Sand Gulch Campground
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.
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.
Need to Know
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.
Individual campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site. Group campsites are limited to 20 people and 4 vehicles per site.
Campsites are various sizes, some are smaller and designed to accommodate tent or van camping. Sites 1-16 accommodate longer trailer units (5, 7, 11 are pull through sites).
No overnight camping in day use parking areas.
Fires are only allowed in BLM approved metal fire rings, do not build rock fire rings. Bring your own firewood.
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.
Sites 1-15 and Group Sites are Reservation Only, Sites 16-29 are First Come, First Serve, pay at the Pay Station at the entrance. Reservations can be made the day of. Cellphone Coverage is limited, it's recomended that you make your reservation before arriving.
Check-in time is 1:00 pm. Check-out time is 11:00 am.
Please keep your reservation number on hand for reference.
During the months of June, July and August, the extreme heat and the presence of pinon 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
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
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.
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, take a left turn at the sign for Sand Gulch Campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 3, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 18, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 28, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 24, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 27, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 20, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 19, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 26, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 23, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Group Site 2, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site Group Site 1, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 7, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 8, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 22, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Walk To
- Site 14, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 21, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Walk To
- Site 25, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 29, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 9, Loop Sand Gulch, Type Standard Nonelectric
