Casino gaming revenues in Colorado — and the taxes those wagers generate —, are on their strongest run since right before the recession hit, according to the Colorado Division of Gaming. Colorado Grande Admin is located approximately 26 miles from Canon City. They are regarded as one of the best Casinos in Canon City area. Call them at (719) 689-3310. Read more about Colorado Grande Admin in Cripple Creek, CO. Hotels near Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Canon City on Tripadvisor: Find 5,003 traveler reviews, 9,168 candid photos, and prices for 210 hotels near Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Canon City, CO. Only 45 minutes from Colorado Springs, and 1 hour from Denver. 866-766-7238 1420 Royal Gorge Blvd. Canon City, Colorado 81212 River Runners Royal Gorge Rafting Center ( Rafting Canon City, Colorado ), 44641 US Hwy 50 Canon City, Colorado 81212 ( 8 Miles west of Canon City, Colorado on US HWY 50 ), ☎ 866-945-3420, 5.
Cañon City is world renown for its Royal Gorge bridge, park, train, rafting, and so on. It’s a hugely popular summer attraction, offering a tremendous amount of one-of-a-kind recreation, including excellent camping within the region.
Both tent and RV campers will find suitable campgrounds throughout Fremont County. To the southwest of Cañon City lies a plethora of USFS campgrounds within the San Isabel National Forest. A couple of them are noted below, but the rest lie closer to Westcliffe. To the west of Cañon City on Highway 50 is the town’s biggest attraction, the Royal Gorge. There are numerous campgrounds around here. You can also find some great secluded camping spots to the north of town.
Camping near Royal Gorge Bridge
The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park lies only 20 minutes drive west of downtown Cañon City, so basing here puts you in quick proximity to town as well. The campsites at the Royal Gorge are primitive though, so best for boon docking without hookups and no water on site. There are also four campgrounds just outside the park’s boundaries around Highway 50, and another further west toward Texas Creek. Be sure to walk across the bridge and even enjoy some thrilling amusement rides on the edge of the Royal Gorge.
FREE – Royal Gorge Bridge Park East Ridge Campground
There’s no arguing that the main attraction of the Canon City region is the Royal Gorge and the incredible bridge that crosses its span. For those who want to a campground close to the Royal Gorge Bridge so that they can revel in the sights and sounds of this natural wonder, the East Ridge Campground is the best choice.
- Closest Town: Canon City (13mi)
- Specs: Primitive camping in Canon City’s most famous park
- Amenities: Vault toilet, restroom, picnic tables and fire pits at each site, no water sources
- Recreation: Royal Gorge Bridge is within the park, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and fishing in the Arkansas River, Royal Gorge Railroad, ATV and Jeep tours
- Reservations: No, first come, first serve
- Address: 3315 Co Rd F30, Cañon City, CO 81212(Map)
- Directions: From Canon City, take Hwy 50 heading west for 9mi. Then, turn left on CO Rd 3A and continue 4mi until you reach the East Ridge Campground.
Royal Gorge Canon City KOA Holiday
Primitive camping isn’t for everyone, and when you want a little bit of luxury to go along with your next RV or tent camping stay, the Royal Gorge KOA is a great spot. Not only does this sprawling property include a swimming pool and a dog park, it’s just steps away from much of Canon City’s recreation.
- Closest Town: Canon City (10mi)
- Specs: Developed campground with RV sites and tent camping sites
- Amenities: Electrical hookups, community kitchen, dog park
- Recreation: Pool open during summer, close proximity to Arkansas River for rafting, fishing, and hiking
- Reservations: Yes, at KOA.com
- Address: 559 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212(Map)
- Directions: From Canon City, take Hwy 50 west. About 9mi from the town, turn left onto Co St Rd 3A and continue for about .5mi. Turn right onto Dixon Ct and the campground will be on your left.
Echo Canyon Campground
Premium camping experiences are becoming more common, and Echo Canyon Campground offers the best of both worlds. Whether you have your RV or your tent to set up yourself or you’d like to explore one of their glamping or cabin stays, Echo Canyon has something for everyone.
