Most wildfires are preventable. Learn to be fire safe

Camping near Florence

·

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.    

95% (3.6K) 3,198 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Florence

Desert Reef Hot Springs

1. Desert Reef Hot Springs

100%
(10)
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%
(81)
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

91%
(78)
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

97%
(50)
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%
(163)
7.9mi from Florence · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Royal Gorge Private Camp

8. Royal Gorge Private Camp

100%
(26)
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
Starlite Vintage Resort

9. Starlite Vintage Resort

94%
(95)
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
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%
(66)
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

100%
(12)
State park 36mi from Florence · 117 sites
Explore the Colorado wilderness no matter the season in this wooded state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Phantom Canyon Acres

14. Phantom Canyon Acres

91%
(11)
18mi from Florence · 4 sites
Nestled in the beautiful Phantom Canyon, this property offers unique solitude and views that are unrivaled. Enjoy views of incredible canyon rock formations, listen to the sounds of Eightmile Creek as it meanders through the property and relax near 2 picturesque ponds that are situated near groves of massive aspen trees! The property is situated at an elevation of nearly 9,000ft. on over 100 acres of private, pristine Colorado mountain land that offers incredible canyon views. Take a stroll through a lush aspen grove with towering aspen trees, play in the creek or relax in a sunny meadow next to one of the two ponds - this property has it all!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Alta Vista Disc Golf Ranch

15. Alta Vista Disc Golf Ranch

98%
(65)
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
Rocky Mtn PikesPk Hikin'nBiking

16. Rocky Mtn PikesPk Hikin'nBiking

99%
(50)
23mi from Florence · 1 site
Tucked up close to Pikes Peak in all her glory! No one else around you! 100%  Nature.  You, STARS, deer, elk, eagles. Sleep in the cabin or under the stars in your tent. Your choice. Where is this? Convenient from Denver and Colorado Springs. Approx 50 miles (75 min) from I-25 and Hwy 24 in Colorado Springs. Approx 30 miles from Mueller State Park. South of Florissant National Fossil Beds and NE of Canon City.  Details: 100+ acres of private land that borders BLM so hundreds of additional acres available with amazing views of the west side of Pikes Peak. **I've been a HipCamp host for years, but I took a break to care for family so there's a brief time gap in reviews. Voted a Top HipCamp Colorado Site in 2018.** Cabin: Sleeps 5. Small hunting cabin that can sleep two in twin beds down stairs, 3 twin beds upstairs, couch opens to a sleeper if more beds are needed. Carry in your own water and propane for camping stove. No well; no power. Total "primitive" cabin; you have a roof, windows, wood stove, cookware and tableware, simple yet clean cabin, counter tops and cook stove available. Owner will communicate with you to make sure this is a good fit before owner accepts the reservation. Allow time for that in the reservation process.    On Holiday Weekends, only three day reservations will be accepted. Bring your food, water, fuel for the camper stove,  paper products, and camera and leave with a full heart and great time in the mountains! **NO DOGS ALLOWED**
Campfires
Cooking equipment
Desert with views of Pikes Peak

17. Desert with views of Pikes Peak

90%
(15)
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
Sweetwater River Resort

18. Sweetwater River Resort

91%
(428)
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

19. Yakalo Ranch

99%
(39)
28mi from Florence · 14 sites
"It's Real Rustic Out Here" This is NOT Glamping, this is the Real Rustic Camping Experience :) Yakalo Ranch a Hike-in, Hike-out experience focused on the core principle of "Leave No Trace" to "Pack it in, Pack it out", hence our motto: "It's Real Rustic Out Here" You have 3 options to this Rustic Camping Experience here a Yakalo: 1. Hike in and Pitch your own tent - the whole point 🤭☺️; 2. Stay in one of ours - just bring everything else 🏕️; 3. or try your luck in the Sasquatch Forest hanging tents and catch a glimpse of big foot - coming soon… All sites are near fresh running water from surrounding springs. Get that glowing campfire going or Saddle up to the community “Bunkhouse” and “Campfire”, open 10am-10pm daily. Enjoy a drink from our zero-proof tavern (coming soon), while you relax in the wood-fired hot tub, sauna and/or cold plunge. Pull up a bench and stay a while. NO PETS ALLOWED AT THE BUNKHOUSE PLEASE. ***Yakalo Ranch (outfitter private land) is currently undergoing site improvements with Pikes National Forest, however we will accept reservations on a case by case basis.*** Beautiful Mountain Ranges, Natural Springs and Creeks, Amazing Rock Formations, Endless Trails, Historic Well and Pipeline, Precious Metal Mines, Gold Panning, Animals: Emus, Elk, Deer, Black bears, Foxes, Turkey, Squires, Chickens, Peacocks, Ducks, Geese, Horses, Goats and an occasional Moose (with Yakalo Mini Highlands - coming soon). Recreational Activities such as hiking, riding, fishing, all while surrounded by wild strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and wild honey right at your fingertips. Points of Interest: Makayla Meadow - Hike - Moderate - Disbursed Camping - Guide Required - Snow Sledding area (Winter Only) - Wild Honey Location Vultures Point - Hike - Hard - Disbursed Camping - Guide required Roy's Ridge - Hike - Hard - Disbursed Camping - Guide required Walters' Historic Well - Hike - Easy Historic Pipeline Trail - Hike - Easy Stonehenge's Table - Hike - Easy/Moderate Ponderosa Pine Forest - Hike - Easy/Moderate Sleeping Giant Trail - Hike - Easy/Moderate Sasquatch Forest - Hike - Moderate - Disbursed Hanging Tent Camping - Guide Required Squirrel Falls - Moderate - dispersed camping - Guide Required
Pets
Campfires
Serendipity Slope

20. Serendipity Slope

96%
(210)
28mi from Florence · 1 site
This land was originally a gold mine in the late 1800s that was then abandoned and later subdivided and sold off. This 10 acres was known as Gold Dollar #1, #2, and #3. There is currently an agricultural grazing lease on the property. The main minerals that can be found are quartz, pyrite and garnet.
Pets
Toilets
Picnic table

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