OutReserve

Sand Gulch Campground

Warning

General

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are now in effect, campfires are only allowed in an agency installed fire ring in a campground. Devices using gas are permitted.

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

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

Sites & Availability

17 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 1, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 10, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 11, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 12, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 13, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 14, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 15, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 2, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 3, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 4, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 5, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 6, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 7, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 8, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 9, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$20.00
/ per night
🚐 Group Site 1, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$40.00
/ per night
🚐 Group Site 2, Loop: Sand Gulch
Electric Only
$40.00
/ per night

Reviews (47)

What Guests Are Saying

Sand Gulch Campground is exceptionally clean, with well-maintained sites and friendly camp hosts. Visitors appreciate the privacy offered by the natural surroundings and the proximity to hiking and climbing trails. However, some concerns include the presence of cactus, limited shade, and the absence of potable water, which may be inconvenient during hot weather. Overall, it’s a beautiful and quiet location ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Review Summary

3.9
47 reviews
5
46.8%
22
4
25.5%
12
3
8.5%
4
2
8.5%
4
1
10.6%
5

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.

Ed S

May 12, 2023

5

Best access to limestone climbing on the front range. Very comfortable and spacious campsite with lots of good climbing community around!

Location Sand Gulch Campground

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

Latitude & Longitude: 38.6174 / -105.23

Elevation: 1967 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

There are no hookup services, no trash collection services and no potable water.

General

Bring your own drinking water.

General

Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

General

Individual campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site. Group campsites are limited to 20 people and 4 vehicles per site.

General

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). 

General

No overnight camping in day use parking areas.

General

Fires are only allowed in BLM approved metal fire rings, do not build rock fire rings. Bring your own firewood.

General

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.

General

Generators during non-quiet hours are highly discouraged, for the consideration of other campers.

General

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. 

General

Check-in time is 1:00 pm. Check-out time is 11:00 am.

General

Please keep your reservation number on hand for reference.

General

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.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are now in effect, campfires are only allowed in an agency installed fire ring in a campground. Devices using gas are permitted.

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