Camping near Florence

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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.    

94% (3.8K) • 3,264 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Florence

Desert Reef Hot Springs

1. Desert Reef Hot Springs

100%
(11)
2.7mi from Florence · 13 sites
Desert Reef Hot Springs was originally created in 1986 as a labor of love and an effort to build a community, a secret and protected refuge from the world. This intent rings true in the recent expansion and renovation of the hot springs completed in 2022. We welcome you to join us for a soak or an overnight stay in our beautifully remodeled Airstreams or Tiny Homes. We provide a safe, welcoming refuge for curious and creative folks who are looking to relax, recharge, and find some inspiration and joy. Desert Reef is located in the secluded and scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in Florence, Colorado, also known as Royal Gorge Country. We offer therapeutic waters, big open skies, tranquility, site-specific art installations, and a nonjudgemental attitude with a belief in inclusivity. We have multiple pools for you to relax and reset and be your best self. We take our responsibility of creating a safe space for all our guests and staff to feel comfortable being themselves very seriously. Our goal is for all guests to leave changed - relaxed, inspired, and open to the endless possibility that lies ahead of them. We take great care to preserve our land, our water, and our community and look forward to welcoming you. Desert Reef is about a 45-minute drive from Colorado Springs and 1.5 hours from Denver.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
K's Camping

2. K's Camping

96%
(14)
6.6mi from Florence · 1 site · Tent, RV
Hello and welcome!! Enjoy a 2 acre pasture all to yourself. Its only one site soo the area is yours to explore during your stay! Full hookups. Easy access to Royal gorge, shelf road, oil well flats, Pueblo Reservoir, Colorado springs and Garden of the gods. Right off Highway 50. Plenty of room on site to park additional trailers with all your toys for the local OHV trails. Looking forward to hosting you!!
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
MTNMN Ranch

3. MTNMN Ranch

92%
(54)
6.6mi from Florence · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Potable water
San Isabel National Forest

4. San Isabel National Forest

89%
(83)
National forest 49mi from Florence · 912 sites
Walk along the footsteps of giants in this natural Rocky Mountain playground.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Pueblo State Park

5. Lake Pueblo State Park

63%
(8)
State park 22mi from Florence · 370 sites
Enjoy all things water related at this fishing and water sports hot spot.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The Hillfort

6. The Hillfort

98%
(42)
7.7mi from Florence · 5 sites
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.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Cliffs Edge campsite

7. Cliffs Edge campsite

100%
(139)
7.9mi from Florence · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to cliffs edge campsites. Almost glamping, you will have a fantastic experience while staying in our spacious and comfortable bell tents. Sitting by the provided gas fire pit and watching the clouds pass over the Pikes Peak range is a time to remember forever. This extremely unique space allows campers to enjoy city lights below, and incredible stars lighting the sky above. Enjoy over 160 acres of unspoiled Colorado front range wilderness. Backed up against billions of acres of national forest, these woods have had little human contact until the campsites were erected in 2022. End of the road privacy for these Rugged cliff top campsites with awesome views of Pikes Peak and surrounding areas. Behind locked gates, enjoy privacy and piece of mind Within the Locke Mountain Vineyards private ranch. Rarely used Private access to San Isabel national forest, groups can follow an old mining road, perfect for miles of mountain hiking and sure adventure for all. Less than one hour drive to the Royal Gorge, Pueblo reservoir, and other local attractions. Endless hiking and exploring of the canyons on the 160 acres of private property. Bring your binoculars to to enhance the vistas from camp, or even a spotting scope for long range game viewing. Golfers Driving range is great fun. Feel free to smack the provided golf balls into the abyss for max distance. Also the golf ball scavenger hunting in the canyon below can keep the kids busy for hours. Truly a destination campsite, worth a few nights stay. This place is Sweet!!! Notes -No fires what so ever! Fire danger is extremely high in this area. - Although we are only forty miles from the Sand Dunes park, it is a four hour drive to get there, so maybe not the best area to stay if the dunes are on your list. - Days in the summer can get pretty hot and shade is hard to come by, so plan a day trip to Florence river park, (about 30 minutes drive)and hop in the Arkansas river and cool off. - this is a wilderness area and all Colorado wildlife is present.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table
Tumbleweed Flats

8. Tumbleweed Flats

90%
(20)
8.9mi from Florence · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This five acre property is in the county, yet on the edge of town. Close, as in 5 minutes, to the town center, the Hogbacks (Skyline Drive) , and the Arkansas River. The Royal Gorge Bridge is about a 20 minute drive out of town. Feeling adventurous? Not afraid of heights or drop-offs and have four wheel drive? Then try the back route (single track, dirt road) to Cripple Creek - Shelf Road. Go adventure for the day, knowing your gear and equipment are safely secured on private property! Great views of the surrounding mountains and a quiet environment to stay the night.
Pets
Picnic table
Royal Gorge Private Camp

9. Royal Gorge Private Camp

98%
(27)
15mi from Florence · 1 site
Enjoy views of the Royal Gorge Bridge from this 2.5 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.
Pets
Full hookups
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

10. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

89%
(14)
Park 49mi from Florence · 94 sites
Camping comes with a dose of adrenaline and a side of adventure along the Arkansas River.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cheyenne Mountain State Park

11. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

58%
(6)
State park 27mi from Florence · 45 sites
Take your dog for a hike or practice your archery skills at this verdant state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pike National Forest

12. Pike National Forest

84%
(67)
National forest 60mi from Florence · 883 sites
A surprisingly diverse landscape sprawled throughout a huge national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mueller State Park

13. Mueller State Park

96%
(13)
State park 36mi from Florence · 117 sites
Explore the Colorado wilderness no matter the season in this wooded state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Starlite Vintage Resort

