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.
More like this: reservable in Colorado · big rigs in Colorado · pets allowed in Colorado · group sites in Colorado
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 27 |
| Walk-in | 2 |
| Group sites | 2 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 20 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
31 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Standard | Back-in | 40 | Gravel | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 2 | Standard | Back-in | 45 | Gravel | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 3 | Standard | Back-in | 35 | Gravel | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 4 | Standard | Back-in | 45 | Gravel | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 5 | Standard | Pull-through | 90 | Gravel | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 6 | Standard | Back-in | 85 | Gravel | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 7 | Standard | Pull-through | 90 | Gravel | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 8 | Standard | Back-in | 75 | Gravel | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 9 | Standard | Back-in | 90 | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | ||
| 10 | Standard | Back-in | 35 | Gravel | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 99 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Individual Sites: $20 per night. Group sites: $40 per night. There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation. |
| Accessibility | Site 16 is listed accessible |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
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 town | Canon City, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 38.6174° N, 105.2296° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedO'Brien 2 Broadcast Rx
27 mi from the campground · 267 acres
- PrescribedRainbow Gulch Rx
28 mi from the campground · 912 acres
- WildfireAspen Acres
42 mi from the campground · 102,007 acres · 90% contained
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Royal Gorge Rafting ↗ | 12.3 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 18.9 mi |
| RV sales & service | Windish RV Center ↗ | 28.1 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Video of Sand Gulch Campground, CO from Kim G.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Victor HotelBuilding · Victor · 8 mi
- Midland Terminal Railroad DepotBuilding · Victor · 8.1 mi
- Bridge No. 10/Adelaide BridgeStructure · Florence · 8.3 mi
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.
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.
Nearby
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.
Guidebooks for Colorado
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Sand Gulch Campground?
Sites at Sand Gulch Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Sand Gulch Campground?
Individual Sites: $20 per night. Group sites: $40 per night. There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Sand Gulch Campground?
Check-in 1:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Sand Gulch Campground have?
31 sites, including 27 standard sites without power, 2 walk-in sites, and 2 group sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Sand Gulch Campground?
Recreation.gov lists no practical vehicle capacity limit for the largest site here, which usually means pull-through or open parking. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Sand Gulch Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Sand Gulch Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Sand Gulch Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 3 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
Are there accessible sites at Sand Gulch Campground?
Site 16 is listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Sand Gulch Campground?
Sand Gulch Campground offers sport climbers easy walk-in access to tall monolithic cliffs. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Sand Gulch Campground?
Canon City, Colorado. The region around Shelf Road offers numerous attractions and recreation opportunities.
Source: Getting there
What if Sand Gulch Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are The Bank Campground (0.8 mi), The Crags (18.5 mi, first-come), and Spillway Campground (23.8 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby