Established Camping
Cold Brook Lake Campground
Cold Brook Lake Campground, near Hot Springs, South Dakota, is a charming spot that offers a peaceful escape surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With spacious sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for gathering around the campfire and enjoying the great outdoors.
This campground is known for its beautiful lake, which boasts a sandy beach and excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors have remarked on the tranquility of the area, with one camper noting, “Absolutely beautiful... So quiet and peaceful.” While the campground is exposed and lacks shade, it provides a unique canyon-like atmosphere that many find appealing.
For those eager to explore, Cold Brook Lake Campground is conveniently located near attractions like Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or just soaking up the sun, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Just remember to bring bug spray, as the little critters can be a nuisance at times.
Description
Overview
Located less than 1 mile north of Hot Springs, South Dakota sits one of the area's most perferred campgrounds. At the south end of Cold Brook Campground sits Cold Brook Lake, a popular destination for those looking to take a swim at the beach, snorkel in the crystal clear water or wet a line while trying to catch a variety of fish species. At the north end of the campground sits a wildlife area with a two-track trail that is good for a morning stroll or a short bike ride with the possibility of seeing wildlife.
Recreation
Cold Brook Lake is about 33 acres in size and it provides a quiet opportunity to wet a line and possibly catch a large mouth bass, northern pike, catfish, carp, rainbow trout, or various pan fish. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or any other small non-gas motorized boat can commonly be seen on the lake. As the summer heats up, the beach tends to be a popular hangout for both locals and tourists. The non-motorized two-track path in the wildlife area is a great spot for a short hike or letting pets enjoy being off a leash. Other popular outdoor recreational opportunities include picnicking, playing at the playground, wildlife viewing, photography, and archery hunting. Archery hunting is permitted in designated areas only and both hunting and fishing regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota.
Facilities
Cold Brook Campgrounds features 12 primitive campsites with no water or electric hook-ups. Potable water is available in the main part of the campground across from the camp host. The camp host is available to greet visitors and help with any questions they may have. Sites 12 and 13 are right on the lake while the rest of the sites are a short drive or walk to the lake. In the recreation area there is a boat ramp, beach, picnic shelters, vault toilets, archery range, fire rings, grills and a playground. The use of gas motors on the lake is strictly prohibited.
Natural Features
Located in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota, construction of Cold Brook Dam began in 1949 and was completed in 1953, under the Flood Control Act of 1941. Although the dam was originally built for flood control, it has created a park with approximately 450 acres of public lands and water that provides a variety of benefits to both the public and wildlife. Once here you will see how the rugged hills, crystal clear water and evergreen trees create a picturesque site.
Nearby Attractions
Popular nearby attractions include: Black Hills National Forest Wind Cave National Park The Mammoth Site Evans Plunge Jewel Cave National Monument
Contact Info
This location is staffed. Please call (605) 745-5476 to speak with local staff.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.
Fee Info
Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Location
Cold Brook Lake Campground is located in South Dakota
Directions
From Rapid City, SD take US-79 South, turn right onto US-18 W/US-385N, follow US-385N through Hot Springs, shortly after the speed limit increases to 35mph turn left onto Badger Clark Road, at the T-intersection turn right onto Evans Street, follow that road as it takes a sharp curve to the left, then as the road splits stay to the right and go up the hill and lastly the road will turn to gravel, follow this to the campground and day use area. From Chadron, NE take US-385 North, turn left onto US-18 W/US-385N through Hot Springs, shortly after the speed limit increases to 35mph turn left onto Badger Clark Road, at the T-intersection turn right onto Evans Street, follow that road as it takes a sharp curve to the left, then as the road splits stay to the right and go up the hill and lastly the road will turn to gravel, follow this to the campground and day use area. 12814-12826 Cold Brook Road Hot Springs, SD 57747.
Coordinates
43.461656 N
103.4917 W
Detours Nearby
Cold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek
13 min away
Plenty Star Ranch - CLOSED
20 min away
Drive Time
- 55 min from Rapid City
- 2 hrs 53 min from Casper
- 3 hrs 36 min from Cheyenne
- 4 hrs 12 min from Fort Collins
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageLast on 5/20/25- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
