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

Adam T

April 24, 2023

2

Needs another toilet.

Maria F

February 19, 2023

3

This is a good campground. Sites are small, and there is no trash or water, so you must pack trash out and come prepared.

Jesse J

February 13, 2023

1

The internet only reservation is a terrible system for this Sand Gulch campground as well as the nearby Bank campground. I've been visiting this area over the past 16 years with a very high frequency for rock climbing. The new online reservations create an extremely poor utilization rate with reserved sites that are never occupied, marginal internet connection that becomes a challenge to get a site upon arrival, and confusing to know what is even available because the camp post no longer have the small paystub with the dates people have paid for. Some did have the reservation sheet (while be empty the entire night) but I can only imagine that creates even more overhead to print and post by BLM workers. So many campers all have vans and pop up toppers an empty site in the day may or may not be occupied. Please go back to the old method of pay cash upon arrival, first come first served method.

Charlie M

December 3, 2022

1

The campsites are way too close together and its a little ridiculous that its a 2 car max when most people sleep in their car. We made a huge effort to follow that rule and only brought 2 cars and other people around us had 3 or 4 cars or a big trailer camper and 2 cars. Is anyone enforcing this? Super beautiful area and the climbing was fun but the camping kind of blows.

Paul M

November 27, 2022

5

Considering it was only 18 degrees at night, I had a good time. The picture does not represent site 4 accurately. It has a nice tent pad nestled in the trees away from the road and is still close to the vault toilet and the parking area to meet my climbing group in the morning.

Rochelle R

November 20, 2022

5

It was great, thank you!

Rachel C

November 13, 2022

3

Site 3 has a very small space for a van and the tent space/table were 100 yards uphill. The site is just ok.

ryan g

Verified

September 28, 2022 Stayed at: Group Site 1, Loop: Sand Gulch

5

Great access to climbing and biking. Plenty of space to spread out tents and campers. Watch out for the ant hills!

Anita P

September 25, 2022

3

There was no one posting reserved sites and many campers did not understand how to book sites or check on REC.gov to see if available. A bit too casual.

Susan B

September 23, 2022

3

tent pad too small for tent in site 15 and 16. some sites with no tent pad. toilet paper and poop in bushes around some tent sites instead of using provided outhouse. lots of weeds.

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations