Reservations at Cascade Campground fill fast. Weekend spots routinely book out months in advance, and weekdays are often fully reserved too, so campers planning a summer visit should check recreation.gov well ahead of their trip. The campground sits in Chalk Creek Canyon within San Isabel National Forest, at $22 per night, and runs seasonally from mid-May through late September.
Gravel campsites keep mud manageable, and trees and shrubs between sites provide enough separation that the campground feels less crowded than the booking numbers suggest. Sites are flat. Shade is consistent throughout. The water source is a hand pump, so bring a bucket or container since there is no hose connection for RVs. Campers with rigs up to 35 feet can access the campground via the gravel road in, though solar-dependent setups may want to consider Chalk Lake or Mount Princeton, both nearby in the canyon, for better sun exposure.
Fishing in Chalk Creek and day trips to St. Elmo, a historic mining ghost town, are the most commonly mentioned activities among reviewers. A trail from the east end of the campground connects to a railroad grade trail and routes toward Mount Antero. Views from the canyon frame both Mount Princeton and Antero. Fall color along the canyon draws visitors later in the season, when snow at higher elevations is possible on the drive up.
Those exploring places to camp around Nathrop will find Cascade a solid base for Chalk Creek Canyon recreation. Bring the fishing gear and book early.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCascade Campground is located in Colorado near Nathrop
Public CampgroundDirections
In Nathrop, CO, at intersection of US Rt. 285 and County Rt. 162, take Rt. 162 west 9.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Coordinates
38.71013351 N
106.2443844 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/12/26
VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 9/12/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/12/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/12/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 9/12/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/12/26
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
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 9 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 15 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 31 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 41 min from Boulder, CO
