Camping near Florence
A high desert basecamp for river running, rock climbing, and mountain bike adventures.
95% (1923 reviews)
- Florence
95% (1923 reviews)
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12 top campgrounds near Florence
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Sweetwater River Ranch
66 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents31 acres · Cotopaxi, CO
Sweetwater River Resort is located on the Arkansas river, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort.
You’ll enter a different world–a sanctuary away from the fast pace and pressures of ordinary life.
Sweetwater River Resort is a nature-lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and fly fishing fanatic’s dream nestled on the banks of the beautiful juniper-lined Arkansas River. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind with plenty of rivers to explore outside the confines of city life. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing.
Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents and even RV sites. Choose from Rustic Cabins, Pioneer Cabins, Deluxe Cabins, or Glamping Tents to call Sweetwater your home away from home. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself.
At Sweetwater River Resort, there's something for everyone. Fish along our private half-mile of river frontage, go whitewater rafting or kayaking, soak in nearby hot springs, hike or mountain bike through the mountains, pan for gold, stargaze at night, and spot eagles, osprey, and other birds. Keep an eye out for Big Horn sheep, pronghorn, and elk, and marvel at the beauty of Colorado's aspen trees in the fall. Explore a nearby ghost town or simply relax by the water.
Located near numerous attractions, Sweetwater River Resort is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge, and The Bluff Trail Hiking in Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!
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High Peaks Campground
22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, CO
Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the highest Alpine Valley in the world!
This campground sits close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. You can also see the San Juan mountain range to the east in the distance. San Juans are part of the NW rim of the Continental Divide.
Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With unlimited mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, Meteor showers!!!
Previously known as High Desert Ranch Campground, this land was originally part of a large ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years.
In 2021, we were featured in USA Todays Ten Best for star gazing!
My property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all!
You will be surrounded by ranch land and state land with Wildlife Refuge just two miles away.
Accommodations for those with livestock, just make sure you chat in advance your initial message.
Close to BLM, and National Forest as well as 3 hot springs within 20 miles and the Great Sand Dunes.
We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!
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$38
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Cliffs Edge campsite
3 sites · Tents150 acres · CO
Learn more about this land:End of the road privacy for this Rugged cliff top campsite with awesome views of Pikes Peak and surrounding areas. Private access to San Isabel national forest, perfect for miles of mountain hiking. One 13ft round Glamptent provided by owner s. Less than one hour drive to the Royal Gorge and Pueblo reservoir and other local attractions. Endless hiking and exploring of the canyons on the private property. Golfers Driving range, privacy tent with bucket toilet, and small gas fireplace for camping ambiance! This place is SWEET!
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Camp Penguin at WPR
5 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Cañon City, CO
Learn more about this land:
Note: NO FIREWORKS or GUNS are allowed to be used on the property.
#WanderingPenguinRanch #CampPenguin #LifeOnTheMountain #2024
Don't forget we're at over 9,000 feet elevation and temperatures and weather conditions can vary greatly. Be prepared for all seasons!!!
Camp fire usage depends on current weather conditions at the time of visits in addition to any state/county restrictions that may be in place (host approval required)!!! IF there are no restrictions and fires are allowed, we have firewood bundles and/or starter packs for purchase at $10/bundle/pack. We also have two propane fire pits available for rent (see "extras"), or you are welcome to bring your own. If you have purchased wood and there are restrictions/bans, we will gladly apply your wood purchase the rental of a propane pit. Propane fire pit usage may also be restricted by current conditions or state/county restrictions!
We got a few more chickens last Fall and all seem to be doing great. We are hoping they will start laying sometime in March. They should lay several dozen eggs a week. Fresh eggs are available for purchase (when the girls are cooperating) by the dozen, or half dozen (see "extras"). You and/or your children are welcome to accompany us to gather the eggs in the evening, or we can just have them bundled and ready for you when you arrive.
*UPON ARRIVAL at the property, please WAIT INSIDE our main gate (unless otherwise directed via prior communication with host). The host(s) will meet you there shortly after passing through the gate and direct you to your site.
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Camp Penguin at Wandering Penguin Ranch (facebook.com/CampPenguin) in southern Colorado is about a 3 hour drive from the Denver metro area, 90 minutes west from Colorado Springs and just under an hour north west from Canon City. We provide a variety of site options to choose from including tent sites, car/van/truck sites, and rustic trailer site options - all with NO amenities (NO electric/septic/water, etc). Additional vehicle parking on the property can be accommodated for groups with more than one vehicle. Please provide type of camper/tent and number of vehicles at booking so hosts can help direct you to the best site option available.
Upon arrival campers will be greeted by Hosts and together can choose the site that works best for them from the currently available sites. Several sites are available next to our quaint little pond, or on the ridge overlooking the pond. Campers can also choose to camp in one of the nearby aspen groves, or even in the towering pines on the upper side of the property (the pine sites require HIKING to access). Each site provides its own unique beauty, mostly with an amazing view of the west side of Pikes Peak in the distance.
