Cold Springs Campground

For Colorado locals seeking a true mountain escape that feels wonderfully remote yet remains remarkably accessible, Cold Springs Campground near Black Hawk is a premier choice. Nestled at an elevation of 9,200 feet within the sprawling Arapaho National Forest, this campground offers a classic Colorado camping experience. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the pine and aspen forests are vibrant, and the opportunities for outdoor adventure are limitless. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking to introduce your family to the joys of the Rocky Mountains, Cold Springs provides a clean, well-maintained, and spacious environment to truly unwind.

One of the most compelling aspects of Cold Springs Campground is its unique balance of proximity and seclusion. While it's conveniently close to Denver and the gaming towns of Black Hawk and Central City, it feels a world away once you're settled into your campsite. This allows for easy weekend trips or even longer stays, without the lengthy drives sometimes associated with deeper backcountry destinations. Campers often praise the generous spacing between sites, which contributes to a sense of privacy and peace, allowing for an intimate connection with nature. It’s not uncommon for visitors to spot local wildlife, adding an unforgettable element to their stay. The chance encounter with a mother moose and her calves, as one delighted camper recounted, is a testament to the rich natural environment surrounding the campground.

Cold Springs Campground is designed to accommodate both tent and RV campers, offering a variety of site types to suit different preferences. With essential amenities provided and a wealth of recreational opportunities right at its doorstep, it stands as an excellent option for Colorado residents eager to embrace the state's outdoor lifestyle. It’s a place where memories are made under the vast Colorado sky, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Front Range.

Cold Springs Campground is ideally situated at 12174 CO-119, Black Hawk, CO 80422, USA. This prime location places it approximately five miles north of the historic mining towns of Black Hawk and Central City, directly along the picturesque Highway 119, also known as a segment of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. This makes it highly accessible for Colorado locals, particularly those residing in the Denver metropolitan area and the surrounding Front Range communities.

From Denver, visitors can take 6th Avenue West to State Highway 6 through Clear Creek Canyon, then turn north onto State Highway 119 towards Black Hawk. The campground will be found roughly five miles north of Black Hawk on the left side of the highway, near the top of a mountain. Another accessible route is from I-70 at Exit 244, connecting directly to Highway 119. The direct access to a well-maintained state highway ensures that reaching Cold Springs is generally a smooth journey, suitable for both cars and RVs.

While the campground is conveniently located just off the highway, the design and spacing of sites often provide a good sense of being "far off," as one reviewer noted. Its elevation at 9,200 feet also contributes to that high-mountain feel, offering cooler temperatures and clearer skies than the lower elevations, even while remaining relatively close to civilization. This blend of accessibility and mountain ambiance is a key draw for local campers.

• Campsites: Cold Springs Campground features 38 campsites, designed to accommodate both tents and RVs (up to 40 feet). Several sites are pull-overs, with a few requiring steps to reach the picnic/fire ring area.
• Tent Pads: Each site includes a designated tent pad, ensuring a level and clean area for pitching tents.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table for comfortable outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings/Grates: Each site provides a fire ring or grate, allowing for safe campfires and cooking, often with firewood available for sale from the camp host.
• Water Hydrants: Potable water is available via water hydrants scattered throughout the campground.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are provided for camper use. While one review mentioned a temporary bad smell, overall feedback indicates good upkeep.
• Trash Service: Trash collection is available, helping campers maintain a clean environment.
• Playground: A small playground is available, making the campground family-friendly and providing entertainment for younger children.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at Cold Springs Campground but must be kept on a leash at all times.
• Reservations: Campsites are reservable through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777, with reservations highly recommended, especially for weekends during peak season.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site to assist campers and manage the campground.
• Extra Vehicle Fees: One vehicle is included with a reservation; additional vehicles incur an extra nightly fee.

• Spacious and Clean Campsites: A consistent highlight from visitors is that campsites are "spaced out enough and clean," providing privacy and a pleasant environment for camping.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The campground offers excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings. Campers have reported seeing moose, including a "momma moose and her two babies walk maybe 10ft from our campsite," elk, deer, and various bird species. This adds an exciting element to the camping experience.
• Convenient Mountain Location: Situated at 9,200 feet in an aspen and lodgepole pine forest, the campground offers a genuine mountain feel without being overly remote. Its proximity to Black Hawk and Central City adds unique local attractions.
• Access to Extensive Trail System: The surrounding Arapaho National Forest and nearby Golden Gate Canyon State Park (just seven miles away) offer an impressive network of hiking trails. An easy hiking trail leaves directly from the campground, and the short but steep Vista Trail provides "spectacular views of the vast Mount Evans Wilderness Area."
• Scenic Drives: Located directly on Highway 119, part of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, the campground is a fantastic base for scenic drives along Highways 119 and 72.
• Fishing Opportunities: Numerous creeks, rivers, and lakes in the vicinity provide excellent fishing opportunities for anglers.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a playground and an easy hiking trail for families with small children makes Cold Springs a welcoming destination for all ages.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviews often praise the cleanliness of the "bathrooms" (vault toilets) and the overall upkeep of the sites.
• Mix of RV and Tent Sites: The campground accommodates a range of camping styles, making it versatile for different group needs.

Cold Springs Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Arapaho National Forest, with operations sometimes overseen by a concessionaire like Vista Recreation. For reservations and general information, the primary contact channels are:

Address: 12174 CO-119, Black Hawk, CO 80422, USA

Reservation Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (This is the Recreation.gov call center, which handles reservations for federal campgrounds.)

For specific campground inquiries, a direct phone number provided by Recreation.gov for the managing entity is 801-226-3564. For localized information, it may also be helpful to contact the Clear Creek Ranger District of the Arapaho National Forest, as they oversee this area. However, the 1-877-444-6777 number is the most reliable for booking your stay. Given its popularity, especially on weekends, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended.

For Colorado locals, Cold Springs Campground represents an ideal blend of rugged mountain beauty and convenient accessibility. Its location near Black Hawk, just a short drive from the Denver metro area, means you can transition from city life to mountain serenity with ease. This "close to Denver but far enough to feel far off" quality is a significant draw, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or longer, refreshing getaways without extensive travel planning.

The campground’s spacious and clean sites, often nestled among the aspens and pines, provide the privacy and natural ambiance that Coloradans cherish in their outdoor experiences. The abundance of wildlife, including the delightful possibility of encountering moose and their calves, adds an element of genuine wilderness interaction that few campgrounds can offer. Furthermore, the direct access to a vast network of hiking trails and scenic byways ensures that there's always an adventure waiting, whether it's a strenuous hike to a panoramic vista or a leisurely scenic drive.

While one review mentioned unexpected gunshots, which might be a rare occurrence due to proximity to more rural or hunting areas, the overall sentiment points to a peaceful and well-maintained environment. The presence of amenities like water hydrants, clean vault toilets, and even a playground caters to diverse camping needs, making it suitable for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. Cold Springs Campground truly embodies the spirit of Colorado outdoor recreation, offering a perfect base for locals to explore, relax, and reconnect with the majestic natural landscapes that make our state so unique.

Cold Springs Campground

12174 CO-119, Black Hawk, CO 80422, USA