Best Tent Camping near Penrose, CO

Alaska offers a diverse range of camping experiences across its vast wilderness areas, with numerous established campgrounds providing amenities for both tent and RV campers. The region includes developed facilities like Homer Spit Campground along the coastline and Eklutna Lake Campground in Chugach State Park, which accommodate various camping styles from traditional tent sites to RV hookups and even cabin options. Many campgrounds feature essential amenities such as drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, while some provide additional conveniences like electric hookups and shower facilities.

Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping in Alaska, with most campgrounds operating from May through September. Winter camping is limited, though some areas like Riley Creek Campground in Denali National Park remain open year-round with reduced services. Road conditions can vary significantly, especially in remote areas where high-clearance vehicles may be necessary. Weather patterns shift dramatically throughout the camping season, with visitors needing to prepare for everything from pleasant summer days to sudden temperature drops. "This is a great, smaller campground to choose when the popular nearby spots fill up with anglers. For some reason, this spot is not as in demand as the Russian River campground, despite having many of the same amenities," noted one visitor about Cooper Creek.

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with several campgrounds situated along lakes, rivers, and even ocean shorelines. Mendenhall Lake Campground offers views of its namesake glacier, while Seward City Campgrounds provides oceanfront RV sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout Alaska's campgrounds, with bears, moose, and various bird species commonly sighted. A review mentioned, "Exit glacier is an amazing destination for all ages and capabilities. Although dogs are not welcome on the hike, it is short enough that you won't be missed long." Mosquitoes and other insects can be problematic during summer months, particularly in areas near water. Campground selection often involves balancing accessibility with wilderness experience, as more remote locations typically offer greater solitude but fewer amenities.

Best Tent Sites Near Penrose, Colorado (29)

    1. Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites

    36 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    8 miles

    "Driving down to this campsite I was happy to have a small car because the road is very narrow to say the least. I cannot imagine the feeling of driving a large rig here."

    "We arrived the Phantom Creek Road around 4:30pm. 10miles and 30 minutes later we found our spot."

    2. Red Canyon Park

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

    "This was my first time solo tent camping. It went well. The space had a fire ring and picnic table. I might have been the only person at the park and it was quite peaceful!"

    "Views were terrific, whether you want something a bit more open or further into the canyon where it’s surrounded by gorgeous red rocks. I chose an open site and if you do, beware of the wind."

    3. Phantom Canyon

    5 Reviews
    Penrose, CO
    11 miles

    "I’m a rooftop tent camper and the views are amazing but was hoping to be close to the water and isolated from other campers."

    "It is in a canyon so you won't have any cell phone signal, though I had my Starlink set up and it worked flawlessly.

    We will go back, and I hope to get that spot before any other!"

    4. Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off

    1 Review
    Cañon City, CO
    9 miles

    "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"

    5. Oil Well Flats

    2 Reviews
    Cañon City, CO
    14 miles

    "Did the shelf trail from cripple creek to canon city. Was good place to camp for the night quite a few spots, flat, big. Amazing views! Incline getting up to isn’t bad, TT’s might have some trouble."

    6. Tricki's (Travis and Vicki) Glamping under the stars

    1 Review
    Rockvale, CO
    15 miles
    +1 (303) 809-7819

    $50 - $200 / night

    "We're happy to have this property on our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love!"

    7. Lone Duck Campground and Cabins

    34 Reviews
    Green Mountain Falls, CO
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 684-9907

    $40 - $87 / night

    "Our site had grass, shade, a picnic table, and a fire ring - everything you need for a basic campsite."

    "Lone Duck Campground was a good home base for us during our visit to Colorado Springs. The campground is several miles down from Woodland Park and about the same down to Manitou and the Springs."

    8. Shelf Road Sites

    2 Reviews
    Victor, CO
    18 miles
    +1 (719) 269-8500

    "There are vault toilets that are clean and have toilet paper. One vault toilet part way on the hike to the walls did not have TP."

    "Wonderful access to Shelf climbing. Very peaceful."

    9. Davenport Campground

    7 Reviews
    Beulah, CO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 444-6777

    $25 / night

    "Good tent sites. Have to carry gear to camp site but only shoeRt hike to campsite. Maybe 50 yards. Has a couple of sires with shelter. Picnic tables are big and heavy."

    "Has a fire pit with grill, picnic table, and sites 2, 5, and 9 have the log covering. The sites are pretty close together, but we had no problem with our neighbors."

    10. Wye

    4 Reviews
    Manitou Springs, CO
    22 miles
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "Has fire rings and picnic tables. Closed for good, apparently because of bears, but far down the road so it’s very unlikely you’ll be bothered"

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Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Penrose, CO

1107 Reviews of 29 Penrose Campgrounds



Guide to Penrose

Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Colorado, Penrose offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for tent camping near Penrose

  • For a scenic experience, consider the Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites, where you can enjoy breathtaking views along a well-maintained gravel road.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Red Canyon Park provides basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, making it a great spot for solo campers.
  • Be prepared for limited cell service at Phantom Canyon, ensuring a true escape into nature without distractions.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the rugged terrain at Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park, where you can also fish in the local streams.
  • For climbing enthusiasts, Shelf Road Sites offers direct access to climbing walls, allowing you to hike from your campsite to the crags.
  • Experience the thrill of off-roading and scenic drives at Oil Well Flats, where the rugged roads lead to beautiful camping spots.

Unique features of local campgrounds

  • At Tricki's (Travis and Vicki) Glamping under the stars, you can enjoy a glamping experience with amenities like drinking water and firewood, perfect for those who want a touch of comfort.
  • The Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off is a stunning spot for those who appreciate nature's beauty, with ample opportunities for photography and relaxation.
  • Wye offers a secluded atmosphere with picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for a quiet camping experience away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Penrose, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Penrose, CO is Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Penrose, CO?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Penrose, CO, with real photos and reviews from campers.