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.    

97% (3.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Florence

1. Sweetwater River Resort

91%
(381)
28mi from Florence · 72 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
from 
$40
 / night

7. Red Rocks Open Space

98%
(48)
35mi from Florence · 1 site · RV
We offer a parking spot at night to have a quick safe place to stay. We do not allow the camper to stay multiple continuous days without leaving as you must leave during the day time, but are welcome to return at night. ---shower is only available if our office is open when you arrive----- ---We sometimes have Buses leaving or returning to our facility late at night, so just know you might hear a large bus pulling in late at night. ---PLEASE DO NOT block our Iron Gate with the H on it, or stick out into the entrance of the facility. If you stick out too far, you need to park North to South , which is parallel to the wood fence with the customer parking signs on it. You can block the handicap signs also if needed. You are also welcome to park in between the building and the front garden bed area as well if you prefer. The ground is not too level there, so you will need to level your rv. Here is a little bit about us! We rent motorhomes, camper vans, travel trailers, Paddleboards, and party buses! We are a perfect fit for hip camping because we are right across the street from Red Rocks Open Space, 5 min away from Garden of the Gods, and right off of HWY24 to head deeper into the Rockies! We are a full service RV facility, so we have mechanics on site if you need your rig looked at also! We are all camper van folks and know the struggle of not being able to find a safe spot.
Pets
from 
$15
 / night

8. M Lazy C Ranch

94%
(43)
49mi from Florence · 30 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Step into the boots of a cowboy and ride into the old west, the way it used to be! Ride off into the old west at our world-famous historic guest ranch built in the 1900's. Camping sites, cabins, primitive camping, pet friendly, and ATV friendly. Here, we do things the cowboy way…the way it used to be! Bring your horses or ride one of ours. With views of magnificent Pike’s Peak and surrounded by over 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest, soak in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains while you relax in your cabin or RV site. We offer a taste of the real old west at our famous Old West Colorado guest ranch. Listen to the sounds of the wind through the Ponderosa Pines, Elk bugle echoes through the hills, howls of coyotes in the distance, deer moving nearby. It's peaceful but never silent. Come visit the ranch’s 115-year history. Started as a homestead back in 1906, M Lazy Ranch is now a thriving guest ranch and cowboy playground. M Lazy C Ranch is the ideal location for a family trip, time with friends, romantic horse rides and more. Our original turn of the century Cabins dating back to that time period, have been lovingly restored. Not your typical dude ranch. We are flexible and offer a multitude of options to choose from. We also offer RV sites, Equestrian RV Sites, an Arena, Cabins, Weddings, Hunting, Fishing, Events, and more! Surrounded by 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest on three sides provides our guests with unlimited riding potential and amazing views. Ride horses on our property for a perfect relaxing gateway the whole family can enjoy. Sit on the porch of your very own piece of heaven, relax, put your feet up, and stay awhile.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$38
 / night

9. High Peaks Campground

97%
(775)
46mi from Florence · 22 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the largest Alpine Valley in the world! San Luis Valley is a region in south-central Colorado with a small portion overlapping into New Mexico. The valley is approximately 122 miles long and 74 miles wide, making it the largest alpine valley in the world. It extends from the Continental Divide on the northwest rim into New Mexico on the south. This campground sits close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. I encourage binoculars or even a telescope to view wildlife and check out the Rockies and then the night sky views! Looking to submerse yourself in nature? The Sangre de Cristo Range in Colorado contains the following 14ers: Blanca Peak, Challenger Point, Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak, Culebra Peak, Ellingwood Point, Humboldt Peak, Kit Carson Peak, Mount Lindsey, and Little Bear Peak. Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With unlimited mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, even Meteor showers!!! History: this land was originally part of a large cattle 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 BLM land, BACA land, and Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. Be sure to bring extra bug spray and protection needed against biting insects such as flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. For those bringing your pets, they MUST be on a leash/lead at all times. While I do not have much cactus on my property, I do have an abundance of greasewood (Chico brush) which is very thorn-like if stepped on. Accommodations for those with livestock or horses, 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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night

