Shelf Road Sites
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Known for being a popular destination for RV travelers in Colorado, Shelf Road Sites offers exciting adventures with its rock climbing opportunities and scenic canyon views. Visitors can mountain bike over miles of rugged trails and horseback ride through the surrounding public lands. The limestone cliffs are a favorite backdrop for photography sessions. Two developed campgrounds make it easy to stay close to the area's premier climbing destinations. Most of the access roads are paved for several miles before transitioning to well-maintained dirt roads.
Quick Facts About RVing in Shelf Road Sites
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies (Sand Gulch accommodates larger rigs; The Bank favors smaller RVs) • Camping Type: Developed campgrounds • Reservations: Some sites are reservable • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Allowed (must remain leashed) • Roads: Paved roads and well-maintained dirt roads • Best Season: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Two developed campgrounds close to premier climbing areas • Nearly 1,000 established limestone climbing routes nearby • Direct access to mountain biking and horseback riding trails • Peaceful camping tucked inside Fourmile Canyon • Easy day trip from Cañon City for supplies • Dark skies with excellent stargazing opportunities • Spacious campsites surrounded by towering canyon walls • Great basecamp for exploring Colorado's public lands
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Horsethief Falls Trail
Horsethief Falls Trail is an in-and-out pathway that dashes from Cripple Creek to Horsethief Falls. The trail only elevates 567 feet and follows a creek through forests. There are periodic views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding plains.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Pony Gulch Homestead
The Pony Gulch Homestead Trail begins at a high point on Lookout Point near Cripple Creek, descends rapidly to the canyon below, and follows a river past a dam and pond to an old homestead. There are great views along the way, with wildlife in the background. Its seclusion is noticeable from the start, with no trailhead sign in place. It is marked by cairns starting when hikers reach the canyon floor.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
Fishing and Boating
Angling and rafting are allowed in the BLM area along Shelf Road. Many adventurers visit Fourmile Creek seeking a whitewater rafting experience during the late spring, early summer, and late fall months. Anglers find four trout species in its waters: rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout.
Climbing
While Shelf Road is for climbers of every skill level, there is one that outdraws all other climbs. It is called the “Contest Wall.” Set up during a rock-climbing competition, this 1,000-foot vertical climb above Royal Gorge features a bolted trail that demands a series of strenuous moves. When climbers reach the peak, an outcrop known as “Nathan,” they pause to celebrate a significant accomplishment before descending.
Wildlife Viewing
The varied terrain along Shelf Road provides homes for multiple wildlife species. Bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, mule deer, and black bears are common throughout the area. Predators such as coyotes, mountain lions, eagles, and falcons stay close to Fourmile Creek in hopes of catching a quick meal.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are dispersed along the length of Shelf Road. It is not uncommon to see families picnicking and enjoying the view beside the running creek below the road.
Stargazing
The night sky lights up along Shelf Road. Light pollution is minimal, with the nearest large urban area being 45 miles away and separated from the road by numerous mountains. The farther visitors get along the road, the higher the elevation, which leads to an incredible display during clear nights in campgrounds near Cripple Creek.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
The Bureau of Land Management campgrounds come in two types. The developed BLM RV camping sites provide extra amenities and charge a per-night fee to stay. One developed BLM camping site is Sand Gulch Campground, which offers 17 campsites with metal fire rings, picnic tables, and a single vault toilet. It sits in a large meadow within walking distance of the surrounding cliffs. RV campers may stay up to 14 days at the cost of $7 per night.
Developed Campgrounds
Sand Gulch Campground • 31 total campsites, including two group sites • Short walk to popular sport climbing walls • Pull-through sites available for select larger RVs • Small day-use parking area nearby • Clean vault restrooms available for campers • Fire rings and picnic tables at every campsite • Easy access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and 4WD routes The Bank Campground • 33 total campsites, including two group sites • Overlooks Shelf Road from above • Direct access to nearly 1,000 bolted climbing routes • Basic restroom amenities available • Pull-through campsites available in B Loop • Day-use parking for climbers and other recreationists • Rough access roads favor smaller RVs and experienced drivers
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping isn't allowed at Shelf Road Sites. The closest BLM area that offers this form of camping is Oil Well Flats Recreation Area, which is about a 20-minute drive away.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Excellent choice for navigating dirt roads, tighter turns, and steeper campground access routes. • Travel Trailers: Smaller trailers work best, especially if you plan to visit The Bank Campground. • Fifth Wheels: Best suited for Sand Gulch because The Bank's steep, rough road isn't trailer-friendly. • Class A Motorhomes: Larger models should stick to Sand Gulch and avoid The Bank access road. • Class B Motorhomes: Compact size makes exploring Shelf Road much easier and more enjoyable. • Class C Motorhomes: Mid-size models provide a comfortable balance of living space and maneuverability.
Free Camping 
There are several Bureau of Land Management free camping sites close to Shelf Road. One of the most used of these free BLM RV camping opportunities is at the Oil Well Flats Recreation Area near Canon City. Visitors are welcome to camp anywhere, but most use the suggested areas marked by the BLM. There are no amenities other than the spectacular views of cliffs hanging above Canon City.
