OutReserve

Sand Gulch Campground

Sand Gulch Campground Entrance
Campground
Sand Gulch Campground 2
Sand Gulch Kiosk
Campground Map

About 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. 

Number of accommodations: 17

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Hiking

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

17 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 1, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 13, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 14, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 15, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 2, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 3, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 4, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 5, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 6, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 7, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 8, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 9, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 Group Site 1, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 Group Site 2, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
Price not available

Reviews (48)

What Guests Are Saying

Sand Gulch Campground offers a peaceful and clean environment, with friendly camp host Jerry enhancing the experience. The new sites provide excellent privacy, and the well-maintained bathrooms add to the overall comfort. However, some improvements could be made, such as enlarging the parking area and addressing the presence of cactus, which may be a concern for families and larger vehicles.

Review Summary

3.9
48 reviews
5
47.9%
23
4
25.0%
12
3
8.3%
4
2
8.3%
4
1
10.4%
5

Rebecca H

Verified

June 18, 2024 Stayed at: 4, Loop: Sand Gulch

5

Beautiful campsite. Wish we would have made a longer reservation. Near restrooms, which were very clean. Quiet campground despite being near others. Still felt like we had privacy.

wendy k

Verified

June 2, 2024 Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Sand Gulch

4

Beautiful campsite, clean bathrooms. Group site was large and more removed from the individual sites. Nice hiking trail directly from the campsite. No shade. We brought our 22-month-old and had to watch her like a hawk because there are SEVERAL cactus plants around. Would definitely go back but without a toddler. The individual sites all looked very small so we would definitely do the group site again. We brought glow in the dark bocce and played right off the campsite in large field. A lot of fun!

Dale K

Verified

May 8, 2024 Stayed at: 2, Loop: Sand Gulch

5

Beautiful, quiet setting but close to town.

Jason D

April 5, 2024

4

Beautiful camp ground, convenient for climbing and close to other beautiful local attractions like Royal Gorge.

Edward S

October 4, 2023

4

Don't approach campground from the north with your trailer.

Jacob M

September 29, 2023

5

Great camping and climbing. Bring shade tarps if going before October.

Rachel S

September 29, 2023

5

GREAT!

MINSO K

Verified

August 20, 2023 Stayed at: 15, Loop: Sand Gulch

5

Nice view, trail, a table with benches, and a firepit!
Public toilet was okay.

John B

July 3, 2023

5

Great location. I would not recommend site #4 for even a small travel trailer; it took me 30 minutes to navigate my 22 foot Winnebago Micro Mini into the spot. Once there it was AWESOME. Look to some of the higher numbered spots for a trailer.

Stephen K

May 28, 2023

5

Surprisingly nice sites, well worth going a little out of the way to get there. Sites are on open range but not too heavily populated, still, watch where you step.

Location Sand Gulch Campground

Address:
Bureau Of Land Management
Canon City, CO, 81212
United States

Highway access

Sand Gulch Campground is accessible via Highway 50 in Cañon City, which provides a major route to the area.

Latitude & Longitude: 38.6174 / -105.23

Elevation: 1967 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

1PM

Check out time

11AM

General

  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by Bureau of Land Management