Penrose Common Rec Site
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Penrose Common Recreation Site in Colorado is a must-visit destination if you enjoy off-roading, horseback riding, or exploring miles of rugged public land. There are many places to set up camp throughout the recreation site, but you won't have hookups or potable water, so be sure to arrive with everything you'll need. The recreation site is a great choice for spontaneous road trips because you don't need reservations for dispersed camping. Paved highways get you close to the site, though the final access road to the staging area is dirt and can get washboarded. Drive carefully during wet weather, too, since the area may temporarily close to motorized use to prevent damage.
Quick Facts About RVing in the Penrose Common Recreation Site
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies (no official limit) • Camping Type: Dispersed camping • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None on-site • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Allowed (keep pets under control and clean up after them) • Roads: Paved highway with a dirt access road and OHV trails • Best Season: Fall, winter, and spring
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Free dispersed camping with no reservation required • Ideal for self-contained RVs and boondocking • Large trailer parking at the main staging area • Paved highway access toward the recreation site • Miles of OHV and horseback riding trails from camp • Dark skies with minimal light pollution for stargazing • Short drive to Cañon City for fuel, groceries, and supplies • Excellent basecamp for exploring south-central Colorado public lands
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Beaver Creek Loop Trail
This challenging loop trail lies in the Beaver Creek Wilderness Study Area to the north of the BLM site. Backpacking, hiking, and trail running are all popular activities for visitors. While exploring this trail, you'll encounter steep ascents, overgrown vegetation, beautiful scenery, and stunning views of the area. The route will also take you near the mighty Rocky Mountain River. You can bring the pups with you, but you need to keep them on leashes.
Length: 7.5 miles
Intensity: Hard
Penrose Commons Loop
Located near the city of Penrose, CO, this lengthy loop trail is an excellent destination for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trail is located very close to the Penrose Common Rec Site, so you won't need to travel far from the BLM site to begin your exploration. If you intend to navigate the entire loop, though, make sure you get an early start!
Length: 18.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
One of the best fishing spots near the Penrose Commons Rec Site is Beaver Creek, which flows to the north of the BLM site. The gentle stream is a popular destination for fly fishing and provides an opportunity to catch rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. Although Beaver Creek is a bit shallow for boating, you can head farther north to Skaguay Reservoir if you'd like to get out on the water. The small lake features a boat ramp and is a pleasant spot for both motorized and non-motorized boating.
Climbing
There are several fantastic spots for rock climbing around the greater Colorado Springs area. One of the most popular destinations is the Garden of the Gods, which features quite a few rock formations and is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the state. Another good option is North Cheyenne Cañon, which is found north of the BLM site and boasts towering rocks and spectacular views.
Wildlife Viewing
If you want to enjoy the best wildlife viewing that the area has to offer, you'll want to head a few miles north into the Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area. There, you can explore the woodlands and observe species like bighorn sheep, deer, elk, beavers, mountain lions, coyotes, bears, foxes, rattlesnakes, eagles, owls, falcons, kingfishers, and many more.
Picnicking
Although you may not find any designated picnic areas at the Penrose Common Rec Site, you are welcome to bring your own portable surface and enjoy a meal at the site. However, for a more peaceful experience, it's worth taking the short hike to the nearby Beaver Creek to have your picnic lunch beside the gently flowing stream.
OHV Riding
The majority of people who visit the Penrose Common Rec Site do so to partake in some form of OHV riding. The site boasts 30 miles of trails that are perfect for ATVs, motorcycles, and other off-road vehicles. The area is known for its extreme 4x4 rock crawling opportunities, which will provide a ton of fun and excitement for experienced riders. Plus, the site is laid out in a way that makes it easy for spectators to observe the action.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
While there aren't any official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the Penrose Common Rec Site, BLM RV camping is still a possibility. Since there aren't any established campsites, you'll need to create your own site and go without any services or amenities. If having access to amenities and RV hookups is a priority for you, you could instead travel to one of the nearby RV parks, such as Floyd's RV Park or the Main Street Manor RV Park.
Dispersed Camping
There's plenty of space for dispersed camping scattered throughout the recreation site. You are highly encouraged to use the existing sites rather than creating new ones to help preserve as much of the natural landscape as possible. If you want to do an extended stay, you're more than welcome to, but you must follow the 14-day stay limit, meaning you can't stay more than two weeks during a 28-day period. You'll also need to follow all regulations relating to campfires and motorized vehicle use, which you can typically find on the BLM's website before your trip.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: A strong fit for camps tucked beyond the staging area, where narrow dirt routes and uneven ground favor a short wheelbase. • Travel Trailers: Shorter trailers are the safer choice because established camping pullouts may offer limited turning space and irregular surfaces. • Fifth Wheels: Use the main access and inspect your chosen site first; long overhangs and wide turns can complicate off-road positioning. • Class A Motorhomes: Best kept near broad, level camping areas close to the entrance rather than taken onto rocky interior routes. • Class B Motorhomes: Their compact dimensions work especially well here, allowing easier navigation between dispersed sites and the trailer parking area. • Class C Motorhomes: Smaller models should manage the main camping areas, but low rear clearance requires caution over dips, rocks, and ruts.
Free Camping 
If you do any camping within the Penrose Common Rec Site, it will need to be the Bureau of Land Management free camping variety. With no actual campsites provided, dispersed camping is the only option. If you'd prefer to camp in a more secluded or remote area, you could hike north of the BLM site and choose a spot near the creek or in the forest.
