Turtle Rock Campground campground
Canon City, Colorado

Turtle Rock Campground

Mostly first-come
24 campsites

24

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Turtle Rock Campground

Overview 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. 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. Facilities 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. 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.

  • 24 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: unknown (24).
Turtle Rock Campground photo 2
Turtle Rock Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Turtle Rock Campground special

Perched at 8,290 feet just three and a half miles north of Buena Vista, Turtle Rock Campground places you in the shadow of some of Colorado's most iconic peaks. With 24 sites set among granite outcrops and evergreen forest, this campground earns its name from the distinctive turtle-shaped rock formation that watches over the area, a natural landmark that kids and adults alike enjoy scrambling around. The fourteener access here is exceptional. Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, and Mount Harvard are all within striking distance, making Turtle Rock a favorite staging ground for peak baggers throughout the summer. Even if summiting a fourteen-thousand-foot peak is not on your agenda, the trailheads nearby lead to stunning alpine lakes, wildflower-filled basins, and ridgeline hikes with views that stretch for miles in every direction. Buena Vista itself adds to the appeal. The Arkansas River runs through town, offering world-class whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Hot springs dot the valley floor, providing the perfect way to soothe tired muscles after a day on the trail. Local restaurants and outfitters give you everything you need without the crowds of larger resort towns. Back at camp, the sites are pleasantly shaded and well-spaced among the pines and boulders. Evenings are crisp at this elevation, and the stars above the Arkansas Valley are brilliant. Turtle Rock is an ideal camp for anyone drawn to Colorado's high country, whether you come to conquer peaks or simply breathe the mountain air.

Campsite Inventory

24 sites to choose from

Unknown

24total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

CAMPFIRE RINGS

Campfire Rings

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Check-in time

1:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Double Driveway

Yes

Driveway entry

Back-in, Parallel, Pull-through

Driveway length (ft)

15, 20, 25, 30

Hike In Distance to Site

Yes

Max guests

8

Max vehicle length (ft)

15, 20, 22, 24

Minimum guests

Yes

PICNIC TABLES

Picnic Tables

Pets allowed

Pets Allowed, Yes

Site Access

Walk-In

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Phone

719-269-8500

Email

BLM_CO_RG_VisitorInfo@blm.gov

Getting There

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.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Turtle Rock Campground.

How do reservations work for Turtle Rock Campground?

Reservation availability for Turtle Rock Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Turtle Rock Campground?

Turtle Rock Campground currently lists Unknown (24).

Where is Turtle Rock Campground located?

Turtle Rock Campground is in Colorado near Canon City.

Keep Exploring

Discover more campgrounds

More campgrounds in Colorado