If you’re planning a trip to ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, camping nearby puts you in a prime spot to make the most of it. The train departs from Cañon City, Colorado — which means if you camp in or around town, you’re already minutes from the depot with no long drives to deal with. The combination of a heritage railroad and deep canyon scenery makes this one of the more memorable stretches of Colorado, and the right base camp makes a real difference.
What the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Actually Is
The Royal Gorge Route is a heritage railroad running a 24-mile round trip through the Royal Gorge canyon — one of the deepest gorges in the country. The Arkansas River runs alongside the tracks the entire way, and the canyon walls climb over 1,000 feet on both sides. It’s not a theme park ride. It’s an actual railroad using restored vintage rail cars, and the scenery earns every mile of it.
Trips run roughly two hours depending on the experience level you book. Options range from basic coach class to dinner trains and weekend brunch runs. The views change with the light and season, so plenty of people end up riding it more than once. The depot sits at 401 Water St. in Cañon City, parking is available on-site, and the town is easy to get around. Most campgrounds in the area put you within a 10–15 minute drive of the station.
Tickets sell online at royalgorgeroute.com. Summer weekends — especially dinner train runs — book up fast. If you’re planning a July or August trip, don’t wait until you arrive to figure out tickets.
Camping Near the Royal Gorge Route Railroad at Mountain View RV Resort
Mountain View RV Resort is the closest RV park to the Royal Gorge railroad itself (just 6 miles), making it one of the closest full-hookup options to both the railroad depot and the gorge. It’s a gated property with 41 RV sites, each with a concrete patio — a detail that matters if you’ve stayed at enough gravel-and-dirt campgrounds to know the difference. Hookups include 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer.
The resort opens April 1, which lines up well with spring train runs before summer crowds arrive. Starlink WiFi is available on-site, useful if you’re working remotely and scheduling around the train timetable. Pets are welcome — up to three per site — so you don’t have to leave anyone at home.
Not bringing an RV? Mountain View also has glamping domes available. They’re a solid pick for couples or small families who want a true camping experience without hauling gear, and they sit just as close to the gorge and the railroad as any RV site on the property.
What Else Is Worth Your Time While You’re Here
Cañon City packs a lot in for a town its size. If you’re building out a multi-day trip around the railroad, here’s what deserves a spot on the schedule:
- Royal Gorge Bridge & Park — The suspension bridge spans the gorge one mile from Mountain View RV Resort. The park includes zip lines, a gondola ride, and trail access down into the canyon.
- Arkansas River Rafting — Several outfitters operate out of Cañon City and nearby Parkdale. Class III–V runs are available depending on river levels and the section you pick. Spring typically offers the best flows.
- Tunnel Drive Trail — An easy, flat trail that passes through three historic railroad tunnels carved directly into the canyon wall. Free to access, short enough for kids, and genuinely impressive.
- Temple Canyon Park — A quieter alternative to the gorge if you want a few hours of hiking without the crowds. Worth an afternoon.
Two to three days gives you enough time to ride the railroad, do the gorge, and get at least one day on the river without feeling rushed.
Plan Your Visit
Mountain View RV Resort takes reservations starting April 1 when the season opens. May and June weekends fill quickly, especially when the weather cooperates for both the train and the river. Booking a few weeks ahead is the safe move if your dates are fixed.
Ready to lock in your base camp? Check current availability and rates at Mountain View RV Resort and plan your Royal Gorge Route Railroad trip from there.