Five Points Campground: Your Cañon City Adventure Hub on the Arkansas River

Five Points Campground Introduce

Welcome, fellow Colorado outdoor lovers! If you're searching for a fantastic and convenient spot to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our state, especially near the thrilling Arkansas River, then Five Points Campground in Cañon City is a destination you'll want to explore. Nestled within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), this campground offers a unique blend of rugged charm and accessibility, making it a perfect basecamp for your next adventure in the Royal Gorge Region. As locals, we appreciate places that offer both breathtaking scenery and practical amenities, and Five Points Campground provides just that.

Five Points Campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere and its prime location along the Arkansas River. Many who visit rave about the stunning views and the opportunity to spot Colorado's iconic wildlife. One excited camper shared, "An absolutely gorgeous place! We saw a female bighorn but unfortunately too far away to get a picture. Loved driving toward Salida when the Sangre De Cristo Mountains Popped into view, they really stand out!" This highlights the incredible natural beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities that await.

Visitors consistently describe the campground as "quiet and seemed well managed and clean." This is high praise for any outdoor enthusiast looking for a peaceful and well-maintained environment. While it's noted that "there is no water available. Bring your own," and that "there really isn't a great river access" for activities beyond fishing from the bridge, the clean vault toilets, solid picnic tables, and fire rings provide essential comforts. Plus, the observation deck over the river and the unique walkway under Highway 50 connecting to the day-use area are thoughtful touches that enhance the experience. Five Points Campground truly offers an authentic Colorado camping experience, ideal for those who value quiet nights under the stars and easy access to some of the state's most iconic landscapes and outdoor activities.

Location and Accessibility

Five Points Campground is conveniently located at Cañon City, CO 81212, USA, situated directly off US-50. This prime location makes it highly accessible for Colorado residents traveling from various parts of the state. For those coming from Colorado Springs or Pueblo, US-50 provides a straightforward route directly to the campground. Its position "under the highway's passageway bridge" might sound unusual, but it offers immediate access and a unique setting along the Arkansas River.

The campground is part of the expansive Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA), which stretches for 152 miles along the Arkansas River, celebrated as one of the nation's most popular whitewater rafting and kayaking destinations. This means that while Five Points offers a quiet retreat, it's firmly connected to a vast network of outdoor adventures.

Access to the campground is straightforward, as it's a drive-in site from the highway. While the reviews mention the convenience of being "right off US 50," it's important to note that you might hear some road noise due to its proximity to the highway. However, for many locals, the ease of access outweighs this, particularly when considering its central location for exploring the Royal Gorge Region. This area is a hub for thrilling activities and boasts a mild year-round climate, making it an appealing destination for campers looking to escape to the outdoors any time of year. Whether you're heading here for a weekend of fishing or as a base for exploring Cañon City, its direct highway access ensures a smooth arrival.

Services Offered

Designated Campsites: Five Points Campground offers 20 individual campsites, each with a designated space for tents or RVs/trailers (up to 71 feet). Some sites may require a short walk (less than 30 ft) from parking to the picnic table and fire ring.
Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
Fire Rings with Grills: Every site includes a fire ring, often with a grill grate, perfect for campfires and cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).
Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available for campers, as noted positively by reviewers.
Tent Pads: Many sites feature prepared tent pads, often framed by railroad ties, providing a level and defined area for tent setup.
RV/Trailer Parking: Suitable for RVs and trailers, with some pull-through sites available, although some RV parking is along the side of the campground road.
No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to bring all their own drinking water, as no potable water is available on-site.
No Dump Station: There is no dump station at the campground, but a public dump station is available a few miles away at a ranger station for a fee (typically $10).
No Electrical Hookups: Campsites do not offer electrical hookups, so be prepared for dry camping.
No Trash Service: Campers are required to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all their trash, as no trash receptacles are provided.
Reservable Sites: All sites at Five Points Campground are reservable up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov, which is highly recommended due to popularity.

