Sand Gulch Campground

Photo · BLM

Not publishedStatus

ReservableAccess

31Sites

99 ftMax rig

The place

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. 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. Keep reading

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. Facilities 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. 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

SRC · Recreation.gov RIDB full extract · 2026-08-23

The sites · 31

Loop	Site	Type	Max rig	Electric	ADA
Sand Gulch	1	standard nonelectric	40 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	10	standard nonelectric	35 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	11	standard nonelectric	99 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	12	standard nonelectric	25 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	13	standard nonelectric	30 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	14	standard nonelectric	45 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	15	standard nonelectric	20 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	16	standard nonelectric	40 ft	N/A	yes
Sand Gulch	17	standard nonelectric	35 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	18	standard nonelectric	40 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	19	standard nonelectric	30 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	2	standard nonelectric	40 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	20	standard nonelectric	25 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	21	walk to	15 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	22	walk to	20 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	23	standard nonelectric	20 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	24	standard nonelectric	35 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	25	standard nonelectric	20 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	26	standard nonelectric	20 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	27	standard nonelectric	20 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	28	standard nonelectric	25 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	29	standard nonelectric	35 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	3	standard nonelectric	35 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	4	standard nonelectric	45 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	5	standard nonelectric	90 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	6	standard nonelectric	85 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	7	standard nonelectric	90 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	8	standard nonelectric	75 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	9	standard nonelectric	90 ft	N/A
Sand Gulch	Group Site 1	group standard nonelectric	—	N/A
Sand Gulch	Group Site 2	group standard nonelectric	—	N/A

SRC · Recreation.gov RIDB full extract · 2026-08-23

Booking

183 daysBooking window before arrival

Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.

Book on recreation.gov

SRC · Rules verified against recreation.gov · 2026-08-24

Fees

Individual Sites$20 per night Group sites: $40 per night There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation.

SRC · Recreation.gov RIDB full extract · 2026-08-23

Your representative

This campground sits in CO-07. This member’s public-lands record →

SRC · U.S. Census TIGER · MTJP Scorecard