The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Penrose Common Rec Site is a warm, scenic area in central Colorado that's protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Located about 20 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, CO, the site features many miles of great motorized trails, making it a popular destination for OHV (off-highway vehicle) riding. The site, like many of the public areas administered by the BLM, is an excellent place to enjoy camping in a serene, beautiful setting. Visitors can also partake in activities like hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding area. Plus, the Penrose Common Rec Site is only around 20 miles south of the majestic Pikes Peak, which stands an incredible 14,115 feet tall.
In addition to the Penrose Common Rec Site, there are quite a few BLM-protected sites around Colorado and throughout much of the United States. At these locations, you'll often find campgrounds, trails, and unique landmarks. If you're interested in visiting one or more of these interesting natural areas, you could start by searching online for "BLM camping near me."
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