RV Rentals Near Penrose Common Rec Site Plan your next adventure
Planning your Penrose Common Rec Site BLM trip
When you're planning a trip to the Penrose Common Rec Site, it's important to consider the weather conditions in advance. When there's significant rain in the area, a wet weather gate closes the BLM site off to motorized use to keep riders safe. Keep in mind that many OHV trails are difficult and are only intended for experienced riders. Additionally, make sure that your vehicle has a current Colorado OHV Sticker before riding in the area.
If you choose to camp at the site, make sure to bring your own water and supplies. If you want more information about the area, there is an information kiosk with trail maps in the main staging area. When walking around the area, be sure to watch where you step. Rattlesnakes have been occasionally spotted in the region. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
It's very important that you fill your RV's fresh water tank before coming to Penrose Common Recreation Site since potable water isn't available. You'll also want to stock your refrigerator and pantry with plenty of food and beverages. The closest full-service city is Cañon City, about a 15- to 20-minute drive away, making it the best place to purchase groceries, fuel, propane, and other camping supplies. You should also plan your waste tank capacity since there isn't an on-site dump station, hookups, or trash collection. Paved highways get you most of the way there, but the final stretch to the staging area follows a dirt road that can be washboarded. Beyond the staging area, you'll encounter rougher dirt roads and uneven terrain. Most RV travelers stay near established dispersed campsites and use an OHV or another vehicle to explore the trail system. If rain is in the forecast, check current conditions before leaving since the BLM may temporarily close motorized access.
Leave No Trace 
To help keep the Penrose Common Rec Site in good shape, please follow the "Leave No Trace" principles during your visit. If you choose to establish a dispersed campsite in the area, please make sure that you are only doing so on durable land surfaces. This will help ensure that you don't cause any damage to the environment.
Penrose Common Rec Site Location
To reach the Penrose Common Rec Site from the city of Penrose, travel north on CO Hwy 115 for approximately 2.3 miles and then turn west on Third Street (CR 123). At this point, you should see a sign for Brush Hollow Reservoir. Stay on Third Street for 0.3 miles and then take a right on E Street (CR 127). Follow E Street for about three miles, and you will come to the parking area of the BLM site.
Ready to visit Penrose Common Rec Site? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Penrose Common Recreation Site
• Morning: After you wake up to the gorgeous high desert landscape, fix a hearty RV breakfast to ensure everyone has plenty of energy for a day of outdoor recreation. Spend the rest of the morning checking out the staging area and unloading your OHV, mountain bike, or horse for a ride through the trail system. • Afternoon: Go back to the RV to relax around the campsite as you gear up for another afternoon on the trails. Use one of these easy recipes to feed the family lunch. • Evening: Use the later hours in the day to explore a different section of the recreation site and take photos of the surrounding foothills and mountain views. If the fire restrictions allow, cook dinner over a campfire.
Nearby Attractions
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park • Drive from Penrose Common Recreation Site: About 30 minutes • RV Friendly: Large parking areas accommodate many RVs • Main Attraction: Walk across America's highest suspension bridge • Things To Do: Ride gondolas and scenic aerial attractions • Pets: Leashed pets allowed in outdoor areas • Time Needed: Plan for three to five hours • Good To Know: Purchase admission tickets before peak weekends Skyline Drive • Drive from Penrose Common Recreation Site: About 20 minutes • RV Friendly: Park larger RVs before the scenic drive • Main Attraction: Spectacular overlooks above Cañon City • Things To Do: View dinosaur tracks and mountain scenery • Cost: Free scenic drive year-round • Time Needed: Allow approximately 30 to 60 minutes • Good To Know: Not suitable for oversized recreational vehicles Museum of Colorado Prisons • Drive from Penrose Common Recreation Site: About 20 minutes • RV Friendly: Nearby parking accommodates many types of RVs • Main Attraction: Historic prison exhibits spanning Colorado's past • Things To Do: Tour restored cells and museum displays • Family Appeal: Better suited for older children and adults • Time Needed: Most visits last one to two hours • Good To Know: Located beside a historic correctional facility
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I allowed to camp with my RV? Yes, you are allowed to camp with your RV, but there aren't any developed campgrounds. You'll have to camp in one of the areas that's designated for dispersed camping. Are there restrooms at the recreation site? Yes. There's a vault toilet near the entrance and staging area, but that's the extent of the facilities. You won't find potable water, hookups, or trash service, so come self-contained, bring plenty of drinking water, and plan to pack out everything you bring in. Can I camp in a fifth-wheel? Yes, but you should be mindful of the fifth-wheel's size since the recreation site's roads and parking areas have limited space for maneuvering large RVs. Many RV travelers find that smaller fifth wheels and mid-size towable setups work best for this destination. Can I go target shooting here? No. Penrose Common Recreation Site is closed to target shooting, so leave that activity for a designated range elsewhere. You can still enjoy the site's main draws, including miles of OHV and horseback riding trails, dispersed camping, and access to the surrounding public land. Can I unload my ATV directly from my campsite? Yes, you can usually unload and load your OHV right at your campsite. Just keep in mind that as you're riding, you'll need to abide by all BLM regulations, like staying on designated motorized routes and respecting seasonal closures.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
The main things that you'll want to consider when choosing the right RV rental are how many people you're bringing, whether you're transporting any ATVs, mountain bikes, or horseback riding gear, and the length of the trip. You don't need an RV with four-wheel drive, but it often helps to travel in a smaller rig since it's easier to maneuver into dispersed campsites and navigate uneven dirt roads. Since there won't be any hookups, you'll likely want to bring a generator to keep your batteries charged and appliances running. Start planning your trip to Penrose Common Recreation Site by finding the perfect Cañon City RV rental.