Dispersed Camping

Penrose Common Rec Site

8 Reviews

About

Bureau of Land Management

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.

Fee Info

No Fee but OHV permit/ registration is required. Out of state residents are required to retain a Non-resident registration.

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Fair
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Available
T-Mobile
Good

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Fires

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Sheila D.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 29, 2023

Fairly busy area

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.

Month of VisitApril

Tyler S.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 8, 2023

Nice Spot

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.

Month of VisitDecember

(8) View All

Izzy T.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2022

Delightful af

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.

Month of VisitMay

Location

Penrose Common Rec Site is located in Colorado

Directions

Located: 10 miles east of Cañon City, Colorado, off of CO Hwy 115. From US Hwy 50 turn north on CO Hwy 115 at Penrose, drive 2.3 miles; turn west (left if coming from the south) on 3rd Street (CR 123, look for Brush Hollow reservoir sign), and drive for 0.3 miles; turn north (right) on E Street (CR 127) and drive 3 miles to the parking area.