Camping areas near Penrose, Colorado sit at elevations between 5,400 and 6,500 feet in a transition zone where the eastern plains meet the foothills. During summer months, temperatures regularly reach 90°F during daytime hours but cool significantly at night due to the elevation, requiring campers to pack for temperature variations. The region experiences afternoon thunderstorms frequently in July and August.
What to do
Hiking trails access: East Ridge Campground in Royal Gorge Park offers immediate trail access from your campsite. "Lots of nice trails nearby that are rated easy. Beautiful spot to watch a sunset," reports Nicholas P., who appreciated the convenience of starting hikes directly from camp.
Rockhounding opportunities: The Royal Gorge area contains interesting geological formations with collectible specimens. One camper at East Ridge Campground noted, "Great for rockhounding! Lots of orange granite and feldspar, opaque quartz. The Royal Gorge is beautifully metamorphic."
Creek exploration: Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites features Eight Mile Creek running alongside many campsites. "We camped next to Eight Mile Creek and the tunnel. It was an amazing experience being in the canyon," shares one visitor who enjoyed the water features of this free camping area.
Wildlife viewing: The open terrain surrounding Penrose camping areas hosts abundant wildlife. At East Ridge Campground, "Lots of mule deer" are commonly spotted near campsites according to Debra W., making dawn and dusk ideal times for wildlife observation.
What campers like
Canyon seclusion: The rocky terrain provides natural isolation at many sites. One visitor to Red Canyon Park mentioned, "Some great spots close to red bluffs and seasonal river. Went in the autumn and hike along the river bed and climb the falls... loved the hikes and quiet without anyone close by."
Night sky views: The relatively remote location of campsites offers excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites described it as "Incredible... completely secluded from the world. No service, no noise, just the sound of the creek and an occasional car driving by."
Proximity to attractions: Multiple campgrounds serve as convenient bases for regional activities. A visitor to Lake Pueblo State Park's Northern Plains Campground appreciated that "Lake Pueblo is huge, with multiple boat docks, beaches, and places to swim and explore. If you like lakes, this is a great place to visit!"
Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer good fishing without requiring a long drive. As one camper noted about Northern Plains Campground, "About a five minute walk to the lake, great little cliff side fishing spots."
What you should know
High winds common: The open terrain around Penrose creates frequent windy conditions. A camper at Northern Plains Campground observed, "The campsite is exceptionally windy so best not to pop-up a shade structure unless you want to watch it fly away."
Limited shade coverage: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Penrose have minimal tree cover. As noted about Arkansas Point Campground: "Very little trees so no shade. They do provide a shade screen at every site."
Biting insects: Several campers report significant insect issues, especially during summer. One Phantom Canyon visitor warned: "There was an 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."
Fire restrictions: Fire bans are common during dry periods. A camper at Royal Gorge/Canon City KOA mentioned, "Fire ban, so no fire—pizza delivery to our campsite was a plus!"
Tips for camping with families
Vault toilet locations: Know where facilities are situated before selecting your site. At Phantom Canyon, "Bathrooms are pit toilets that are located around at sight (18) and I believe (8) the sights are relatively easy to find. And there are green mile markers all the way through."
Private bathroom options: Some campgrounds offer individual facilities. A visitor to Mountaindale Cabin & RV Resort noted, "The bathhouse is extremely clean, with several private bathroom/shower rooms. There is also a laundry with 4 washers & dryers."
Wildlife education: Prepare children for wildlife encounters. When camping at East Ridge, one visitor reported seeing "mule deer wander around the campsites every morning and evening," creating educational opportunities for children.
Site selection for families: Choose your location carefully based on amenities. "Sites 1-10 are designated for RVs and tents, and sites 11-23 are tent-only," explained a visitor at East Ridge Campground, information particularly useful for family groups with mixed camping setups.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. A Red Canyon Park visitor cautioned: "The road is dirt and goes for 7+ miles if you keep going to exit the park a different way... after 2/3 miles the road gets extremely rough... Cars and campers cannot make it past a certain point."
RV-specific sites: At Haggards RV Campground, one RVer found, "The campground is great for any size rig. Quiet. So neat to see pronghorn in nearby fields as we sat drinking coffee," making it particularly suitable for larger vehicles wanting wildlife viewing opportunities.
Water quality issues: Be prepared for variable water quality at some locations. One RVer at Haggards RV Campground noted, "Water system needs work; well water has rust and sediment, be prepared!"
Pull-through availability: For easier setup, some campers recommend specific sites. "We were in a pull thru long enough not to have to unhook," reported a visitor at Haggards, information particularly valuable for those with larger rigs.