17. The Nomad Ranch

100%
(5)
42mi from Florence · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
About a half mile off Highway 69 and two miles outside the tiny town of Gardner, this is the perfect retreat if you are looking for fantastic views of the Sangre de Cristos, Spanish Peaks, and Wet Mountains. Our property is close to hiking, a wolf preserve, Bishop's Castle, thousands of acres of national forest, over 800 miles of dirt roads (with jeep and ATV trails), and within 40 minutes to one of the most quaint and best kept secret towns in Colorado, Westcliffe. We are about 30 minutes northwest of Walsenburg, CO and about 40 minutes southeast of Westcliffe, CO. Maximum RV length is 30 ft. No hookups are provided for RVs so please plan to be self contained during your stay. We also offer a small dry cabin (no running water or electricity) which is perfect for those looking to not get quite as close with nature. We also offer tent camping!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$23
 / night

20. Twisted Sisters Farm

96%
(135)
40mi from Florence · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
I bought this land to move from Houston Learn more about this land: In by 2PM, out be 1:30OM. I widened the gate and moved my mailbox for easier access. Butane fire rings allowed on private property during a fire ban . Camp anywhere on 60 acres. In one direction there are rolling meadow. Another rocky outcropping. Look to the south and you’ll see the BLM land that shares my fence line. If you want access to town you’re there. You choose how you want to feel. In the woods, in the forest, on huge rocks, flat land or turn around and see CR 1 ( 1/4 mile driveway). Forty five minutes west of Colorado Springs, ten miles to Divide for grocers. One half mile to ice, gas, pizza etc.  It is first come first serve with the sites.  Two that are near trees for large RVs.  One up higher works for pull thru trailers.  Plenty of room in the pasture.  I just got my first negative review referring to it being dry prairie land.  Some  pictures are from late last summer..  We haven’t had enough rain yet for it to green up.  Also it can be windy.
Pets
Water hookup
Potable water
from 
$40
 / night

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.    

97% (3.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Florence

1. Sweetwater River Resort

91%
(381)
28mi from Florence · 72 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
from 
$40
 / night

7. Red Rocks Open Space

98%
(48)
35mi from Florence · 1 site · RV
We offer a parking spot at night to have a quick safe place to stay. We do not allow the camper to stay multiple continuous days without leaving as you must leave during the day time, but are welcome to return at night. ---shower is only available if our office is open when you arrive----- ---We sometimes have Buses leaving or returning to our facility late at night, so just know you might hear a large bus pulling in late at night. ---PLEASE DO NOT block our Iron Gate with the H on it, or stick out into the entrance of the facility. If you stick out too far, you need to park North to South , which is parallel to the wood fence with the customer parking signs on it. You can block the handicap signs also if needed. You are also welcome to park in between the building and the front garden bed area as well if you prefer. The ground is not too level there, so you will need to level your rv. Here is a little bit about us! We rent motorhomes, camper vans, travel trailers, Paddleboards, and party buses! We are a perfect fit for hip camping because we are right across the street from Red Rocks Open Space, 5 min away from Garden of the Gods, and right off of HWY24 to head deeper into the Rockies! We are a full service RV facility, so we have mechanics on site if you need your rig looked at also! We are all camper van folks and know the struggle of not being able to find a safe spot.
Pets
from 
$15
 / night

