The best tent camping near Penrose, Colorado centers on Bureau of Land Management lands between 5,500-6,500 feet elevation where desert meets mountain terrain. Primitive campsites typically feature seasonal creek access with heavy visitation during summer months when temperatures range from 85°F days to 45°F nights. Many dispersed sites require moderate hiking to access.
What to do
**Creek exploration: Access seasonal streams at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites, where campers find secluded spots alongside 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," reports Madi G.
**Hiking without trails: The terrain surrounding Oil Well Flats offers cross-country trekking opportunities through rocky outcroppings. Navigate carefully as many routes aren't marked. Danny H. notes, "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!"
**Night sky viewing: The lack of light pollution makes stargazing exceptional from April through October. From secluded sites at Phantom Canyon, Hayden P. shared, "No service, no noise, just the sound of the creek and an occasional car driving by." Prepare for temperature drops after sunset by bringing extra layers.
What campers like
**Secluded water access: Campers value private spots near creeks. At Phantom Canyon, one camper reported, "Sweet spots along the creek side. Dispersed area that is very spread out so you are not near others. Also has access to climbing walls right by sites."
**Historic features: The area contains mining remnants and old rail tunnels. Evan W. mentioned about camping at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites: "This is a fun spot to camp. Theres no good logs around for firewood but good twigs for kindle. Theres a cool tunnel to drive through too."
**Varied terrain options: Choices range from creek-side to higher elevation sites. Colby R. recommends, "The spot closest to the mining town has been my favorite so far! 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."
**Affordability: Most primitive tent camping options near Penrose are free or under $10 per night. The Shelf Road Sites charge $7 per night with envelopes available at the exit. Alice C. confirms, "Fire ring and picnic table provided. $7/night pay with envelope at the exit to the camp area loop."
What you should know
**Fire restrictions: During summer months, fire bans often take effect by mid-June. Check current restrictions before arrival and bring a camp stove.
**Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack running water and restrooms. Sebastian from Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites advises: "There is no signal so get your communication out of the way before entering. I found no running water, had to melt snow."
**Site availability: Weekends fill quickly from May through September. Papa T. suggests, "Camped along this canyon road a few time and will never forget it. It is magical, always visit during the week, weekends spots are gone."
**Bug protection: Biting flies and mosquitoes affect creek-side camping, especially in June and July. "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.
Tips for camping with families
**Protected sites: Look for naturally sheltered areas when tent camping with children. Campers at Red Canyon Park appreciate the rock formations. Abby D. reports, "Stunning red rock formations and the campsites are spread out. It was easy to find an available spot Saturday afternoon."
**Animal awareness: Wildlife encounters require preparation. "BE SMART ABOUT FOOD! We did have a bear encounter as we were driving out of the park," warns Abby D. about Red Canyon Park. Hang food at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from any tree trunk.
**Bathroom locations: Some areas have limited toilet facilities. At Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites, Jayden W. shares, "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."
Tips from RVers
**Road conditions: Many access roads become difficult for larger vehicles. At Davenport Campground, campers note tight parking areas requiring short walks to campsites. Noah mentions, "Have to carry gear to camp site but only short hike to campsite. Maybe 50 yards."
**Space limitations: Check site dimensions before arrival. Robert M. from Oil Well Flats cautions: "Fairly steep and rough road up into the campground. Once your in the roads are decent."
**Leveling requirements: Many primitive sites require blocks or leveling systems. Charles L. advises about Phantom Canyon: "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. Definitely was isolated and found one spot that worked out well for rooftop camper."
