Within BLM Land — Royal Gorge Field Office, The Bank Campground serves as a basecamp for rock climbers accessing one of Colorado's sought-after climbing destinations just 100 yards away. This established campground sits along Shelf Road, which connects to the scenic Gold Belt Tour route through Cripple Creek and Victor. The access road requires attention, as multiple campers note bumpy sections that are manageable for most vehicles but demand careful navigation around larger obstacles.
The campground divides into two loops with distinct characteristics. B loop offers more spacious sites with pull-through options and grassy areas suitable for tent camping, though shade varies significantly by site. A loop features smaller, closer-together sites but provides better tree coverage. Sites accommodate RVs up to 20 feet, and the open terrain allows for flexible camping arrangements. Vault toilets receive consistent praise for cleanliness and maintenance, while the lack of water and dumpsters means campers must arrive prepared and pack out all trash.
Weekend crowds intensify during climbing season, with Carolyn M. noting that "B loop sites are very well spaced apart with trees and bushes that made it so you didn't feel on top of your neighbor." Fourmile Creek flows below the campground, offering fishing access, while 4x4 trails and hiking routes extend into the surrounding canyon country. Cell service reaches most sites, and both generators and campfires are permitted within designated areas.
For a more dispersed experience, Shelf Road Sites provides primitive camping options nearby.
Description
Overview
Open year-round; visitors come for the spectacular rock climbing adjacent to the campground. Approximately 15 miles north of Cañon City, Colorado, The Bank Campground overlooks Shelf Road and is located at an approximate elevation of 6890 feet. The Bank has 33 campsites. The dirt road leading to the campground is very rough and not recommended for large RVs and travel trailers.
Recreation
The Bank Campground offers easy access to the popular rock climbing area, Shelf Road. Climbers can access nearly 1000 bolted routes via the Cactus Cliff and Dark Side trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities easily accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, The Bank Campground offers a day-use parking area for recreationalists.
Facilities
The dirt road leading to The Bank campground is steep and rough. This 33-site campground was recently renovated and has 31 individual sites, 2 group sites, and 4 vault toilets. Individual sites are limited to 2 vehicles and 8 people. Group sites are limited to 4 vehicles and 20 people. Each campsite includes a parking space, a metal fire ring and a picnic table. Many sites are designed for tent or van camping. Large camp trailers and RVs that can manage the steep access road are accommodated with some pull-through sites in B-Loop. Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at The Bank Campground so please bring your own water and plan to take your trash with you when you leave. Bring your own firewood.
Natural Features
The Bank Campground and the surrounding area is well known amongst rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for the long bands of limestone cliffs dominating the landscape. Stunning rock features paired with the piñon pine and juniper vegetation, enhance the dramatic vistas and a picturesque camping environment.
Nearby Attractions
The region around Shelf Road offers numerous attractions and recreation opportunities. Popular activities include visiting the Royal Gorge via the Royal Gorge Bridge, the Royal Gorge Train, hiking trails or a rafting trip with one of a number of river outfitters. The Arkansas River offers whitewater rafting as well as outstanding angling. There are numerous trails for all activities in the region as well as agricultural and heritage tours along the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway. The local communities offer a range of shopping and dining experiences. Visit the Royal Gorge Region web page for more information about local attractions: Explore - Royal Gorge Region: royalgorgeregion.com
Fee Info
Individual Sites: $20 per night Group sites: $40 per night There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are now in effect, campfires are only allowed in an agency installed fire ring in a campground. Devices using gas are permitted.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundThe Bank Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From Highway 50 in Cañon City, Take Dozier Avenue north following it as it turns west. At the four-way stop sign turn right on Field Avenue and follow it north until it turns into CR 9. In approximately 10 miles, continue straight and follow the sign for The Bank Campground. Campground is located approximately 1 mile up the rough dirt road.
Coordinates
38.627976 N
105.225243 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/29/26- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/29/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/29/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/29/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/29/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Pueblo, CO
- 1 hr 26 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 19 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 42 min from Boulder, CO
