The Bank Campground

About

Located approximately 15 miles north of Cañon City at 6,890 feet elevation, The Bank Campground is the basecamp of choice for rock climbers accessing Shelf Road's legendary limestone cliffs. Nearly 1,000 bolted sport climbing routes are accessible via the Cactus Cliff and Dark Side trails directly from the campground. The surrounding landscape features dramatic limestone bands interspersed with piñon pine and juniper woodland. The campground offers 33 sites: 31 individual sites and 2 group sites. A Loop sites are tent-only and first-come, first-served, while B Loop offers standard nonelectric sites that can be reserved up to 14 days in advance through Recreation.gov. B Loop includes some pull-through sites for larger rigs that can navigate the steep, rough access road. Each site includes a parking space, metal fire ring, and picnic table. Facilities are primitive with four vault toilets. There is no potable water, trash service, electric hookups, or dump station. Campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. Beyond climbing, the area offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and 4WD routes. The Royal Gorge, Arkansas River rafting, and the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway are nearby attractions.

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 becomes CR 9. In approximately 10 miles, continue straight following the sign for The Bank Campground. The campground is located approximately 1 mile up the rough dirt road.