- Closest Town: Canon City (9mi)
- Specs: 46 total RV and tent camping sites, glamping and cabin rentals available
- Amenities: Showers, restrooms, bath house, water spigot at every site
- Recreation: Fishing, stargazing, close proximity to whitewater rafting and fishing
- Reservations: Yes, at RaftEcho.com
- Address: 45044 W U.S. 50, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Map)
- Directions: Take Hwy 50 west from Canon City for about 8.5mi. Turn right onto Dixon Ln and the campground will be on your left.
Mountain View RV Resort
RVers and big riggers have found their home at Mountain View RV Resort, just 8mi from Canon City. With activities to bring families and guests together as well as free Wifi and other amenities, Mountain View is one of the best ways to enjoy the views of the mountains from the comforts of your own RV.
- Closest Town: Canon City (8mi)
- Specs: Big-rig friendly RV resort with 40 total large and standard pull-through sites, 4 bunkhouses for guests
- Amenities: Showers, restrooms, covered picnic areas, outdoor kitchen and firepit, laundry, resort store for essentials
- Recreation: Basketball, shuffleboard, bocce ball, horseshoes, playground, 8mi to Canon City attractions
- Reservations: Yes, call (719)275-0900
- Address: 45606 US-50, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Map)
- Directions: From Canon City, take Hwy 50 west for about 8mi. Mountain View RV Resort will be on your right.
Royal View Campground
Traveling in an RV can get a bit cramped at times, but when you spend a few days at Royal View Campground’s spacious 50-acre park, you’ll have nothing but wide open spaces. With glamping and cabin rental options as well, Royal View is a great pick for your next trip to the Royal Gorge region.
- Closest Town: Canon City (10mi)
- Specs: Pull-through RV sites w/ electrical hookups, glamping and cabin rentals
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry
- Recreation: Swimming pool onsite, hiking trails, nearby whitewater rafting
- Reservations: Yes, at RoyalViewCampground.com
- Address: 43590 US Hwy 50 W, Canon City Co 81212(Map)
- Directions: Take Hwy 50 west from Canon City for about 10mi. Turn left just past Co St Rd 61 and the campground will be on your left.
Five Points Campsite
Located within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Five Points Campsite may be a bit of trek from Canon City and the Gorge, but the spacious sites and nearby Arkansas River will make the miles worth your while. Be prepared for bare bones accommodations, but there is more than enough space for RVs and campers to fit comfortable at this site.
- Closest Town: Texas Creek (10mi), Canon City (20mi)
- Specs: 20 primitive tent sites, spacious parking area
- Amenities: Vault toilets, fire pits, picnic areas
- Recreation: Close to Arkansas River for fishing and swimming, wildlife viewing
- Reservations: Yes, at CPWShop.com
- Address: W Hwy 50, Canon City, CO 81212 (Map)
- Directions: Take Hwy 50 west from Canon City for about 20mi, then turn left to get to the campground.
Camping near Cañon City
The town of Cañon City boasts around 17,000 people, so it’s a fairly large little front range town. It’s only 45 minutes west of Pueblo, so it’s easy to reach year round. The historic district has a nice stretch of shops and restaurants, providing all the commerce you’ll need for a basecamp. There are a myriad of camping in all directions from town. The aforementioned camping near the Royal Gorge also make suitable campsites close to Cañon City.
FREE – Oil Well Flats Rec Area
Fans of primitive camping and off-the-grid getaways will love a trip to the Oil Well Flats, which spans twelve miles of trails that offer incredible views. While there are limited amenities at this gorgeous BLM spot, those who are looking to set up a tent and enjoy a night under the stars will surely find this campground and recreation area to be a treat. Keep in mind that there is shooting range in close distance, so you may hear some gunshots at this campground.
- Closest Town: Canon City (7mi)
- Specs: 20+ drive-up campsites, off of a dirt road but accessible to RVs and motorhomes
- Amenities: Very bare bones–bring your own water and shelter
- Recreation: Mountain biking and hiking trails
- Reservations: No, first come first serve
- Address: FS Rd 5940, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Map)
- Directions: From Hwy 50, head north on 15th Street. After about 1mi, take a right onto South Street and then take a left onto Red Canyon Road. Follow Red Canyon Rd until it hits High St, then make a right. Rejoin Red Canyon Rd by making a left, then follow the road until it merges into Colorado Rd 9. Follow this road for about 3mi–you’ll make a slight right onto FS Rd 5940 to enter the recreational area.
