If you’re looking for RV camping near Denver, the obvious move is to head into the mountains — Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, the I-70 corridor. But those are also the most crowded spots on the Colorado Front Range, and they fill up fast. A two-hour drive south puts you somewhere different.
Cañon City sits where the Arkansas River cuts through the Royal Gorge — one of the deepest canyons in the country. Less traffic, better weather in spring and fall, and no circling a campground at 8 PM because you hit I-25 at rush hour leaving Denver on a Friday.
How Far Is Cañon City from Denver?
About 115 miles, mostly on US-50 South through Colorado Springs. Plan on two hours, maybe a bit longer in summer traffic. There’s no mountain pass involved, no white-knuckle switchbacks — just a drive that most rigs handle without drama.
Gas is available in Colorado Springs, Penrose and Canon City.
What to Do Around the Royal Gorge
This is what Denver campers actually care about. You’re not just parking — you’re two hours from genuine things to do.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park — The bridge sits 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Even if you’ve seen photos, standing on it is a different experience. Budget a half day minimum; there’s a gondola, zip line, and aerial tram on top of the bridge itself.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad — A scenic train that runs along the bottom of the gorge with the river right next to you. Kids are reliably obsessed. Adults claim they’re just going along with it, but nobody is actually bored.
Arkansas River rafting — Multiple outfitters run trips out of Cañon City. The Gorge section is serious whitewater; Browns Canyon is more approachable for mixed groups. Book ahead in summer — the good time slots go fast.
Shelf Road — A climbing area and mountain biking trail system that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Good option if you want to skip the Royal Gorge crowds for an afternoon.
Mountain View RV Resort: One Mile from the Gorge
Mountain View RV Resort opens April 1 each year, which works well for Denver campers who want to get out before the mountain passes are clear. From the resort, you’re less than a mile from the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park entrance — realistically 10 minutes from parked to walking in.
The resort has 41 RV sites with concrete patios, full hookups, and Starlink WiFi. It’s gated, which matters when you’re leaving your rig for a full day at the park. They allow up to three pets — better than most parks in the region. If someone in your group wants the outdoor experience without the gear setup, there are also glamping domes on-site.
This isn’t a sprawling resort with a water park. It’s a solid, well-run RV park in a genuinely good location, close to the main attractions without the noise of being right on US-50.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go
- Book early for summer weekends — Memorial Day through Labor Day fills up quickly, especially around holidays
- Spring is underrated — April and May have fewer people, and the area around the gorge looks great in early season
- Weather is milder than mountain camping — Cañon City sits around 5,300 feet, so you’re not dealing with June snow like you might at 10,000 feet
For current rates and availability, visit the Mountain View RV Resort rates page.