Sand Gulch Campground

Cañon City, Colorado

About

Sand Gulch Campground is a 31-site BLM camping facility located 14 miles north of Cañon City, Colorado, at an elevation of 6,400 feet. The campground is renowned among rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for its easy walk-in access to sport climbing routes in the popular Shelf Road Recreation Area, featuring tall monolithic limestone cliffs with bolted routes. The dramatic landscape is characterized by stunning rock formations paired with piñon pine and juniper vegetation, offering spectacular views of the surrounding limestone cliffs. Open year-round, the campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, with pull-through sites available for larger trailers. Beyond rock climbing, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and 4WD routes. The area also provides access to nearby attractions including the Royal Gorge Bridge, Royal Gorge Train, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, and the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway.

Amenities

Available Site Types

• Tent Sites
• Pull-Through Sites
• Group Sites

Local Attractions

• Shelf Road Recreation Area
• Royal Gorge Bridge
• Royal Gorge Train
• Arkansas River
• Gold Belt National Scenic Byway