Indian Springs Ranch Campground
If you want to experience a bit of the mystery and beauty of the Old West, Indian Springs Ranch Campground is a great option for your next stay in Canon City. This campground offers tons of amenities for both RVers and tent campers, such as a swimming pool and an area for your furry friends to play.
- Closest Town: Canon City (10mi)
- Specs: 30 RV sites with full hookups and 7 pull thrus, plus tent sites
- Amenities: Bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, fire pits, free Wifi, swimming pool, pet-friendly
- Recreation: Hiking and mountain biking trails nearby, arrowhead hunting, close to fossil sites and Wild Bill’s historical cabin
- Reservations: Yes, call (719) 372-3907
- Address: 559 Co Rd 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212 (Map)
- Directions: From Canon City’s downtown, head east on Hwy 50. After about 3mi, turn left onto Fremont County Rd 123. Continue along this road for about 5mi, then turn left onto Phantom Canyon Rd and continue for about 2mi. Turn left onto County Rd 67 and continue down the road for about 1.5mi until you reach the campground.
Dakota Hot Springs
If you love hot springs, what’s better than camping at one. Dakota Hot Springs is located only 10 minutes east from Cañon City in nearby Penrose, putting you in a great proximity to all the area’s attractions: Pueblo, Cañon City, Westcliffe and the Royal Gorge. Dakota Hot Springs offers a number of primitive campsites for overnight guests, suitable for both larger travel trailers and tents.
- Closest Town: Penrose (2mi); Canon City (10mi)
- Specs: RV and tent campsites with no hookups available
- Amenities: Bathhouse
- Recreation: Hot springs pools
- Address: 1 Malibu Blvd, Penrose, CO 81240 (Map)
- Directions: Take US-50 east from downtown Canon City for nearly 10 miles and make a right onto Malibu Blvd. Continue for a quarter mile to the campground.
Sand Gulch Campground
Canon City has some spectacular rock climbing spots, and Sand Gulch Campground is a great starting point to accessing those located in the Shelf Road Recreation Area. Be prepared for primitive camping with no water and limited shade, but absolutely incredible views and cheap rates.
- Closest Town: Canon City (13mi)
- Specs: Primitive car camping, trailers not advised, 16 campsites, group campsites up to 20 people
- Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic tables, fire pits, no water
- Recreation: Well-known rock climbing area on Shelf Road, hiking, mountain biking
- Reservations: No, first come, first serve
- Address: Shelf Road, Canon City, CO 81212 (Map)
- Directions: From Hwy 50 in Canon City, take 15th Street north for about 1.5mi. Turn right onto South Street, then left on Red Canyon Rd. Follow that for about 0.5mi, then take a right onto High Street. Turn left back onto Red Canyon Rd, then continue on for about 10mi. The campground will be on your left.
The Banks Campground
If you’ve come to Canon City for the excellent rock climbing on Shelf Road, the Banks Campground is a great starting point. Although its long, steep access road is not suitable for large rigs and RVs, those who are on the hunt for a simple, primitive base camp to start their climbing adventures will love this spacious, cheap campground.
- Closest Town: Canon City (15mi)
- Specs: 33 total tent camping sites, including 4 pull-through sites
- Amenities: Vault toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, no water
- Recreation: Close to world-class rock climbing on Shelf Road, hiking close by as well
- Reservations: None, first come, first serve
- Address: Shelf Road, Canon City, CO 81212 (Map)
- Directions: From Hwy 50 in Canon City, take 15th Street north for about 1.5mi. Turn right onto South Street, then left on Red Canyon Rd. Follow that for about 0.5mi, then take a right onto High Street. Turn left back onto Red Canyon Rd, then continue on for about 10mi–the road will turn into Co St Rd 9. Take a left at the fork for Garden Park Rd, then continue for about 3.5 mi to find the campground.
Consider Pueblo or Westcliffe
Although the Royal Gorge receives all the hype, the Arkansas River is the lifeblood of the region. It formed the the great gorge. It rolls through Cañon City from Salida to the west, and onto the great plains at Pueblo, a 45 minute drive east on Highway 50. There are numerous campgrounds near Pueblo too, which makes an efficient base if you’re look to stay close to I-25 or explore the massive Pueblo Reservoir, a year round state park with hundreds of campsites.
