Cañon City is most famous for its Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, train, rafting, and camping. It’s a popular summer attraction, offering a tremendous amount of outdoor recreation, including excellent campgrounds within the region.
Both tent and RV campers will find suitable campgrounds throughout Fremont County. To the southwest of Cañon City lies a plethora of USFS campgrounds within the San Isabel National Forest. A couple of them are noted below, but the rest lie closer to Westcliffe. To the west of Cañon City on Highway 50 is the town’s biggest attraction, the Royal Gorge.
There are numerous campgrounds around here. You can also find some great secluded camping spots to the north of town.
Camping near Royal Gorge Bridge
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park lies only 20 minutes drive west of downtown Cañon City, so basing here puts you in quick proximity to town as well. The campsites at the Royal Gorge are primitive though, so best for boon docking without hookups and no water on site.
There are also four campgrounds just outside the park’s boundaries around Highway 50, and another further west toward Texas Creek. Be sure to walk across the bridge and even enjoy some thrilling amusement rides on the edge of the Royal Gorge.
FREE – Royal Gorge Bridge Park East Ridge Campground
There’s no arguing that the main attraction of the Canon City region is the Royal Gorge and the incredible bridge that crosses its span. For those who want to a campground close to the Royal Gorge Bridge so that they can revel in the sights and sounds of this natural wonder, the East Ridge Campground is the best choice.
- Closest Town: Canon City (13mi)
- Specs: Primitive camping in Canon City’s most famous park; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Vault toilet, restroom, picnic tables and fire pits at each site, no water sources
- Recreation: Royal Gorge Bridge is within the park, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and fishing in the Arkansas River, Royal Gorge Railroad, ATV and Jeep tours
- Address: 3315 Co Rd F30, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Map)
Royal Gorge Canon City KOA Holiday
Primitive camping isn’t for everyone, and when you want a little bit of luxury to go along with your next RV or tent camping stay, the Royal Gorge KOA is a great spot. Not only does this sprawling property include a swimming pool and a dog park, it’s just steps away from much of Canon City’s recreation.
- Closest Town: Canon City (10mi)
- Specs: Developed campground with RV sites and tent camping sites; reservable
- Amenities: Electrical hookups, community kitchen, dog park
- Recreation: Pool open during summer, close proximity to Arkansas River for rafting, fishing, and hiking
- Address: 559 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Map)
Echo Canyon Campground
Premium camping experiences are becoming more common, and Echo Canyon Campground offers the best of both worlds. Whether you have your RV or your tent to set up yourself or you’d like to explore one of their glamping or cabin stays, Echo Canyon has something for everyone.
- Closest Town: Canon City (9mi)
- Specs: 46 total RV and tent camping sites, glamping and cabin rentals available; reservable
- Amenities: Showers, restrooms, bath house, water spigot at every site
- Recreation: Fishing, stargazing, close proximity to whitewater rafting and fishing
- Address: 45044 W U.S. 50, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Map)
Mountain View RV Resort
RVers and big riggers have found their home at Mountain View RV Resort, just 8mi from Canon City. With activities to bring families and guests together as well as free Wifi and other amenities, Mountain View is one of the best ways to enjoy the views of the mountains from the comforts of your own RV.
- Closest Town: Canon City (8mi)
- Specs: Big-rig friendly RV resort with 40 total large and standard pull-through sites, 4 bunkhouses for guests; reservable
- Amenities: Showers, restrooms, covered picnic areas, outdoor kitchen and firepit, laundry, resort store for essentials
- Recreation: Basketball, shuffleboard, bocce ball, horseshoes, playground, 8mi to Canon City attractions
- Address: 45606 US-50, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Map)
Royal View Campground
Traveling in an RV can get a bit cramped at times, but when you spend a few days at Royal View Campground’s spacious 50-acre park, you’ll have nothing but wide open spaces. With glamping and cabin rental options as well, Royal View is a great pick for your next trip to the Royal Gorge region.
- Closest Town: Canon City (10mi)
- Specs: Pull-through RV sites w/ electrical hookups, glamping and cabin rentals; reservable
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry
- Recreation: Swimming pool onsite, hiking trails, nearby whitewater rafting
- Address: 43590 US Hwy 50 W, Canon City Co 81212 (Map)
Five Points Campsite
Located within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Five Points Campsite may be a bit of trek from Canon City and the Gorge, but the spacious sites and nearby Arkansas River will make the miles worth your while. Be prepared for bare bones accommodations, but there is more than enough space for RVs and campers to fit comfortable at this site.
- Closest Town: Texas Creek (10mi), Canon City (20mi)
- Specs: 20 primitive tent sites, spacious parking area; reservable
- Amenities: Vault toilets, fire pits, picnic areas
- Recreation: Close to Arkansas River for fishing and swimming, wildlife viewing
- Address: W Hwy 50, Canon City, CO 81212 (Map)
Camping near Cañon City
The town of Cañon City boasts around 17,000 people, so it’s a fairly large little front range town. It’s only 45 minutes west of Pueblo, so it’s easy to reach year round. The historic district has a nice stretch of shops and restaurants, providing all the commerce you’ll need for a basecamp. There is a myriad of camping in all directions from town. The aforementioned camping near the Royal Gorge also makes suitable campsites close to Cañon City.
FREE – Oil Well Flats Rec Area
Fans of primitive camping and off-the-grid getaways will love a trip to the Oil Well Flats, which spans twelve miles of trails that offer incredible views. While there are limited amenities at this gorgeous BLM spot, those who are looking to set up a tent and enjoy a night under the stars will surely find this campground and recreation area to be a treat. Keep in mind that there is a shooting range in a close distance, so you may hear some gunshots at this campground.
- Closest Town: Canon City (7mi)
- Specs: 20+ drive-up campsites, off of a dirt road but accessible to RVs and motorhomes; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Very bare bones–bring your own water and shelter
- Recreation: Mountain biking and hiking trails
- Address: FS Rd 5940, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Map)
Indian Springs Ranch Campground
If you want to experience a bit of the mystery and beauty of the Old West, Indian Springs Ranch Campground is a great option for your next stay in Canon City. This campground offers tons of amenities for both RVers and tent campers, such as a swimming pool and an area for your furry friends to play.
- Closest Town: Canon City (10mi)
- Specs: 30 RV sites with full hookups and 7 pull thrus, plus tent sites; reservable
- Amenities: Bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, fire pits, free Wifi, swimming pool, pet-friendly
- Recreation: Hiking and mountain biking trails nearby, arrowhead hunting, close to fossil sites and Wild Bill’s historical cabin
- Address: 559 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Map)
Dakota Hot Springs
If you love hot springs, what’s better than camping at one. Dakota Hot Springs is located only 10 minutes east of Cañon City in nearby Penrose, putting you in great proximity to all the area’s attractions: Pueblo, Cañon City, Westcliffe, and the Royal Gorge. Dakota Hot Springs offers a number of primitive campsites for overnight guests, suitable for both larger travel trailers and tents.
- Closest Town: Penrose (2mi); Canon City (10mi)
- Specs: RV and tent campsites with no hookups available; rservable
- Amenities: Bathhouse and hot springs pools
- Address: 1 Malibu Blvd, Penrose, CO 81240 (Map)
Sand Gulch Campground
Canon City has some spectacular rock climbing spots, and Sand Gulch Campground is a great starting point for accessing those located in the Shelf Road Recreation Area. Be prepared for primitive camping with no water and limited shade, but absolutely incredible views and cheap rates.
- Closest Town: Canon City (13mi)
- Specs: Primitive car camping, trailers not advised, 16 campsites, group campsites up to 20 people; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic tables, fire pits, no water
- Recreation: Well-known rock climbing area on Shelf Road, hiking, mountain biking
- Address: Shelf Road, Canon City, CO 81212 (Map)
The Banks Campground
If you’ve come to Canon City for the excellent rock climbing on Shelf Road, the Banks Campground is a great starting point. Although its long, steep access road is not suitable for large rigs and RVs, those who are on the hunt for a simple, primitive base camp to start their climbing adventures will love this spacious, cheap campground.
- Closest Town: Canon City (15mi)
- Specs: 33 total tent camping sites, including 4 pull-through sites; first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Vault toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, no water
- Recreation: Close to world-class rock climbing on Shelf Road, hiking close by as well
- Address: Shelf Road, Canon City, CO 81212 (Map)
Consider Pueblo or Westcliffe
Although the Royal Gorge receives all the hype, the Arkansas River is the lifeblood of the region. It formed the great gorge. It rolls through Cañon City from Salida to the west, and onto the great plains at Pueblo, a 45-minute drive east on Highway 50. There are numerous campgrounds near Pueblo too, which makes an efficient base if you’re looking to stay close to I-25 or explore the massive Pueblo Reservoir, a year-round state park with hundreds of campsites.
An hour southwest of Cañon City lies the fun, little communities of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff. Both are nestled at the base of the Rockies, providing fast access to the Pike National Forest, both to the west and east, and all the campgrounds within it. Read our camping near Westcliffe guide to find additional camping that puts you within a reasonable drive of Cañon City.
That’s a roundup of the top camping around the Royal Gorge and Cañon City, Colorado. Please take care of the campsites and leave no trace.
Camping near Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak
