Can you reserve a site at Sand Gulch Campground?

Yes, Sand Gulch Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Sand Gulch Campground?

99 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Sand Gulch Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sand Gulch Campground.

Are campfires allowed at Sand Gulch Campground?

Campfires are allowed at Sand Gulch Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Sand Gulch Campground, Colorado — 31 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

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. 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

The facts

31 bookable sites
1 accessible site
Vehicles up to 99 ft
Up to 20 people per site
Loops: Sand Gulch

Site types

27 Standard Nonelectric
2 Group Standard Nonelectric
2 Walk To

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Pets allowed
Water hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

31 campsites at Sand Gulch Campground

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Max rig	People
1	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	8	🐾
10	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	35 ft	8	🐾
11	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	—	99 ft	8	🐾
12	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	25 ft	8	🐾
13	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	30 ft	8	🐾
14	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	45 ft	8	🐾
15	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	20 ft	8	🐾
16	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	8	♿ 🐾
17	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	35 ft	8	🐾
18	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	8	🐾
19	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	30 ft	8	🐾
2	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	8	🐾
20	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	25 ft	8	🐾
21	Sand Gulch	Walk To	Back In	Gravel	—	15 ft	8	🐾
22	Sand Gulch	Walk To	—	Gravel	—	20 ft	8	🐾
23	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	20 ft	8	🐾
24	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	35 ft	8	🐾
25	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	20 ft	8	🐾
26	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	—	—	20 ft	8	🐾
27	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	20 ft	8	🐾
28	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	25 ft	8	🐾
29	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	35 ft	8	🐾
3	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	35 ft	8	🐾
4	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	45 ft	8	🐾
5	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	Slight	90 ft	8	🐾
6	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	85 ft	8	🐾
7	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Pull Through	Gravel	—	90 ft	8	🐾
8	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	—	75 ft	8	🐾
9	Sand Gulch	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	—	—	90 ft	8	🐾
Group Site 1	Sand Gulch	Group Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	—	20	🐾
Group Site 2	Sand Gulch	Group Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	—	20	🐾

Getting there

From Highway 50 in Cañon City, Take Dozier Avenue north following it as it turns west. At the four-way stop sign turn right on Field Avenue and follow it north until it turns into CR 9. In approximately 10 miles, take a left turn at the sign for Sand Gulch Campground.

38.61737, -105.22956 · 38°37'2.5"N 105°13'46.4"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	0.4	0.3	1.0	1.4	1.9	1.6	2.7	3.1	1.4	0.9	0.6	0.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

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

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Sand Gulch Campground

Can you reserve a site at Sand Gulch Campground?: Yes, Sand Gulch Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Sand Gulch Campground have?: 31 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Sand Gulch Campground?: 99 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Sand Gulch Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at Sand Gulch Campground.
Does Sand Gulch Campground have hookups?: No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at Sand Gulch Campground?: Campfires are allowed at Sand Gulch Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Sand Gulch Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Sand Gulch Campground's operator.

Bureau of Land Management — data as of Aug 24, 2026

Reservable Fee Campsites

Bureau of Land Management's own page

Camping near Sand Gulch Campground

The Bank Campground 0.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Guffey Gorge / Paradise Cove 11.9 mi · Activity pass · we watch it
The Crags 18.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Oil Well Flats Rec Area 5.6 mi · Facility
Cleveland Quarry Rec Site 5.9 mi · Facility
Dinosaur Flats Rec Area 6 mi · Facility
Penrose Common Rec Site 13.8 mi · Facility
Pikes Peak 18.4 mi · Facility
Bottomless Pit Observation Site 18.6 mi · Facility
Florissant Fossil Beds Visitor Center 20.7 mi · Facility
Captain Jack #665 22.5 mi · Facility
The Cliff House at Pikes Peak 23.7 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-05-29.

Sand Gulch Campground