Pro scans every minute· 119K campsites tracked

Moderate to Book

Sand Gulch Campground

Shelf Road Sites, Colorado

Sold out? We check Sand Gulch Campground for cancellations and email you the moment a site opens.

Cancellation alerts

Sold out for your dates?

ArriveLeave

Free to start. Email alerts included.

As of October 2026, Sand Gulch Campground is a campground in Colorado with 17 campsites. Sand Gulch Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Sand Gulch Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Sand Gulch Campground is located at 38.6174° N, 105.2296° W.

people allowed on 15 of 17 sites: 8
people allowed on each of the 2 largest sites: 20

Sand Gulch Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Group bookings open: 3 Months
Campsites held at once: 2 campsite(s) held
Book up to: 30 Days

Published by Recreation.gov for Sand Gulch Campground, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at Sand Gulch Campground

123456789101112131415

Standard 15
Group 2
Hookups 17

What an RV fits

20 ft3 sites

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: 4WD required.

Things to do: fishing, hiking, climbing, photography, horse riding.

All sites at Sand Gulch Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Sand Gulch loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Hookups
1	Standard	8	-	Electric
2	Standard	8	-	Electric
3	Standard	8	-	Electric
4	Standard	8	-	Electric
5	Standard	8	-	Electric
6	Standard	8	-	Electric
7	Standard	8	-	Electric
8	Standard	8	-	Electric
9	Standard	8	-	Electric
10	Standard	8	-	Electric
11	Standard	8	-	Electric
12	Standard	8	-	Electric
13	Standard	8	-	Electric
14	Standard	8	-	Electric
15	Standard	8	20 ft	Electric
Group Site 1	Group	20	20 ft	Electric
Group Site 2	Group	20	20 ft	Electric

About Sand Gulch Campground

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

Rules and notices at Sand Gulch Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Sand Gulch Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

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.

Campsites are various sizes, some are smaller and designed to accommodate tent or van camping. Sites 1-16 accommodate longer trailer units (5, 7, 11 are pull through sites).

No overnight camping in day use parking areas.

Fires are only allowed in BLM approved metal fire rings, do not build rock fire rings. Bring your own firewood.

Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. This includes, but not limited to, generators, music, loud voices, and loud pets.

Generators during non-quiet hours are highly discouraged, for the consideration of other campers.

Sites 1-15 and Group Sites are Reservation Only, Sites 16-29 are First Come, First Serve, pay at the Pay Station at the entrance. Reservations can be made the day of. Cellphone Coverage is limited, it's recomended that you make your reservation before arriving.

Check-in time is 1:00 pm. Check-out time is 11:00 am.

Please keep your reservation number on hand for reference.

During the months of June, July and August, the extreme heat and the presence of pinon gnats, flies, ants and other insects can make camping during these months unpleasant. It’s advised to plan accordingly if you plan to camp during this time of the year.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Sand Gulch Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Sand Gulch Campground?

Sand Gulch Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 17 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Sand Gulch Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Sand Gulch Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Sand Gulch Campground have?

Sand Gulch Campground has 17 campsites.

Campgrounds