Dispersed camping options surround Rockvale, Colorado at elevations between 5,400-7,000 feet in the eastern foothills of the Wet Mountains. This high desert terrain features dramatic temperature shifts, often dropping 30-40 degrees from day to night, even in summer months. Most primitive campsites sit on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land with minimal or no facilities.
What to do
Explore historic mining tunnels: Travel the Phantom Canyon road where tunnels cut through mountain rock provide interesting stops. "This is a fun spot to camp. Theres a cool tunnel to drive through too. Will definitely come back," reports a camper at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.
Mountain biking at Oil Well Flats: Located 15 miles northwest of Rockvale, the area offers technical single-track trails with minimal shade. "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!" notes a visitor at Oil Well Flats.
Climbing at Shelf Road: The limestone cliffs provide over 800 sport climbing routes ranging from beginner to advanced. "The Banks campsites are perfect if you're climbing at Shelf Road. You can hike from the campsite," explains a climber who visited the area.
Rock hounding: Search for quartz crystals and other minerals throughout the area's canyons. "There's AMZING crystal finds here," mentions a camper at Red Canyon Park, though they caution about "cacti mats everywhere" when searching.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Many sites along Phantom Canyon offer creek access. "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 a camper at Phantom Canyon.
Digital disconnection: Most tent camping areas have no cell service. "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," reports a visitor.
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing. "At night the site was amazingly dark. This was my first real time seeing the Milky Way," shares a camper who stayed at Davenport Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Mule deer frequently visit campsites, especially at dawn and dusk. "We woke up one morning at our tent site with deer walking and eating down the creek right next to us," notes a visitor to the area.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Many access roads deteriorate further from highways. "Fairly steep and rough road up into the campground. Once your in the roads are decent," explains a camper at Oil Well Flats.
Insect management essential: Biting flies and mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water. "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," advises a camper at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.
Limited drinking water: Almost no tent camping areas have potable water sources. "No potable water so be sure to bring your own," reminds a visitor to Davenport Campground.
Campsite selection timing: "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," recommends a camper at Red Canyon Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with toilets: Some dispersed areas have vault toilets. "Bathrooms are a bit of a drive from our site. They are nothing lavish (bring sanitizing wipes) but they were nice for the kids who weren't comfortable going outside," advises a family camping at Phantom Canyon Road BLM Sites.
Choose protected campsites: Seek spots with natural barriers for younger children. "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," notes a parent who found an ideal spot for tent camping near Rockvale.
Consider Davenport for amenities: This established campground offers more amenities for families. "Designated tent spots. Some spaces have a shelter with table. Outhouses are clean. Fire pits are built and work great. Trail right off campgrounds is an easy, beautiful hike," reports a visitor to Davenport Campground.
Pack extra layers: Temperature drops can be extreme after sunset. "Gets warm during the day but it does get pretty cold at night," warns a camper at Phantom Canyon.
Tips for RVers
Limited large vehicle access: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. "Upwards of 20 spots to park. There is no service which is fine but something to leave in a review. It is a very populated area so if you plan to go on a holiday weekend plan accordingly," explains an RV camper at Phantom Canyon.
Bring leveling blocks: Terrain is uneven throughout the area. "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," shares a visitor to Phantom Canyon Road Pull-Off.
Consider alternatives during peak times: "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. The farther you go the better the sites. We camped next to Eight Mile Creek and the tunnel," advises an RVer about finding the best tent camping near Rockvale, Colorado.
