Cold Springs - Arapaho Roosevelt NF (CO)

9054 U.S Hwy 285
Morrison, CO 80465

Overview

Cold Springs Campground is located on the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest, north of Blackhawk on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway/Highway 119, in north central Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its scenic and off-road driving, and nearby hiking and fishing opportunities.

Recreation

The surrounding area has many great hiking trails. There is an easy hiking trail out of the campground for families with small children. In addition, the short, but steep Vista Trail climbs just a quarter-mile but rewards hikers with spectacular views of the vast Mount Evans Wilderness Area and valley below.

Scenic driving is available along Highways 119 and 72, known as the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Numerous creeks, rivers and lakes in the area provide fishing opportunities. Off-road enthusiasts will find many jeep roads in the vicinity.

Facilities

There are 38 sites in the campground. Sites 1 through 5 are pull-over's with wooden retaining walls. You climb several steps to reach the picnic tables, fire rings and tent pads. These sites are not suitable for RVs with slide-outs. Sites 9 & 11 are pull-over's which also will not accommodate large RVs or slide-outs.

Each site has a picnic table and fire ring or grate. The maximum vehicle length that can be accommodated is 40 feet. Most sites are shaded and the interior roads are gravel. Water hydrants, tent pads, vault toilets and trash service are provided. There is a playground for small children.

Natural Features

The campground is located in a mountainside aspen and lodgepole pine forest, at an elevation of 9,200 feet.

Nearby Attractions

The historic mining town of Central City is nearby. Popular events held in the town include Lou Bunch Day and the Central City Opera and Jazz festivals.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is just seven miles away. The scenic park offers over 35 miles of hiking trails. Mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed on some trails. Every stream and pond in the park is open to fishing.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.

Charges & Cancellations

Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.

Camp site features

Across 40 camp sites:

Fire pit: 5 of 40 sites
Pets allowed: all 40 sites
Longest RV: 45 ft
Largest party: 8 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Interstate 25 in Denver, go west on 6th Avenue to State Highway 6, through Clear Creek Canyon. Turn onto State Highway 119, heading toward Black Hawk and Central City. Follow the highway approx. 5 miles north of Black Hawk, to the campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

169 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Brenda L

Loop:Cold

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Though there is water available it is not convenient and I recommend bringing your own. Vault toilets are odiferous, worse than others. That said campsites are far enough apart to give some privacy and the proximity to Denver makes it a very desirable location for camping.

David B

Loop:Cold

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Love this campground. I stay 1-2 times per year the last 3-4 years. Yes it is close to hwy but traffic at night very light. Close to Golden Gate for easy access. Staff/host was friendly and helpful.

Todd L

Loop:Cold

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great shade from mature Aspen & Pine. Very clean campsites.

Galen W

Loop:Cold

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Easy to get to, good sites, good cell service, and a great camp host.

Diane K

Loop:Cold

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The camp grounds are beautiful but most of the sites are literally on top of one another. We reserved #20 a beautiful site in the back of the grounds. Away from the road. When the occupants of the tent next to us sneezed at night we heard it. Ridiculous. Some beautiful wildlife and the great outdoors albeit in a suburban setting. :-/

Robert R

Loop:Cold

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We love Cold Springs Campground! We camped here four times this summer and had a wonderful experience every time. It’s close to Denver but still offers a quiet, peaceful mountain escape. The trail access directly from the campsites into the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest is fantastic for hiking. Our host, Gary, is amazing and so welcoming—he always remembered our names and stopped by to check in on us. We even got to see two bull moose graze through the campground on one of our trips! We can't wait to return for multiple trips next season.

Availability

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

Reserve