Turtle Rock Campground, Royal Gorge - Recreation.gov (2025)

Royal Gorge

Turtle Rock Campground, located at an elevation of 8290 feet, is 3.5 miles north of Buena Vista, Colorado. Campers appreciate the area for its recreation opportunities within Fourmile Recreation Area and the Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area.

Turtle Rock Campground is open from March 1st until November 30th. Situated within a pinion juniper woodland setting, 24 small campsites sit at the base of Turtle Rock Granite Formation. Large RVs and travel trailers over 35 feet are not recommended.

The campsites at Turtle Rock Campground are small, RVs and Trailers longer than 35 feet aren't recommended. This 24-site campground including 1 Group Site, and 1 double vault toilet. Individual sites are limited to 2 vehicles and 8 people. Group site is limited to 4 vehicles and 20 people. Each campsite includes a parking space, a metal fire ring and a picnic table. Most sites are designed for tent or van camping. Large camp trailers and RVs under 35 feet can access the campground are accommodated with some pull-through sites.

Campsites 1, 2, 3, 4, 22, 23, and 24 are First Come, First Serve, pay for the site at the pay station immediately after occupying the site. There is no guarantee that these sites will be available when you arrive.

Campsites 5-21 are Reservable 3 Months in advance, if there isn't a current reservation on the day of, sites are available on a First Come, First Serve basis payable at the Pay Station for one night only. Campsites 7-12 are Tent Only, campsites 14 and 20 are Pull-Throughs, Sites 4, 5, 14, 19, 20 and 21 are large enough for RV’s and Trailers up to 35’.

Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at Turtle Rock Campground so please bring your own water and plan to take your trash with you when you leave. Bring your own firewood.

Need to Know

• RV’s and Trailers longer than 35’ are not allowed at Turtle Rock Campground.

• There are no hookup services, no trash collection services and no potable water.

• Bring your own drinking water.

• Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

• Individual campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 vehicles per site. Group campsites are limited to 20 people and 4 vehicles per site. Extra vehicles must park in the Day Use Parking area.

• Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. This includes, but not limited to, generators, music, loud voices and loud pets.

• Generators during non-quiet hours are highly discouraged, for the consideration of other campers.

• Check-in time is 1:00 pm. Check-out time is 11:00 am.

• Pets must be on a leash at all times, clean up after your pets.

Natural Features

The Collegiate Peaks Mountains form dramatic vistas of the Upper Arkansas River Valley, enhancing the view from the campground. Turtle Rock is a prominent granite feature attracting rock climbers and hikers seeking a view of the Arkansas River below. The campground is nestled within a pinon pine and juniper woodland which covers the rolling hills of the Fourmile Recreation Area.

Nearby Attractions

The Fourmile Recreation Area is known for its robust trail system supporting hiking, trail running, biking and OHV riding. The Upper Arkansas River Valley is home to Central Colorado's iconic recreation including whitewater rafting and play park, 14ers, biking, hiking, fishing, festivals, concerts and so much more.

Recreation

Turtle Rock Campground offers easy access to the namesake rock formation, which is beloved by rock climbers. Various route difficulties can be found on Turtle Rock as well as other smaller granite formations in the area. Hiking, mountain biking and OHV riding are recreation activities accessed from the campground.

Contact Information

Mailing

3028 E Main St Canon City CO 81212

Physical

Turtle Rock Campground County Road 375 Buena Vista CO 81211

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 719-269-8500

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Buena Vista, CO, travel north on Highway 24, turn right onto E Arkansas ST, turn left onto County Road 371, in 2.2 miles turn right onto County Road 375, in .8 miles turn left into the Turtle Rock Campground entrance.

Available Campsites

• Site 9, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 2, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 19, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 18, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Group Site 1 (Site 8), Loop Turtle Rock, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
• Site 3, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 21, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 17, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 20, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 1, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 16, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 7, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 11, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Walk To
• Site 14, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 12, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 15, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 24, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 10, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 6, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 4, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 23, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 13, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 5, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 22, Loop Turtle Rock, Type Standard Nonelectric

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