RV Rentals Near Shelf Road Sites Plan your next adventure
Planning your Shelf Road Sites BLM trip
Visitors searching the Internet for local campgrounds use the search phrase “BLM camping near me,” with Canon City as the center point of the quest. This tool yields many campsites in a list format. These lists are gateways to Internet sites that describe the campgrounds in detail.
Most Bureau of Land Management camping areas are isolated and remote. Camping in these areas is challenging. Travelers using BLM campgrounds should check their vehicle before embarking, including stress points like hitches, tires, frames, and internal systems. Every traveler to these areas should pack extra canned food and fill their water tanks. Extra heavy-duty clothing is a good idea when visiting Shelf Road as the region is notorious for swift temperature changes. Before heading out on a trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
As you plan your trip to Shelf Road Sites, be sure to stock the RV with plenty of supplies, including groceries, drinking water, ice, and fuel. You won't have access to any hookups or a dump station unless you leave the recreation area. Those doing extended stays (up to 14 days) often make trips to Canon City to restock on groceries and camping supplies, which is about a 20-minute drive away. The town also offers restaurants, including the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, which serves delicious steaks and locally inspired dishes. Many parts of the recreation area do not have good cell service, so you'll want to download your navigation maps for offline use. The spring and fall tend to be the best times to visit because of the cooler temperatures that make hiking and rock climbing more enjoyable.
Leave No Trace 
The BLM Leave No Trace regulation protects fragile lands like those found along Shelf Road from human impact. Minimize your presence by hiking established trails and staying in designated campsites. Many of the pathways along the road that angle toward Fourmile Creek or into the hills include switchbacks. Never take a shortcut between switchbacks as the biosystems at this elevation are fragile and especially susceptible to foot traffic. Make sure to clean up all trash.
Shelf Road Sites Location
To reach Shelf Road from Colorado Springs, take Interstate 25 South (I-25 S) for three miles, turn right onto Colorado State Highway 115 South (CO-115 S) and continue for 33 miles. Merge onto Colorado State Highway 50 West (CO-50 W) and travel 10 miles into Canon City. Shelf Road lies directly east of Canon City.
Ready to visit Shelf Road Sites? 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 Shelf Road Sites
• Morning: Take gorgeous photos of the sun rising over Fourmile Canyon. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee as you get your gear together for a morning hike to one of the scenic overlooks. The birds during the morning create a beautiful melody of songs as you explore the canyon trails. • Afternoon: Head back to the RV for a picnic lunch and then spend the afternoon taking a leisurely drive along Shelf Road or resting under your RV awning. Find a climbing route to practice your rock climbing skills on before you head back to camp for dinner. • Evening: Go on a sunset walk to admire the limestone cliffs in the evening light. Get your camera out again to snap some photos of the colorful evening sky. Use the nighttime for stargazing and listening to the peaceful sounds of the canyon.
Nearby Attractions
Phantom Canyon Road • About 25 minutes from Shelf Road Sites • Scenic drive through historic mining country • Cross towering steel railroad trestle bridges • Travel through the famous Phantom Canyon Tunnel • Stop at scenic overlooks for panoramic photos • Watch for bighorn sheep and mule deer • Popular route for high-clearance vehicles and SUVs The Abbey Winery • Roughly 20 minutes from Shelf Road Sites • Sample award-winning Colorado wines • Relax in the peaceful tasting room • Browse the winery's unique gift shop • Enjoy outdoor seating with mountain views • Tour the historic monastery grounds • Great stop before returning to your campsite Pueblo Mountain Park • Approximately 1 hour from Shelf Road Sites • Hike miles of scenic forest trails • Watch for wild turkeys and mule deer • Enjoy picnic areas beneath towering pines • Photograph colorful wildflowers in spring • Escape summer heat at higher elevations • Explore diverse forests and mountain meadows
Frequently Asked Questions
How many developed campgrounds are there, and do I need reservations? There are two developed campgrounds at Shelf Road Sites: Sand Gulch and The Bank. You can take advantage of reservable campsites or first-come, first-served spots. Are there any areas for dispersed camping? No. There is no type of dispersed camping allowed. What types of hookups are available? There aren't any hookups onsite. Both of the developed campgrounds are dry camping only. Should I bring my own drinking water? Yes, and you'll need to bring enough for your entire stay unless you want to leave the recreation area to go to Cañon City, where potable water is available. Is there an overnight stay limit? You can stay up to 14 days within any 28-day period. This makes the site a very popular destination for those who prefer extended stays. Should I visit during the summertime? If you come during the summer, plan for the afternoon temperature to be rather hot. A lot of RV travelers will come during spring or fall because of the cooler weather that offers better conditions for hiking and rock climbing. What kind of rock climbing opportunities are there? The site is a premier destination for rock climbing because it features over 1,000 bolted limestone climbing routes. These routes offer challenges for every skill level, from first-time climbers to experienced experts.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
You definitely want to consider the length and maneuverability of your RV rental because the campground roads are narrow and some access roads are rough. Sand Gulch Campground is the best place for larger rigs due to its easier access and pull-through campsites. If you want to stay at The Bank Campground, its steep, rough dirt road makes it ideal to arrive in a smaller, more maneuverable RV. The fresh water capacity and holding tank sizes of the RV are also important to think about because there aren't any hookups or an onsite dump station. Start exploring Colorado Springs RV rentals today to plan your trip to Shelf Road Sites.