Penrose Common Rec Site, near Canon City, Colorado, is a laid-back spot perfect for those looking to enjoy some dispersed camping. With a rugged charm, it offers a chance to unwind in nature, surrounded by stunning views of the Great American Desert.

This area is popular for its ATV trails, so expect some action during the day. Visitors have mentioned that the roads can be a bit rough, but if you take it slow, you’ll find plenty of spots to set up camp. As one camper noted, “Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle.” 

Amenities are basic but functional, with pit toilets available at the entrance and no trash services, so be sure to pack out what you bring in. The open spaces provide a great view of the night sky, making it a fantastic place for stargazing. Campers have enjoyed the peacefulness of the area, with one stating, “The stars are beautiful at night.”

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat with a bit of adventure, Penrose Common Rec Site is a solid choice. Just remember to bring your own firewood and be prepared for a bit of dust and dirt along the way.

Penrose Commons Recreation Area offers a warm, arid climate among pinon and juniper woodlands. The best time to visit is September through May when temperatures are comfortable and the snowy peaks of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range are visible in the distance. With 30 miles of motorized trail, the area is popular for ATVs, motorcycles and four wheeling. Independence Trail system is known for its extreme 4x4 rock crawling opportunities with easy access for spectators to enjoy the trail activity. Penrose Commons is also popular for horseback riding, hunting and dispersed camping. The area has a restroom, trail map information and ample parking space for trailers. A wet weather gate closes the area to motorized use during wet conditions. For more information, please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.

Penrose Common Rec Site

Penrose is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Penrose campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Penrose, reviewed by campers like you.

Penrose

The Best Camping Near Penrose, Colorado

The spot was down a dirt road for a while. When you get there you will see some bathrooms and open spaces. The first few spaces can easily fit a full sized camper trailer but after that I wouldn't suggest going too far. Mostly an open view of pikes peak and fields. Only animal I heard was some cows. It was a rather simple campground but quiet and far from people. The stars are beautiful at night.

Very open and secluded. Only had a guy pass me on his dirt bike about 6 tim

Easy access and not too far out of Pueblo or Cañon City.  We didn't venture much further than the gate at the latrine, but we saw people coming out so I can assume there are spots further in.  It's dispersed camping,  so not fancy but a great place to park our teardrop for the night.

Not Fancy but...

This was a solid campsite but nothing special. Bugs were horrid... not sure if it was just my site or what but they were awful. Very spread out sites which is nice. Some definite long termers. 

To get away from the traffic of the main road take your first left when you get inside the area at the first Y you come to. There are several great sites as you make your way back past your first big right and big left by a canyon. Its pretty cool back there. I camped with my 20ft pop-up and it was great.

Again nothing special but a good place to get you down rhe road and only 40ish mins from Colorado Springs. 

Nothing special but it works

Stayed here 2 nights and it was very quiet. There’s lots of trails in the area (OHV) but other than that, not much else to do. There is a clean vault toilet at the entrance, no trash services. Plenty of spots as you keep driving up the hill. It’s very Rocky but if you take it slow, shouldn’t have any issues. I didn’t in my van. Definitely some people living there full time but as a solo female, no concerns or issues during my stay! Definitely would stay again. 

Good for a few nights 

Dispersed camping on BLM land. Looks like some "permanent" residents out here. Dirty firepit and one trash pile encountered- cleaned these w/o much work, overall not much litter. Hot, dusty, cacti, cedar trees- kind of a cool Great American Desert experience. Pit toilets are present at the entrance. 

Total boondocking.

Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot. 

Delightful af 

Nice, free campsites. Some of the roads are pretty rough. You can camp in the parking area near the toilets. There is a lot of 4x4 jeep and OHV action here. It’s very loud during the day. 

Nice Spot

Lots of ATV and people coming up to use the trail for those purposes. Large trucks and rigs can still make it fairly far up the road. 

Fairly busy area

We got in at about 10:00 pm with no problems at all, 2wd Truck. Found a beautiful spot to park up for the night before doing the Royal Gorge. Previous camper even left a nice pile of pinewood by the fire ring! Restrooms were available at entrance as well as a loves a couple few miles away for showers. Definitely coming back to this spot, seems reliable and plenty of friendly campers around to keep company👍🏽 

Photos of Penrose Common Rec Site

Real photos from real campers