Sitting along the Peak to Peak Highway (Route 119) in Arapaho National Forest, Cold Springs draws campers who want a forested base within roughly an hour of Denver without the grind of I-70. The sites are mostly wooded and level, with no hookups for RVs or trailers despite the campground's 50-foot maximum length. Highway noise is a consistent theme in reviews. Sites in the upper 30s sit closest to the road, and campers who prefer quieter nights should request a site farther from the highway and away from the playground, which can generate noise from families.
Facilities here are well-maintained. Vault toilets get high marks across multiple reviews, and water spouts are distributed throughout the campground rather than concentrated in one spot. A camp host is on-site and available for firewood purchases. There is also a short overlook trail within the campground that gives open sightlines toward the surrounding mountains. Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon sits nearby, making this stretch of the Peak to Peak corridor a reasonable area to explore campgrounds near Arapaho National Forest before settling on a site.
Kiley S. notes "spacious level sites" and "clean bathrooms and water spouts throughout the campground," which aligns with what most reviewers describe. Walk-in and drive-in access are both available, though access is flagged as rough. The campground runs from late May through September, and reservations are accepted. It tends to work best for campers using Golden Gate Canyon State Park as a day-use destination while keeping a less-crowded overnight base.
Description
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
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.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCold Springs is located in Colorado near Black Hawk
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.
Coordinates
39.8416667 N
105.4941667 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/29/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/29/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/29/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/29/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 47 min from Boulder, CO
- 50 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 32 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 35 min from Fort Collins, CO
