads: Some campgrounds, like Cheyenne Mountain State Park Campground, have steep access roads. A visitor warned, "The road up to the campground for about a mile and a half was pretty steep," so take it slow.

Camping near Penrose, Colorado, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Penrose, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Penrose, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 217 campgrounds and RV parks near Penrose, CO and 53 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 36 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Penrose, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 53 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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.