14. Starlite Vintage Resort

95%
(106)
15mi from Florence · 58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Starlite Vintage Resort is located minutes from the world-famous Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City, Colorado. Situated on over 10 acres with eye-popping views of the Rocky Mountains, the Starlite Vintage Resort provides a variety of luxury accommodations themed around the timeless trends and classic movies of the era that introduced America to the Beatles, man’s first walk on the moon, Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, the Woodstock Rock Festival, and the enduring kids’ TV shows, Sesame Street and The Flintstones.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Rockin L7 Ranch

15. Rockin L7 Ranch

95%
(10)
16mi from Florence · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Open flat land with beautiful views of the Royal Gorge mountains and right on the front range. 1 1/2 miles off highway 50 not far from the Arkansas River. Our ranch is a safe and quiet camping site with incredible starry night skies. If you are traveling with horses we have several corrals for you to rest your horses as well as a RV power hook up. Sorry no waste dump. We have a water spigot with cold delicious water and an outlet to charge your phones. Please bring your own camp toilet to this site!
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Potable water
Alta Vista Disc Golf Ranch

16. Alta Vista Disc Golf Ranch

99%
(67)
20mi from Florence · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Camping at Alta Vista Disc golf Ranch. Play the 5 star disc golf course. Fishing is 15 minutes away. Enjoy the amazing views of nipple mountain, pikes peak and the Sangre de Cristos while hiking and mountain biking. The historic mining towns of victor and cripple creek are only a short drive away. After entering from phantom canyon road, take a sharp right after the cattle guard, stay on this road, it will lead you to my property.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Desert with views of Pikes Peak

17. Desert with views of Pikes Peak

92%
(13)
27mi from Florence · 4 sites
Learn more about this land:We are in a wonderful area to use as a hub for so many amazing activities. We are located on 7 acres of land with the most amazing sunrises to the east and two the west we have Pikes Peak. This is a wonderful place to sit and relax, it is very quiet. At some points durning the month the Milky way is wonderful. We may or may not have our sunflower field as well depending the time of the year. We may also offer different art and craft type of experiences.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Pikes Peak Dry Camp

18. Pikes Peak Dry Camp

100%
(12)
27mi from Florence · 1 site
enjoy our dusty oasis where you can look out over the racetrack and easy access to I-25. we are also near multiple shooting ranges, off road dirt bikes 4wheelers and side-by-side short trials and tracks. power and water options available per request. no dumping is permitted
Pets
Sweetwater River Resort

19. Sweetwater River Resort

90%
(471)
28mi from Florence · 28 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sweetwater River Resort is located right 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 Sweetwater is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. 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 to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself. Sweetwater 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 Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Yakalo Ranch

20. Yakalo Ranch

96%
(58)
28mi from Florence · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging
It’s Real Rustic Out Here. Welcome to Yakalo Ranch — 37 acres of private mountain land near Colorado Springs, surrounded by the beauty of Pike National Forest. This is NOT glamping. Yakalo is for campers looking for a genuine, rustic Colorado mountain camping experience: hike in, pitch your tent, explore the trails, listen to the creeks and springs, and leave the land as you found it. Choose your adventure: 🏕️ Bring Your Own Tent — Hike in and pitch your tent at one of our rustic campsites. ⛺ Tent Provided — Stay in one of ours and bring the rest of your camping gear. 🌲 Sasquatch Forest — Hanging-tent camping is coming soon for campers brave enough to spend the night looking for Bigfoot. Wild Colorado, right outside your tent! Yakalo Ranch is home to mountain views, natural springs and creeks, rock formations, historic mining features and miles of places to explore. Wildlife sightings may include elk, deer, wild turkey, foxes, black bears and other native Colorado wildlife. You'll also meet some of the ranch animals along the way. Depending on the season, explore hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing, snow sledding and other outdoor adventures. You'll also find wild berries and other native plants growing throughout the property. The Bunkhouse After a day outside, head back to our community Bunkhouse and campfire area, open daily from 10 AM–10 PM. Pull up a bench, meet other campers and stay awhile. Please note: Pets are welcome at campsites but are not permitted at the Bunkhouse due to working guard dogs and livestock. Explore Yakalo Our trails and landmarks include Makayla Meadow, Vultures Point, Roy's Ridge, Walter's Historic Well, Historic Pipeline Trail, Stonehenge's Table, Ponderosa Pine Forest, Sleeping Giant Trail, Sasquatch Forest and Squirrel Falls. Some backcountry areas and dispersed camping locations require a guide. Trail difficulty ranges from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. Know Before You Book Yakalo Ranch follows Leave No Trace principles. This is an intentionally rustic camping experience, so guests should arrive prepared to pack it in and pack it out. Native terrain, wildlife and changing mountain conditions are part of the experience. If you're looking for paved campsites, manicured grounds and resort-style camping, Yakalo probably isn't your place. But if you're looking for a quiet tent, a mountain trail, running water nearby, wildlife outside your campsite and a little Colorado adventure… Welcome to Yakalo Ranch. It’s Real Rustic Out Here. 🤠🏕️
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Florence camping guide

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

  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at outfitters in Canon City, Pueblo, and at Lake Pueblo State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some popular outdoor activities near Florence include kayaking, mountain biking, and rafting. There is also the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway that connects many of Colorado’s famous Gold Rush communities.

Near Florence, you can visit Royal Gorge, which is a massive 10-mile long canyon of the Arkansas River. It offers activities such as gold panning, ziplining, and via ferrata climbing. You can also walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the U.S.

The best time for camping near Florence is from March through October. Many area campgrounds, including those at Lake Pueblo State Park, remain open year-round. Camping at Lake Pueblo State Park is very popular in summer, and reservations are available online and over the phone up to six months in advance. You can also explore different options for camping near Florence on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Florence, CO trips