Guests can relax around our small pond or roam freely around our 35-acre property. There is both hiking and fishing at Badger Creek only a short drive away. Waugh Mountain State Trust Land is another hiking option and is also just a short drive up the road (*NOTE: the State of Colorado now requires a valid hunting/fishing license to access state trust lands)! Additionally, we are about 45-90 minutes away from a variety of alternative adventures! Some of these include Salida, Cripple Creek, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Paradise Cove Swimming Hole, Florissant Fossil Beds, Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Manitou Incline, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience, several rafting/zipline and Jeep tour companies, Westcliffe, Bishop Castle and Canon City including Skyline Drive, Tunnel Drive, Royal Gorge Train, Museum of Colorado Prisons and The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Any of these can be done as a day trip or visited while on your way here, or home. (*NOTE: some of these attractions are free, some require a fee and some are seasonal. To avoid disappointment, PLEASE do your own research prior to arrival)!
Guests need to be self-sustaining to camp here as there are no facilities nearby (gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.)! But, if you are looking for a peaceful, quiet getaway to commune with nature, a chance to see wildlife and simply relax.... We're your place - book your visit now!!!
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Cottonwood Camp
7 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Florence, CO
Open May through October.
This secluded, 2-acre campsite is the only place between the Royal Gorge and Lake Pueblo where you can fish and camp right on the banks of the Arkansas River. Accessible by watercraft only, you cannot drive to it or hike to it—you can only boat to it. There is no public road access to the camp.
YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN WATERCRAFT.
Access to the campsite requires your own boat. There are no direct roads for you take.
You will be our only guests at this private riverfront location—no one else vying for the trout…no one’s boom box disturbing your sleep…no swimmers disturbing the fish.
Note: We’re open May through October, and during those months, we might have to close temporarily for safety reasons when river flow-rates exceed 1,300 cfs (cubic feet per second). If we need to close when you have a reservation and you can’t change your date, we will notify you of the closure and refund your money.
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Royal Gorge Private Camp
1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Canon City, CO
Enjoy views of the Royal Gorge Bridge from this 3 acre property that is also close to plenty of outdoor adventures such as white water rafting, zip lining, mountain biking, hiking, jeep tours, and more. This land has 360 degree views so you can enjoy the sunrise or sunset - whichever you fancy!Please no parties. Follow local fire ban ordinances. Smokers must dispose of cigarettes immediately after smoking - no butts on the ground please.
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105 West Ranch
4 sites · Lodging101 acres · Goldfield, CO
A mountaintop ranch in Colorado that sits below the famous Colorado “14er”, Pikes Peak. This property sits on top of a mountain at an elevation of nearly 10,000ft and features 3 unique Glamping sites! The ranch features a tiny cabin, geodesic dome tent and platform canvas tent. The sites sit on 100 acres of private, pristine Colorado mountain land that offers over 3 miles of private hiking trails and unrivaled views in all directions. A large, mature aspen grove covers most of the property and views to the south stretch over 100 miles! Despite being on a mountain, over 70% of the property sits on level or gently sloping ground making it perfect for camping spots and events. The Eastern edge borders public land, infinitely expanding access and hiking opportunities. It’s only 1,500 feet from a large reservoir and river- both are accessible by hiking or an easy 5 minute drive.
105 West Ranch also has some deep and unique history. Our area was originally surveyed in 1881. After that, miners came through in the late 1800s and dug prospector pits looking for gold. Many of these pits and even some old tin cans from miner's camps are still visible on the property today. In 1931, the area was re-surveyed with more accuracy. In 1936, the President of the United States, FDR, granted a land patent (homestead) of 632 acres to homesteader. Part of this 632 acre homestead granted by the President was what is now 105 West Ranch.
Fast forward nearly 100 years. My wife, Rachel, and I bought this property in 2019, fulfilling a life-long dream of owning our own land.
Rachel and I live for the outdoors, we work in the outdoor industry and spend every chance we get exploring our beautiful state with our two dogs. As a 4th generation Coloradan, it's been a lifelong dream to own a (relatively) small part of the state my family has called home since the late 1800s. Now that we own our own piece of Colorado heaven we want to share the unforgettable experience, memories and beauty of our property with others looking for an escape from the city.
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MTNMN Ranch
6 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Cañon City, CO
Welcome to MTNMN Ranch! We are only 9 Miles from Royal Gorge access and have a creek on the property. While staying with us you can enjoy
horseback riding, hiking and fishing within 5 minutes from the site. Our property is always gated and secure.
Our sites are best suited for RV or van campers and feature large and level parking areas. We also offer 110 electrical hookup with a maximum vehicle length of 50 ft. Potable water and trash bins are also available there are no direct hook ups for 30 am electric or potable water but we have water access just not a direct hook up.
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The Hillfort
5 sites · RVs12 acres · Florence, CO
Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent or drive your RV onto our property backing up to Florence Mountain Park and the San Isabel National Forest. Night skies are breathtaking out here, scenery is true Colorado. All amenities available in Florence only 15 minutes away. Only 45 minutes from Colorado Springs. Enjoy our gardens, morning coffee and internet available on our patio; retired chef makes phenomenol muffins often! Driveway is rock and dirt so reasonable ground clearance and good tires are recommended. Bear proof dumpster on site. Reservations required. Campfires depend on Colorado fire bans. We both have much experience in the hospitality industry and have more plans for this property. All questions are welcome.
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Twin Bridges Campground
12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Coaldale, CO
Camp alongside the Arkansas River (considered Gold Medal for the quality of trout per acre) with white water rafting May-Labor Day. We accommodate tents, vans, or RV's or we can provide an RV or tent. Restrooms and showers are easily accessible. We also have camping by the pond with easy access to the river.
We offer bank fishing, fly fishing lessons, and guided fishing on the property or will arrange guided tours for fishing the Arkansas River, white water rafting, horseback riding, or having a zipline adventure. When fishing from the bank, no lures or or treble hooks and catch and release only. Pictures welcome!
There are several Colorado mountains (fourteeners) to hike/climb in the vicinity. We have 4 acres on the waters of the Arkansas River. Our pond will be accessible next year. We will create the adventure you deserve - from guided fishing, fly fishing lessons, (children and adults) or fishing from the bank. Zipline, jeep, and horseback tours are not far from the campground. We can recommend several white water rafting companies based on your specific needs.
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Lone Duck Campground and Cabins
64 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Cascade, CO
Lone Duck Campground sits just outside the city lights of Colorado Springs at the base of Pikes Peak, at an elevation of 7,600 feet. Our prime location puts us within a short distance of the many beautiful Colorado attractions. This makes us an ideal stop for families looking for a summer adventure or folks just passing through for a couple of days. We strive to make every stay a special experience. We know you will love it here at "the Duck"!
Lone Duck Campground and Cabins is your stop for a memorable vacation in the Colorado Rockies. We have all the necessary amenities to make your stay a comfortable one. We offer tent sites, cabins, and RV sites. Make your reservation with us today and allow our family to treat yours!
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Little Owl Canyon Campground
5 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Beulah Valley, CO
We have 120 acres of hiking, biking and 4 wheeling just 30 minutes west of Pueblo. Experience the mountains from the gentle acreage with a beautiful canyon.
Lake Pueblo is nearby, and just an hour or so to the Sandia Christos, Canyon City, Royal Gorge, Bishops Castle, Pueblo State Park and Greenhorn Mountain.
Much of the campground is fenced providing safety for pets and children while also protecting the campers from wondering wildlife.
We provide an outhouse area next to the campsites. We have a barn with kitchen, beds and bath that can be used under negotiations.
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Camping near Florence guide
Overview
Set alongside the Arkansas River in the high desert of southern Colorado, Florence is a small town with a ton of outdoor activities nearby. There’s a kayak whitewater park right in town, fantastic mountain biking nearby in Canon City, and excellent rafting through Royal Gorge. Florence also marks the beginning of the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway, a travel route that connects many of Colorado’s most famous Gold Rush communities. Campers will find plenty of options, including several RV parks close to town and lakeside sites at Lake Pueblo State Park.
Where to go
Pueblo
Located 45 minutes east of Florence, the city of Pueblo is a culturally diverse city with a vibrant downtown riverwalk. Pueblo offers miles of hiking and biking trails including over fourteen miles of paved trails right alongside the Arkansas River. The nearby Lake Pueblo State Park has several year-round campgrounds as well as boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals.
Royal Gorge
Only 10 minutes from Florence, Royal Gorge is a massive 10-mile long 1,200 foot deep canyon of the Arkansas River and one of Colorado’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s a bit of a tourist trap but it’s still an amazing sight to see. There’s plenty of family-friendly activities here such as gold panning, ziplining, and via ferrata climbing and visitors can walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the U.S.
Cripple Creek
This once bustling gold rush town has maintained much of its old western character. Cripple Creek’s downtown is lined with casinos, saloons, and shops, and several gold mining tours are offered at area mines. Cripple Creek is located a little over an hour north of Florence via the Goldbelt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway, an unpaved backcountry route through some of the country’s greatest old gold rush camps. Campers will find gorgeous forested spots in Mueller State Park, thirty minutes north of Cripple Creek.
When to go
Kayaking and whitewater rafting is best on the Arkansas River from April through August. High water is the most exciting time on the river and that’s usually between late May and late June. The best time to hike, bike, and camp in Florence is from March through October. In comparison to Colorado’s high country, Florence experiences a bit more mild winter and many area campgrounds including those at Lake Pueblo State Park remain open year-round.
Know before you go
- Florence is a pretty small town so services are few and far between. Find grocery stores, gear shops, and department stores in Cañon City, 10 miles away.
- Camping at Lake Pueblo State Park is very popular in summer. Reservations are available online and over the phone up to six months in advance.
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at outfitters in Canon City, Pueblo, and at Lake Pueblo State Park.
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