BLM Dispersed Camping - Arkansas Headwaters

For campers who prefer nature over amenities, the BLM lands along the Arkansas River corridor offer authentic wilderness camping experiences. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, jointly managed by BLM and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, provides opportunities for dispersed camping on federal land. In the Parkdale to Canon City section, dispersed camping is allowed on federal land, though there are no established campgrounds. This means you can find your own spot along the river, enjoying the freedom and solitude that developed campgrounds can't offer. Facilities are minimal to nonexistent: no hookups, no showers, no camp store. This is real camping, requiring self-sufficiency and preparation. Pack in what you need; pack out what you brought. Leave no trace principles apply. The payoff is the setting. Sites feel private and genuinely wild. Wildlife sightings are common—bighorn sheep, mule deer, and various birds frequent the area. The dark skies reveal countless stars invisible from developed areas. For those wanting slightly more structure, The Bank Campground on Shelf Road (about 15 miles north of Canon City) offers 33 BLM campsites at 6,890 feet elevation. Sites are first-come, first-served with modest fees. Note: Access roads can be rough. Standard passenger vehicles generally manage fine in dry conditions, but ground clearance helps. Check conditions before arriving during wet weather. Some areas may require a recreation pass or small camping fee.