Features / Highlights

Arkansas River Proximity: The campground is located across from the Arkansas River, with a fishing bridge and a convenient walkway under Highway 50 connecting the campground to a day-use area on the river side.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Known for its charismatic wildlife, including potential sightings of bighorn sheep, mule deer, and eagles, offering fantastic opportunities for nature observation.
Stunning Mountain Views: Campers can enjoy "absolutely gorgeous" views, including the impressive Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which "really stand out" in the distance.
Quiet and Well-Managed: Reviewers consistently praise the campground for its quiet atmosphere and appearance of being well-managed and clean.
"Desert Look" Scenery: For those who appreciate it, the campground offers a unique "desert look" with rocky, dusty dirt in some unshaded areas, differing from typical forested sites.
Family-Friendly Design: A tunnel from the campground to the river and abundant interpretive information makes it great for children, teaching them about the area's history, plants, and animals.
Excellent Stargazing: Away from major light pollution, the area offers spectacular clear night skies, perfect for stargazing.
Access to AHRA Activities: Serves as a perfect base for exploring the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, offering world-class whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and OHV travel.
Proximity to Cañon City Attractions: A short drive to Cañon City provides access to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience, and Shelf Road rock climbing.
Year-Round Openings: The campground is open all year, providing flexibility for off-season camping.

Contact Information

Address: Cañon City, CO 81212, USA

Phone: (720) 841-3054

Mobile Phone: +1 720-841-3054

For the most up-to-date information on reservations, site availability, and any seasonal regulations or fire restrictions, it is highly recommended to call the provided phone numbers or visit the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, or Recreation.gov for reservations.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Colorado residents, Five Points Campground offers a compelling blend of accessibility, unique natural features, and a tranquil setting, making it an excellent choice for a local getaway. We understand the desire to escape the daily grind and connect with nature, and this campground, nestled right on the Arkansas River within the AHRA, provides that opportunity without requiring an arduous journey. Its location just off US-50 means less time traveling and more time enjoying the outdoors, a significant benefit for a spontaneous weekend trip or a planned vacation.

The positive reviews from fellow locals highlight key advantages: the quiet atmosphere, the clean facilities, and the sheer beauty of the surrounding landscape, including those striking Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the chance to spot bighorn sheep. While the need to bring your own water and use off-site dump stations are noted, these are minor considerations for seasoned Colorado campers who prioritize a peaceful, well-managed site with direct access to incredible outdoor activities.

Five Points is not just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to the adventure and natural wonders of the Royal Gorge Region. Whether you're an avid angler enjoying the fishing bridge, a family seeking unique river access via the tunnel, or an outdoor enthusiast ready to explore the nearby hiking, rafting, and wildlife viewing opportunities, this campground caters to a diverse range of interests. It allows us Coloradans to easily tap into the very essence of what makes our state so special: its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the thrill of the Arkansas River. For an authentic and convenient Colorado camping experience, Five Points Campground is a local favorite for a reason.

Five Points Campground Photos

Five Points Campground Location

Five Points Campground

Colorado Fremont County Cañon City

Cañon City, CO 81212, USA

Five Points Campground Reviews

An absolutely gorgeous place! We saw a female bighorn bit unfortunately too ar away to get a picture. Loved driving toward Silida when the Songre De Cristo Mountains Popped into view, they really stand out!The campground was quiet and seemed well managed and clean.
May 23, 2025 · Joshua Hansberry
Across from a river that has a fishing bridge but very little access for other activities. There is no water available. Bring your own. The vault toilets are decent. Kind of pretty if you like the desert look. Solid picnic table and fire ring. I didn't think you should have to pay 10 per car on top of the camping fee. There really isn't a great river access.
Jul 08, 2025 · Diana Dunn
Having to pay for a site with no water and no trash and nasty pit toilets is not worth stopping. The fee should be 10 dollars only. No shade and biting flies. Better sites up the road.
Jun 30, 2025 · Deas Nealy
This is a great campsite. I have come here two years in a row and stay one night and raft the next day. Each campsite has space for a tent that is all gravel, a picnic table and a metal fire pit with a grate to cook something. There is good space between each campsite. There is a bathroom too on site, no running water. You can walk across the highway and there is an overlook over the water. This is where the five point rapid is. There is an eddy that is sandy where you can get in river, just be careful to not go out too far and get sucked into the white water. There is no phone service here. I often see big horn sheep from my campsite up the hill.
Jun 27, 2023 · Ken Henry
This is part of the Arkansas River Headwater Recreational Area. All of the locations have no water, electric or dump. There is none at any of the campsites and the toilets are compost (out house) style. However, we were right on the river and the mountains are beautiful. It was our first boondocking experience and it went very well.
Oct 12, 2022 · Michael Edwards