The Bank Campground

Shelf Road Sites

Open year-round; visitors come for the spectacular rock climbing adjacent to the campground. Approximately 15 miles north of Cañon City, Colorado, The Bank Campground overlooks Shelf Road and is located at an approximate elevation of 6890 feet. The Bank has 33 campsites. The dirt road leading to the campground is very rough and not recommended for large RVs and travel trailers.

The dirt road leading to The Bank campground is steep and rough. This 33-site campground was recently renovated and has 31 individual sites, 2 group sites, and 4 vault toilets. The individual sites are limited to 2 vehicles and 8 people. Group sites are limited to 4 vehicles and 20 people. Each campsite includes a parking space, a metal fire ring and a picnic table. The sites are small and designed for tent-camping. Large camp trailers and RVs are not advised. Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at The Bank Campground so please bring your own water and plan to take your trash with you when you leave. Bring your own firewood.

Notifications and Alerts

First-Come, First-Served, Back By Popular Demand!

First-come, first-served will once again be available at The Bank Campground. We have installed a Remote Off-Grid Kiosk (ROK), that will accept credit card payments. A Loop has been converted to First-Come, First-Served only. B Loop will convert to First-Come, First-Served during the Summer months (June 15th - Aug 31st) and the Winter months, (Dec 1st - March 1st). The group sites will remain Reservation Only, all year around.

Need to Know

The dirt road leading to the campground is steep and rough, please travel with caution. Large trailers and RVs are not advised.
There are no hookup services, no trash collection services and no potable water.
Bring your own drinking water.
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Fires are only allowed in BLM approved metal fire rings, do not build rock fire rings. Bring your own firewood.
Individual campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site. Group campsites are limited to 20 people and 4 vehicles per site.
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. This includes, but not limited to, generators, music, loud voices and loud pets.
Generators during non-quiet hours are highly discouraged, for the consideration of other campers.
Campsites are designed to accommodate tent camping. Large trailer units and RVs are not advised.
Campground is Reservation Only, no First Come, First Serve. Reservations can be made the day of. Cellphone Coverage is limited, it's recomended that you make your reservation before ariving.
Check-in time is 1:00 pm. Check-out time is 11:00 am.
During the months of June, July and August, the extreme heat and the presence of pinyon gnats, flies, ants and other insects, can make camping during these months unpleasant. It’s advised to plan accordingly if you plan to camp during this time of the year.

Natural Features

The Bank 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

Recreation

The Bank Campground offers easy access to the popular rock climbing area, Shelf Road. Climbers can access nearly 1000 bolted routes via the Cactus Cliff and Dark Side 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, The Bank Campground offers a day-use parking area for recreationalists.

Contact Information

Mailing

Bureau of Land Management 3028 East Main St Canon City CO 81212

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 719-269-8500

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving 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, continue straight and follow the sign for The Bank Campground. Campground is located approximately 1 mile up the rough dirt road.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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