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Sand Gulch Campground
BLMBureau of Land Management — Canon City · Colorado · Shelf Road Sites
| Agency | BLMBureau of Land Management |
|---|---|
| Area | Shelf Road Sites |
| Location | Canon City · Colorado · Shelf Road Sites · 38.61737, -105.22956 · Map |
| Sites | 31 public sites counted from the federal listing — 27 standard nonelectric; 2 walk to; 2 group standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 31 sites Water hookups at 0 of 31 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 31 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 31 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 99 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 22 sites · 30 ft: 19 sites · 35 ft: 17 sites · 40 ft: 12 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Individual Sites: $20 per night Group sites: $40 per night There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation. |
| Check-in / out | In 1:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 31 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Phone | 719-269-8500 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-05-29.
From the official listing
Overview 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. The campground is located 14 miles north of Cañon City at an approximate elevation of 6,400 feet and features spectacular views of the surrounding limestone cliffs.
Recreation Sand Gulch Campground offers sport climbers easy walk-in access to tall monolithic cliffs. Climbers can access Contest and Freeform Walls with bolted routes via the Sand Gulch 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, Sand Gulch Campground offers a small day-use parking area for recreationalists.
Facilities Sand Gulch campground has 29 individual sites, two group sites, and two vault toilets. Individual sites are limited to 2 vehicles and 8 people. The group site is limited to 4 vehicles and 20 people. Each campsite includes a parking space, a metal fire ring and picnic table. Many sites are designed for tent or van camping. Large camp trailers are accommodated best in pull- through campsites 5, 7, 11 (see map). Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at Sand Gulch Campground. Please bring your own water and firewood. Plan to take your trash with you when you leave.
Natural Features Sand Gulch 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
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · Canon City ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceThe Crags
18 mi straight-line · ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceSpillway Campground
24 mi straight-line · Lake George ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceCove Campground
24 mi straight-line · Lake George ColoradoFSU.S. Forest ServiceSpringer Gulch
24 mi straight-line · Lake George Colorado
Trip Card — Sand Gulch Campground
Canon City · Colorado · Shelf Road Sites
| Agency | BLM · Bureau of Land Management |
|---|---|
| Location | Canon City · Colorado · Shelf Road Sites |
| Fees | Individual Sites: $20 per night Group sites: $40 per night There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 99 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 31 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/261780 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.