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Oil Well Flats

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Rough road access is the first thing to know about Oil Well Flats, a dispersed BLM campground above Cañon City in the Royal Gorge Field Office. The climb up is steep and rocky enough that travel trailers may have difficulty, though most other vehicles handle it without issue. Once up top, sites are flat and spacious. Cleanliness varies by site, with some showing broken glass and trash while others are in decent shape. Picnic tables are available, pets are welcome, and cell service is listed as an amenity. The campground sits along the Shelf Road corridor between Cripple Creek and Cañon City, making it a functional overnight stop for those riding or driving that route. Seep Springs OHV Area is another option roughly three miles northwest for campers wanting a different setup, and campgrounds near Cañon City cover a wider range of access and amenity levels.

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Map & DirectionsOil Well Flats is located in Colorado near Cañon City

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

38.5357744 N
105.2154204 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 7/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/27/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 7/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Oil Well Flats

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4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 27, 2024

Great views

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. Everyone else should be fine.

Month of VisitDecember
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are permits required for camping at Oil Well Flats?

No specific permit system is mentioned for camping at Oil Well Flats. This suggests it likely operates under standard Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed camping regulations, which typically allow free camping for up to 14 days. However, always check with the local BLM office for current regulations, as management policies can change. It's advisable to practice Leave No Trace principles while camping in this area to help maintain its natural condition.

What recreational activities can you do near Oil Well Flats camping area?

Oil Well Flats offers excellent opportunities for hiking, with the Shelf Trail between Cripple Creek and Canon City being a notable route. The area is also popular for mountain biking on the surrounding trails. Wildlife viewing and photography are rewarding activities given the scenic mountain views. Stargazing is likely exceptional due to the remote location. The terrain and trail network make it suitable for day hikes exploring the local landscape. Given its location near Canon City, visitors can also take day trips to nearby attractions.

What camping facilities are available at Oil Well Flats?

Oil Well Flats offers primitive dispersed camping with several flat, spacious sites suitable for various camping setups. The campground has minimal facilities - there are no developed amenities such as running water, electric hookups, or permanent restroom structures. Some campsites are in better condition than others, with reports of certain sites having trash issues while others are clean and well-maintained. The area provides level spots for setting up camp with room for multiple tents or vehicles at many sites.

Where is Oil Well Flats camping located and how do I access it?

Oil Well Flats camping area is located near Canon City, Colorado. Access requires navigating a somewhat steep and rough road to reach the campground, though once inside, the roads are generally decent. The incline to reach the camping area might present some challenges for travel trailers, but most other vehicles should manage fine. The area offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape, particularly along routes between Cripple Creek and Canon City.

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