An hour southwest of Cañon City lies the fun, little communities of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff. Both are nestled at the base of the Rockies, providing fast access to the Pike National Forest, both to the west and east, and all the campgrounds within it. Read our camping near Westcliffe guide to find additional camping that puts you within a reasonable drive of Cañon City.
That’s a roundup of the top camping around the Royal Gorge and Cañon City, Colorado. Please take care of the campsites and leave no trace.
Related Posts
When you think of a casino holiday, you’re probably drawn to Las Vegas, or possibly Macau, as the best destinations on earth to win big. Away from these gambling Meccas, however, there are plenty of other places around the world where gamblers can try their luck.
Atlantic City, Detroit and now Baltimore have become smaller casino destinations in their own right – and you’ll find hundreds of other casinos dotted across the country. One of the most exciting destinations on the list are Colorado’s casinos.
Some of the Best, Possibly Luckiest Casinos in Colorado
This Centennial State became one of the first to legalize gambling (among other things) after Nevada and New Jersey – and now large casino resorts and native gambling spots compliment the large amounts of tourism the state receives thanks to its world class ski resorts, incredible landscape and lively cities like Denver, Boulder and Aspen.
If you’re thinking of planning a gambling trip that includes more than casinos, like some skiing, mountaineering or exploring the wilderness, then you should definitely hit up Colorado. And check out one of these ten casinos while you’re at it.
1. Ameristar Black Hawk Casino, Black Hawk
Opened in 2001, the Ameristar Black Hawk was at one point the largest casino in Colorado, with 5,300 square metres of gaming space, 1,332 slot machines, 16 blackjack tables and six poker tables. Located in the gambling town of Black Hawk, the resort acts as both a casino and conference resort, with easy access to nearby ski runs and plenty of leisure facilities including a spa, mountaintop recreation park, and even a night club.
Guests who book a night in one of the 886 luxury rooms and suites can access the casino via a ski lift, before getting stuck into some gambling, world-class cuisine, and a few drinks to warm up after a cold day on the slopes.
2. Century Casino, Central City
Central City was at one time the gold capital of the world, so it’s apt that visitors can continue to strike it rich in the great selection of casinos. The old Tollgate and Golden Rose casinos joined together to create the Century Casino back in 2006, and the 24/7 gaming spot is now one of the hottest locations in the state for some gambling action.
One of the larger casinos in Colorado, Century Casino & Hotel emulates Red Dolly in that it blends in as an ordinary part of an ordinary mountain town. However, it’s significantly bigger, and has a little more to offer inside. Slots, video poker, table games, craps, and roulette comprise the game selection, and the aesthetic is a little more like the classic image of, say, a Vegas gaming venue (once you’re inside that is). As you can tell by the name, Century Casino & Hotel also offers accommodations – specifically, 26 hotel rooms and an on-site bar and restaurant.
Closest Casino To Canon City Co
With over 500 slots and video poker terminals, as well as poker, blackjack, craps and roulette tables, guests have a huge choice of game types and stakes up to $100, followed by some of the famous prime rib from the Mid City Grill. Make sure you sign up for a casino club card, as you’ll get certain perks on the gaming floor, as well as a few drinks and nibbles without having to pay any extra.
3. Black Hawk Station Casino, Black Hawk
Located inside what feels like an old west saloon, this compact casino is a must stop on any gambling trip. Favoured by the locals, the Black Hawk Station Casino keeps the town of Black Hawk feeling traditional, with the owners running a bar, restaurant and casino there since 1993. The Black Hawk Station is all about the slot games and video machines, with 127 of the latest virtual games keeping the action going long into the night.
You’ll want to get some practice in on the slot machines before you visit this quaint and traditional gambling house, and the best way to make sure you’re up to the challenge is by trying out some online slots to get some practice in. To be successful at slots it helps to know how slots work and how an effective strategy can maximize your games when you’re gambling.
4. Double Eagle Hotel and Casino, Cripple Creek
If you fancy staying in a nice hotel with its own built-in casino, then the Double Eagle is a great option. Opened in 1996, the Double Eagle was at one point the largest casino in Cripple Creek. Technically, you’ll find all of the hotel’s games in the Gold Creek Casino, which is attached to the building – so you won’t need to venture out into the cold to get some gambling in.
The main floor provides four live blackjack tables, seven poker tables, and lively craps and roulette tables that get pretty busy on a weekend. There are also around 160 slot machines scattered throughout the casino, too, including the latest video poker machines. One thing you’ll notice about the Double Eagle however are the active promotions, with freebies and spot prizes given away to gamblers who take part in various contests.
Rooms cost anywhere from a reasonable $90, all the way up to $500 for a suite, so you can enjoy Vegas-style lavishness up in the mountains if you feel like it. This one is great if you like your casinos lively, and with plenty of winning options away from the tables.
Closest Casino To Canon City Colorado Directions
5. Wildwood Casino, Cripple Creek
The biggest casino in Cripple Creek is the Wildwood, and the action doesn’t get much better than the 24/7 gaming floor. Guests can get stuck into poker, roulette, Texas Hold ‘Em, blackjack and craps, and there’s plenty of discounts and promotions, including a $10,000 grand prize for club card holders (just sign up when you arrive).
There’s also the Cherry Pit, and exclusive gaming area that provides premium liquor alongside the gaming experience, perfect for gamblers who want a bit of glitz and glamour on their casino visit.
6. Red Dolly Casino, Black Hawk
Billing itself as Black Hawk’s oldest and friendliest casino, where everyone knows your name, Red Dolly is a different kind of place than most major casinos. Putting out the vibe of a simple mountain town attraction, it’s been operational since 1992, and boasts many employees who have been working there for a decade or more.
As for gaming, the focus at the Red Dolly is on slots, with over 120 of the most popular titles available for play. (Any of you accustomed to online gaming will certainly recognize some of these titles.) And, accompanying the neighborhood feel of the Red Dolly, there’s a highly rated on-site restaurant as well. There are no table games, so no black jack, craps or roulette.
7. Sky Ute Casino, Ignacio
As you may know, many American Indian tribes around the country run casinos on reservations, and in fact their role in U.S. gaming culture may be expanding. We learned recently that the National Indian Gaming Association has adopted a resolution in favor of legal sports betting, which is thought to be the next major movement toward legalized gambling across America. In the meantime however, Indian tribes already run some of the country’s most impressive casinos.
This place, run by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, is fine example. A big, beautiful casino complex, Sky Ute Casino has a huge number of slots and table games, a dedicated poker room, comfortable hotel accommodations and a spa facility. There is even additional entertainment in the form of bowling, putt-putt golf, and more.
8. Bronco Billy’s, Cripple Creek
Aside from Black Hawk and Central City (and the Indian reservations), Cripple Creek is the only place to go for casino activity. And Bronco Billy’s is one of the highlights. Another mountain town venue with the vaguely “Old West” feeling you’ll notice in Black Hawk, it’s got all the best games and is known for making a fuss over major jackpot wins.
There are also dining options already, though the whole complex is about to get a significant upgrade. Cripple Creek has approved a $70 million expansion (including a new hotel) that should turn Bronco’s Billy into quite a destination.
9. Monarch Casino, Black Hawk
Monarch Casino offers more of the same in Black Hawk, with plenty of gaming options and an appealing design that helps it blend into the surroundings somewhat. It has everything you’d expect to find, plus a focus on TV viewing and live entertainment, making it arguably the best place on this list for those who incorporate sports betting into their gamble.
A full video wall and accompanying bar make for a great spot to track your bets, perhaps in between trips to the gaming tables.
10. Saratoga Casino, Black Hawk
While Red Dolly is known as a charming, firmly established casino, Saratoga Casino is perhaps the most glamorous gaming venue in the town of Black Hawk. Table games and slots abound, and the casino also offers its own special promotions and bonus events. Saratoga has a little more to offer than some of its counterparts on this list in terms of dining and drinks.
In addition to two restaurants – Mill City Chophouse and the more casual Main Street Cafe – the casino is home to multiple bars and lounges. Mill City Patio in particular offers a great chance for you to step outside and enjoy the beautiful surroundings in between games.
Colorado is a diverse and exciting state, and visitors can do everything from living out their wild west fantasies, to pretending they’re James Bond as they ski down a mountain, before betting on lucky 17 in the casino afterwards. If you’re looking for an exceptional casino holiday with plenty of stuff to do away from the tables, then we can’t recommend this incredible state enough.
Related Posts