Fishing and hiking draw campers to Pickle Gulch, a group-oriented National Forest campground set in forested terrain near Idaho Springs, Colorado. The campground sits within Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG, with water access nearby and some hiking adjacent to the sites. No RVs are permitted here. The season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day only, and reservations are mandatory at least four days in advance.
The layout suits large groups well. Tent pads are level and clearly marked, group gathering areas are available, and pit toilets are maintained on-site. One reviewer noted the campground stays very quiet at night, and the group sites are spacious enough that multiple camping parties can spread out without crowding. Drinking water and trash service are provided, which reduces the logistical load for extended stays.
Getting here takes some effort. The access road is rough, and at least one reviewer found the drive significantly more demanding than expected. Nearby options like Cold Springs Campground provide a point of comparison for campers weighing road conditions against site quality. Wild Daisy Retreat is another close alternative with different terrain.
Nightly rates range from $69 to $263, reflecting the group camp structure. As Hayley K. noted, the campground is a short drive from Black Hawk, making it workable as a base for evening trips into town. Pickle Gulch makes the most sense for organized groups comfortable with a rough access road and tent-only camping.
Description
Overview
Pickle Gulch is a group picnic and camping facility located just off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway/Highway 119. Visitors enjoy the area for its scenic and off-road driving, and nearby hiking and fishing opportunities.
Recreation
Many hiking and biking trails are found nearby. Scenic driving is available along Highways 119 and 72, which is also 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
Pickle Gulch is an area that offers day-use picnic sites and six campsites to accommodate large groups. The picnic site can accommodate up to 150 people and is equipped with picnic tables and campfire circles. A parking area, vault toilets and a playground are provided. The group campsites are all walk-to sites for tent camping only. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables, a campfire circle and tent pads. Vault toilets and drinking water spigots are shared between sites. A separate day-use area contains two volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and a vault toilet. Firewood may be gathered from the surrounding forest, if available, or purchased from the host.
Natural Features
The site offers many scenic views of the surrounding area. It is set among a fairly level forest of lodgepole pine trees, dotted with aspens. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, there may be little to no shade at these sites.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (970) 234-1110.
Nearby Attractions
The historic mining town of Central City is nearby. The town hosts various popular events, including Lou Bunch Day and the Central City Opera and Jazz festivals. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a short drive from the campground. This scenic park offers more than 35 miles of hiking trails. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also allowed on some trails. Every stream and pond within 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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT: Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, except if using a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device. 36 CFR 261.52(a)2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building. 36 CFR 261.52(d)3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR 261.52(h)4. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off NFS roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle. 36 CFR 261.56.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPickle Gulch is located in Colorado near Black Hawk
Directions
From Interstate 25 in Denver, travel west on 6th Avenue to State Highway 6 and continue through Clear Creek Canyon. Turn on State Highway 119 toward Black Hawk and Central City. Follow the highway 4 miles north of Black Hawk, to the campground.
Coordinates
39.8432028 N
105.5226111 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/26/26
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/1/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/26/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/1/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 49 min from Boulder, CO
- 51 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 33 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 37 min from Fort Collins, CO
