The Bank Campground

Campground · Colorado · 35 bookable sites ·

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management

Royal Gorge Field Office (Bureau of Land Management CO) · Open Access

35
Bookable sites
20 ft
Max rig length
up to 20
People per site
2
Accessible sites
6,876 ft
Elevation
Shelf Road Climbing Area, 4 mile Creek
Photo: Bob Wick, 2021 · Recreation.gov

Overview

Open year-round; visitors come for the spectacular rock climbing adjacent to the campground. Approximately 15 miles north of Cañon City, Colorado, The Bank Campground overlooks Shelf Road and is located at an approximate elevation of 6890 feet. The Bank has 33 campsites. The dirt road leading to the campground is very rough and not recommended for large RVs and travel trailers.  

Recreation

The Bank Campground offers easy access to the popular rock climbing area, Shelf Road. Climbers can access nearly 1000 bolted routes via the Cactus Cliff and Dark Side 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, The Bank Campground offers a day-use parking area for recreationalists. 

Facilities

The dirt road leading to The Bank campground is steep and rough. This 33-site campground was recently renovated and has 31 individual sites, 2 group sites, and 4 vault toilets. Individual sites are limited to 2 vehicles and 8 people. Group sites are 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. Large camp trailers and RVs that can manage the steep access road are accommodated with some pull-through sites in B-Loop. Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at The Bank Campground so please bring your own water and plan to take your trash with you when you leave. Bring your own firewood. 

Natural Features

The Bank 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

  • 35 bookable sites
  • 2 accessible sites
  • Vehicles up to 20 ft
  • Up to 20 people per site
  • Loops: A, B

Site types

  • 20 Standard Nonelectric
  • 13 Tent Only Nonelectric
  • 2 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

35 campsites at The Bank Campground

Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
Group Site 1—Group Standard Nonelectric———20 🐾
Group Site 2—Group Standard Nonelectric———20♿ 🐾
A-1ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-10ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-11ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-12ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-13ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8♿ 🐾
A-2ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-3ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-4ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-5ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-6ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-7ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-8ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
A-9ATent Only Nonelectric——20 ft8 🐾
B-14BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-15BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-16BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-17BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-18BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-19BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-20BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-21BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-22BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-23BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-24BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-25BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-26BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-27BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-28BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-29BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-30BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-31BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-32BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾
B-33BStandard Nonelectric———8 🐾

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, continue straight and follow the sign for The Bank Campground. Campground is located approximately 1 mile up the rough dirt road. 

38.62798, -105.22524 · 38°37'40.7"N 105°13'30.9"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in0.40.31.01.41.91.62.73.11.40.90.60.4

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.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about The Bank Campground

Can you reserve a site at The Bank Campground?
Yes, The Bank Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does The Bank Campground have?
35 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at The Bank Campground?
20 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at The Bank Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at The Bank Campground.
Are campfires allowed at The Bank Campground?
Campfires are allowed at The Bank Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

The Bank Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by The Bank 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 The Bank Campground

Comments

Contact

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

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.