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. Sand Gulch offers sport climbers easy walk-in access to tall monolithic cliffs. Climbers can reach the Contest and Freeform Walls and their bolted routes via the Sand Gulch trails. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and 4wd routes are all easily accessed from the campground, and there is a small day-use parking area for recreationalists. The 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 a picnic table. Many sites are designed for tent or van camping, and large camp trailers are accommodated best in pull-through campsites 5, 7 and 11. Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available — please bring your own water and firewood, and plan to take your trash with you when you leave. The 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. The region around Shelf Road offers numerous attractions, including the Royal Gorge via the Royal Gorge Bridge, the Royal Gorge Train, hiking trails and rafting trips 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, and agricultural and heritage tours run along the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway. The local communities offer a range of shopping and dining experiences.