Fourteen miles down a dirt road through Phantom Canyon, this dispersed camping area spreads along a creek in a narrow canyon managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The bumpy road requires careful driving but remains accessible to standard vehicles, though some spots require walking in from pullouts.
Creek-side sites fill up quickly on weekends, with over 20 dispersed camping spots scattered throughout the canyon. Josh M. notes "sweet spots along the creek side" that offer water access and climbing walls nearby. The canyon setting eliminates cell service for most carriers, creating isolation that appeals to campers seeking disconnection. Sites vary from roadside pullouts to more secluded spots tucked into side ravines.
Previous campers have left significant litter problems at some sites, with broken glass and improperly disposed waste creating cleanup challenges. The cleanest spots tend to be farther from the creek and main road. Fire rings are available, though some show signs of misuse from attempts to burn trash.
The area serves as a base for exploring the historic mining remnants and provides access to rock climbing routes. Campers planning longer stays in the region can find additional options at campgrounds around Penrose for resupply runs before returning to this remote canyon setting.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingPhantom Canyon is located in Colorado
Coordinates
38.55654729 N
105.0927426 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- 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
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Phantom Canyon needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 54 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 14 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 6 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 29 min from Boulder, CO
