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Recreation.govCO

Sand Gulch Campground

Shelf Road Sites

Set availability alertOfficial reservation

Upcoming Availability

11 of 14 days currently show available sites.

View releasing sites

Sun, Jul 26

None

available

Mon, Jul 27

None

available

Tue, Jul 28

None

available

Wed, Jul 29

17

sites

Thu, Jul 30

16

sites

Fri, Jul 31

16

sites

Sat, Aug 1

15

sites

Sun, Aug 2

16

sites

Mon, Aug 3

17

sites

Tue, Aug 4

17

sites

Wed, Aug 5

17

sites

Thu, Aug 6

17

sites

Fri, Aug 7

15

sites

Sat, Aug 8

15

sites

Campground guide

What to know before booking

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 campground has 29 individual sites, two group sites, and two vault toilets. 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.

reservation Window

30 Days

max Concurrent Stay

2 campsite(s) held

Official campground details, summarized

Concise planning notes based on the public Recreation.gov campground information.

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.

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.

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

Important notices

There are no hookup services, no trash collection services and no potable water.
Bring your own drinking water.
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Individual campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site. Group campsites are limited to 20 people and 4 vehicles per site.

More at Shelf Road Sites

Other tracked campgrounds from the same park or area.

Surrounding campgrounds

Other tracked campgrounds within driving distance, nearest first.

The Bank Campground

Shelf Road Sites

0.8 mi

Spillway Campground

PSICC

23.8 mi

Cove Campground

PSICC

23.8 mi

Springer Gulch

PSICC

23.9 mi

Blue Mountain

PSICC

24.8 mi

Riverside (Co)

PSICC

25.3 mi

Common questions

Is Sand Gulch Campground available right now?

Kestrel's most recent scan found openings on 11 of the next 14 days, starting Wed, Jul 29. Availability changes constantly — check the calendar above, then confirm on Recreation.gov.

How do I book Sand Gulch Campground?

Reservations are handled by Recreation.gov, not by Kestrel. Use the official reservation link on this page to book. Kestrel only watches availability and tells you when a site frees up.

How far in advance can I book?

Recreation.gov lists a booking window of 30 Days for this campground.

How quickly will I hear about a cancellation?

Kestrel rescans every two minutes, and every 30 seconds during the provider's daily release window. Alerts go out by email as soon as a matching site appears.