8. M Lazy C Ranch

94%
(43)
49mi from Florence · 30 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Step into the boots of a cowboy and ride into the old west, the way it used to be! Ride off into the old west at our world-famous historic guest ranch built in the 1900's. Camping sites, cabins, primitive camping, pet friendly, and ATV friendly. Here, we do things the cowboy way…the way it used to be! Bring your horses or ride one of ours. With views of magnificent Pike’s Peak and surrounded by over 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest, soak in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains while you relax in your cabin or RV site. We offer a taste of the real old west at our famous Old West Colorado guest ranch. Listen to the sounds of the wind through the Ponderosa Pines, Elk bugle echoes through the hills, howls of coyotes in the distance, deer moving nearby. It's peaceful but never silent. Come visit the ranch’s 115-year history. Started as a homestead back in 1906, M Lazy Ranch is now a thriving guest ranch and cowboy playground. M Lazy C Ranch is the ideal location for a family trip, time with friends, romantic horse rides and more. Our original turn of the century Cabins dating back to that time period, have been lovingly restored. Not your typical dude ranch. We are flexible and offer a multitude of options to choose from. We also offer RV sites, Equestrian RV Sites, an Arena, Cabins, Weddings, Hunting, Fishing, Events, and more! Surrounded by 350,000 acres of Pike National Forest on three sides provides our guests with unlimited riding potential and amazing views. Ride horses on our property for a perfect relaxing gateway the whole family can enjoy. Sit on the porch of your very own piece of heaven, relax, put your feet up, and stay awhile.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$38
 / night

9. High Peaks Campground

97%
(775)
46mi from Florence · 22 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the largest Alpine Valley in the world! San Luis Valley is a region in south-central Colorado with a small portion overlapping into New Mexico. The valley is approximately 122 miles long and 74 miles wide, making it the largest alpine valley in the world. It extends from the Continental Divide on the northwest rim into New Mexico on the south. This campground sits close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. I encourage binoculars or even a telescope to view wildlife and check out the Rockies and then the night sky views! Looking to submerse yourself in nature? The Sangre de Cristo Range in Colorado contains the following 14ers: Blanca Peak, Challenger Point, Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak, Culebra Peak, Ellingwood Point, Humboldt Peak, Kit Carson Peak, Mount Lindsey, and Little Bear Peak. Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With unlimited mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, even Meteor showers!!! History: this land was originally part of a large cattle 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 BLM land, BACA land, and Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. Be sure to bring extra bug spray and protection needed against biting insects such as flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. For those bringing your pets, they MUST be on a leash/lead at all times. While I do not have much cactus on my property, I do have an abundance of greasewood (Chico brush) which is very thorn-like if stepped on. Accommodations for those with livestock or horses, 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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night

17. The Nomad Ranch

100%
(5)
42mi from Florence · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
About a half mile off Highway 69 and two miles outside the tiny town of Gardner, this is the perfect retreat if you are looking for fantastic views of the Sangre de Cristos, Spanish Peaks, and Wet Mountains. Our property is close to hiking, a wolf preserve, Bishop's Castle, thousands of acres of national forest, over 800 miles of dirt roads (with jeep and ATV trails), and within 40 minutes to one of the most quaint and best kept secret towns in Colorado, Westcliffe. We are about 30 minutes northwest of Walsenburg, CO and about 40 minutes southeast of Westcliffe, CO. Maximum RV length is 30 ft. No hookups are provided for RVs so please plan to be self contained during your stay. We also offer a small dry cabin (no running water or electricity) which is perfect for those looking to not get quite as close with nature. We also offer tent camping!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$23
 / night

20. Twisted Sisters Farm

96%
(135)
40mi from Florence · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
I bought this land to move from Houston Learn more about this land: In by 2PM, out be 1:30OM. I widened the gate and moved my mailbox for easier access. Butane fire rings allowed on private property during a fire ban . Camp anywhere on 60 acres. In one direction there are rolling meadow. Another rocky outcropping. Look to the south and you’ll see the BLM land that shares my fence line. If you want access to town you’re there. You choose how you want to feel. In the woods, in the forest, on huge rocks, flat land or turn around and see CR 1 ( 1/4 mile driveway). Forty five minutes west of Colorado Springs, ten miles to Divide for grocers. One half mile to ice, gas, pizza etc.  It is first come first serve with the sites.  Two that are near trees for large RVs.  One up higher works for pull thru trailers.  Plenty of room in the pasture.  I just got my first negative review referring to it being dry prairie land.  Some  pictures are from late last summer..  We haven’t had enough rain yet for it to green up.  Also it can be windy.
Pets
Water hookup
Potable water
from 
$40
 / night

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Camping near Florence 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.