Turtle Rock Campground

$20.00–$40.00/night

Show on map 719-269-8500 blm_co_rg_visitorinfo@blm.gov

3028 E Main St
Canon City, CO 81212

Estimated location

No source publishes exact coordinates for Turtle Rock Campground. Its map marker is estimated from the surrounding area and can be miles from the actual site — don't navigate to it. Its official page may have the detail needed to find it on the ground.

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.

Camp site features

Across 24 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 24 sites
Pets allowed: 22 of 24 sites
Group sites: 1 of 24 sites
Longest RV: 35 ft
Largest party: 20 people
Equipment: LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, SMALL TENT, Tent

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

47 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Melinda S

Loop:Turtle Rock

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Such an amazing spot! Views were so amazing, and sites were great and spacious! Toilets were clean and stocked with plenty of TP.

Mark M

Loop:Turtle Rock

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

I put all my stats into the reservation window and it said I could fit. I could not and had to leave to find a place on BLM land before night fall. Tried several times to cancel and got errors. Disappointed after driving from Michigan to visit my son.

Scott H

Loop:Turtle Rock

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

So close to an outdoor music venue that you can literally feel the bass well after quiet hours. Sites are all on top of each other. Accusatory campground host on top of that. Try somewhere else.

Monica R

Loop:Turtle Rock

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Perfect for a weekend getaway near BV. Clean bathrooms and nearby trails.

Emily M

Loop:Turtle Rock

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The site next to us allows up to20 people. Luckily there were only 4! Great experience.

Hilary S

Loop:Turtle Rock

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Pros: Lovely campground. Port a Potties were spotless, the cleanest I have ever being in with lots of toilet paper and sanitizer. There is a lovely hike that you can access from the campground. Cons: 1. Website incorrectly shows this campground as in the "Royal Gorge", it is not. This campground is in Buena Vista. 2. No dumpster. So you have to bring all your garbage with you, which usually is not the case when you pay for the campground. 3. No water also.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve