Colorado / Fremont County

Sand Gulch Campground

Open — Open year-round. Individual campsites are first-come, first-served until Spring 2026. Group sites remain reservable through Recreation.gov.

About

With easy walking access to sport rock climbing routes in the popular Shelf Road Recreation Area, Sand Gulch Campground is a 31-site camping facility open year-round at approximately 6,400 feet elevation. Located 14 miles north of Cañon City, the campground features spectacular views of the surrounding limestone cliffs and serves as a base camp for climbers accessing the tall monolithic walls with bolted routes via Sand Gulch trails. The campground offers 29 individual sites and 2 group sites, each equipped with a metal fire ring and picnic table. Individual sites accommodate up to 2 vehicles and 8 people, while group sites can handle 4 vehicles and 20 people. Pull-through sites 5, 7, and 11 are best suited for large trailers, though many sites are designed for tent or van camping. The facility includes two vault toilets but no drinking water, electrical hookups, or trash service, requiring visitors to pack in water and firewood and pack out all trash. Beyond world-class climbing, the area offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and 4WD routes. The surrounding landscape features long bands of limestone cliffs paired with piñon pine and juniper vegetation creating dramatic vistas. Nearby attractions include the Royal Gorge, Arkansas River whitewater rafting and fishing, and the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway.

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, take a left turn at the sign for Sand Gulch Campground.

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