Rafting the Arkansas, hiking toward St. Elmo, or soaking at nearby Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, campers using Chalk Creek Campground as a base get quick access to several of the Arkansas River Valley's most-visited destinations. The campground sits along Chalk Creek just off Highway 285 outside Nathrop, and that highway proximity shapes the experience in ways worth knowing before you book.
The layout divides into two distinct loops. The lower loop runs along the creek and has mature trees providing shade; the upper loop is more open with little overhead cover. Reviews consistently favor the lower sites, particularly those backing directly onto the water. The creek sound carries well from creekside spots, though sites closer to the highway, especially on weekends, pick up significant road noise. One reviewer noted that campers in those exposed spots left early because of it. Cell reception is limited in the lower loop, but WiFi coverage improves near the office.
Amenities are solid for an established RV park. Electric, water, and sewer hookups are available, and the campground accommodates rigs up to 60 feet. The bathhouse draws consistent praise: coin-operated showers in spacious, updated stalls, clean bathroom facilities, and a laundry room at the end of the upper loop building. A small store at the office carries firewood and basic supplies. As Kathy B. puts it, "water is precious in these parts," and filling a tank requires staff assistance rather than a standard hookup.
The season runs March through January, and the campground tends to have availability on weekdays even during busy summer stretches. Reservations are accepted, pets are allowed, and the staff and camp hosts receive frequent mention for being helpful and responsive. The campground works well as an overnight stop or a multi-night base, though it functions less as a destination in itself than as a practical hub for the surrounding area. Campers wanting dispersed camping with more solitude can look into Browns Creek Road Dispersed, San Isabel NF to the southwest.
Fee Info
Experience the Very Best Camping at Chalk Creek Campground.
Back to nature – just trees, grass, creek & stars
Awesome mountain views!
Take it easy and relax in a site on or near Chalk Creek
Or use the luxury of a Full Hookup Site with views!
Closest privately owned campground to Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, and we sell discount tickets!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChalk Creek Campground & RV Park is located in Colorado near Nathrop
Address
11430 CR 197
Nathrop, CO 81236
Coordinates
38.7432169 N
106.08078475 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 8/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/22/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/22/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 8/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 51 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 1 hr 59 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 14 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 23 min from Boulder, CO

























