Bureau of Land Management · Colorado

The Bank Campground

Bureau of Land Management · Colorado, United States

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Sites
35
Hookups
35 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Max RV length
30 ft
Group sites
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
6,877 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 2
Cell coverage
T-Mobile weak · Verizon weak · AT&T none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Shelf Road Sites
Nearest town
Canon City
Address
Bureau of Land Management, Canon City , CO, 81212
Phone
719-269-8500
Activities
Biking, Birding, Camping, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Photography, Rock Climbing, Scenic Drive

About

Overview

Open year-round; visitors come for the spectacular rock climbing adjacent to the campground. Approximately 15 miles north of Cañon City, Colorado, The Bank Campground overlooks Shelf Road and is located at an approximate elevation of 6890 feet. The Bank has 33 campsites. The dirt road leading to the campground is very rough and not recommended for large RVs and travel trailers.

Recreation

The Bank Campground offers easy access to the popular rock climbing area, Shelf Road. Climbers can access nearly 1000 bolted routes via the Cactus Cliff and Dark Side trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities easily accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, The Bank Campground offers a day-use parking area for recreationalists.

Facilities

The dirt road leading to The Bank campground is steep and rough. This 33-site campground was recently renovated and has 31 individual sites, 2 group sites, and 4 vault toilets. Individual sites are limited to 2 vehicles and 8 people. Group sites are limited to 4 vehicles and 20 people. Each campsite includes a parking space, a metal fire ring and a picnic table. Many sites are designed for tent or van camping. Large camp trailers and RVs that can manage the steep access road are accommodated with some pull-through sites in B-Loop. Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at The Bank Campground so please bring your own water and plan to take your trash with you when you leave. Bring your own firewood.

Natural Features

The Bank Campground and the surrounding area is well known amongst rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for the long bands of limestone cliffs dominating the landscape. Stunning rock features paired with the piñon pine and juniper vegetation, enhance the dramatic vistas and a picturesque camping environment.

Nearby Attractions

The region around Shelf Road offers numerous attractions and recreation opportunities. Popular activities include visiting the Royal Gorge via the Royal Gorge Bridge, the Royal Gorge Train, hiking trails or a rafting trip with one of a number of river outfitters. The Arkansas River offers whitewater rafting as well as outstanding angling. There are numerous trails for all activities in the region as well as agricultural and heritage tours along the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway. The local communities offer a range of shopping and dining experiences.

Visit the Royal Gorge Region web page for more information about local attractions:

Explore - Royal Gorge Region: royalgorgeregion.com

Fees

Individual Sites: $20 per night

Group sites: $40 per night

There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January39°15°-22°55°11 of 11
February41°14°-19°59°11 of 11
March49°27°-3°74°11 of 11
April61°32°17°77°9 of 11
May66°42°19°83°3 of 11
June82°51°41°92°0 of 11
July86°57°50°94°0 of 11
August82°55°48°91°0 of 11
September79°50°20°90°1 of 11
October65°37°16°78°5 of 10
November52°29°-3°69°9 of 10
December42°20°-6°57°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Colorado · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-05-29. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.