The Bank Campground

Imagine limestone cliffs glowing amber at sunset, their rugged faces mirrored by your campfire's glow—this is The Bank Campground, a climber’s sanctuary with raw desert beauty just 15 miles north of Cañon City. The 33-site BLM campground sits at 6,890 feet along Shelf Road, where piñon pines and junipers frame dramatic canyon vistas. Designed for tent and van camping, sites feature metal fire rings and picnic tables, though the rough access road discourages large RVs.

Vault toilets and a day-use parking area serve climbers tackling Shelf Road’s 1,000 bolted limestone routes. Nearby, the Arkansas River offers world-class fly fishing and rafting, while the Royal Gorge Bridge—an engineering marvel spanning 956 feet above the river—lies within a 30-minute drive. Summer brings intense heat and pinyon gnats, but spring and fall deliver ideal conditions for climbing and stargazing under the high desert sky.

The Bank exemplifies Colorado’s untamed landscapes, where fire pits and pit toilets strip camping to its essentials, and the nearest traffic noise is the wind through canyon walls. It’s a basecamp for adventurers who prioritize climbing access and solitude over amenities, with the Royal Gorge Region’s thrills just beyond the campground’s dirt road.

*Implicit tier:* **Positive** – A no-frills gem for climbers and backpackers, with rugged charm and proximity to premier outdoor recreation.