PICKLE GULCH (Group Site Camping)

For Colorado locals planning a significant outdoor gathering – be it a family reunion, a youth group outing, or a friends' adventure – finding the perfect venue that combines natural beauty with practical amenities can be a challenge. Look no further than PICKLE GULCH (Group Site Camping), nestled in the picturesque Arapaho National Forest near Black Hawk, Colorado. This specialized group campground offers a unique and highly suitable setting for larger parties seeking to immerse themselves in the Rocky Mountains. It's designed to provide ample space, essential facilities, and a stunning natural backdrop, creating unforgettable memories for everyone.

PICKLE GULCH stands out for its commitment to providing a clean and well-maintained environment, a crucial factor for comfortable group camping. Visitors consistently praise the upkeep of the sites and facilities, including the bathrooms and water faucets. While it offers a sense of seclusion and mountain wilderness, it remains relatively accessible from Denver, striking an excellent balance between convenience and escape. The presence of abundant wildlife, with delighted campers recounting sightings of moose and deer walking right by their sites, adds an element of genuine wonder to the experience. This connection with nature is a hallmark of the Colorado outdoor lifestyle, and PICKLE GULCH delivers it in spades.

Despite the minor inconvenience of a short walk from the parking area to the campsites – a small trade-off for the secluded feel – the overall consensus from those who have experienced PICKLE GULCH is overwhelmingly positive. It’s a place where groups can gather, bond, and enjoy the pristine beauty of Colorado, complete with campfires, starry nights, and the possibility of extraordinary wildlife encounters. If your group is ready for an authentic mountain camping adventure with dedicated facilities, PICKLE GULCH is a top contender.

PICKLE GULCH (Group Site Camping) is ideally situated at Missouri Gulch Rd, Black Hawk, CO 80422, USA. This location places it within the majestic Arapaho National Forest, just a few miles north of the historic mining towns of Black Hawk and Central City. The campground is conveniently located off the scenic Highway 119, a segment of the renowned Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, making it easily accessible for Colorado locals from various parts of the state, particularly the Denver metropolitan area and the Front Range.

From Denver, a common route involves taking 6th Avenue West to State Highway 6 through Clear Creek Canyon, then turning north onto State Highway 119 towards Black Hawk. After passing through Black Hawk, you'll find the campground's turnoff on Missouri Gulch Road. While the drive is scenic and manageable, visitors should be aware of the elevation, as the campground sits at approximately 9,117 feet. This high-mountain setting contributes to cooler temperatures and a true alpine experience.

One important aspect of accessibility unique to PICKLE GULCH group sites is that they are "walk-to" sites. This means campers must transport their gear approximately 150 yards up a gravely path from the parking area to their specific campsite. While this requires a bit of effort, especially at elevation, the campground provides wheelbarrows from the on-site host to assist with hauling equipment, mitigating the challenge and ensuring the sites remain secluded and quiet from vehicle traffic. The relatively short and direct drive from Denver, combined with the walk-in sites, makes it an accessible yet immersive mountain group camping destination.

• Group Campsites: PICKLE GULCH offers six dedicated group campsites, primarily for tent camping only. RVs and trailers are not permitted beyond the parking area.
• Tent Pads: Each group campsite is equipped with designated tent pads, providing level and clear areas for pitching multiple tents.
• Picnic Tables: Ample picnic tables are provided at each site, designed to accommodate large groups for dining and gatherings.
• Fire Pits with Grates: Every site includes a fire pit with a grate, perfect for campfires and cooking. Firewood may be available for purchase from the host or gathered from the surrounding forest (if restrictions allow).
• BBQ Grills: In addition to fire pits, some sites are equipped with BBQ grills for outdoor cooking convenience.
• Bear Boxes: Crucially, bear boxes are provided at each site for safe and secure food storage, vital in this wildlife-rich area.
• Vault Toilets: Well-maintained vault toilets are shared between sites, ensuring essential restroom facilities are available.
• Water Faucets/Spigots: Potable drinking water is available via shared water faucets or spigots, a convenient amenity for campers.
• On-Site Host: A camp host is typically present to assist campers, provide information, and help maintain the campground.
• Wheelbarrows for Gear Transport: To aid with the walk-in nature of the sites, wheelbarrows are available from the host to transport gear from the parking area.
• Day-Use Area: There is a separate day-use area that includes two volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, additional picnic tables, and another vault toilet, providing extra recreational options for groups.
• Reservations: All group campsites at PICKLE GULCH are reservable through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations are mandatory and highly recommended due to the limited number of sites and high demand for group camping.

• Dedicated Group Camping Facilities: PICKLE GULCH is specifically designed for group camping, offering spacious sites and amenities (multiple picnic tables, fire pits, bear boxes) to accommodate larger parties comfortably. This specialized focus sets it apart from individual campsites.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: Visitors consistently highlight the cleanliness and excellent maintenance of the campground, including the campsites and shared vault toilets, which significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Stunning Natural Scenery: The campground is set within a beautiful forest of lodgepole pine and aspen trees, offering "gorgeous meadow with amazing views" of the surrounding Colorado mountains. While some areas may have less shade due to beetle infestation management, the natural beauty remains prominent.
• Abundant Wildlife Sightings: A significant highlight is the frequency of wildlife encounters. Campers have reported seeing moose (including a mother and calves walking near campsites) and deer, providing unforgettable moments and a true wilderness feel.
• Essential Bear Boxes: The provision of bear boxes at each site is a critical feature, emphasizing safety and responsible wildlife interaction in this known bear country.
• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: The area offers numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, off-road driving, and fishing in nearby creeks, rivers, and lakes. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway provides excellent scenic driving.
• Accessible from Denver: Despite its mountain setting, the campground is not "too difficult to get to from Denver," making it a convenient option for local groups looking for a relatively quick escape into the high country.
• Quiet and Secluded Feel: The walk-to nature of the sites helps maintain a peaceful environment, largely free from vehicle noise and contributing to a more immersive outdoor experience.
• Ample Recreational Amenities: The separate day-use area with volleyball courts and horseshoe pits adds value, providing organized activities for group entertainment beyond traditional camping.

PICKLE GULCH (Group Site Camping) is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Reservations for this and many other federal campgrounds are handled through a centralized system.

Address: Missouri Gulch Rd, Black Hawk, CO 80422, USA

Phone: (801) 226-3564 (This number is often associated with the specific campground for direct inquiries, potentially routing to the local ranger district or a concessionaire.)

Mobile Phone: +1 801-226-3564

For reservations, the most reliable method is to use the Recreation.gov website or call their toll-free number: 1-877-444-6777. Given that PICKLE GULCH is a popular group site, especially during peak seasons, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred dates. Local ranger district offices, such as the Clear Creek Ranger District, can also be a valuable resource for current conditions, local regulations, or more specific questions about the area.

For Colorado locals, PICKLE GULCH (Group Site Camping) offers an exceptional and highly suitable venue for any group seeking a memorable mountain experience. Its proximity to Denver means less travel time and more time enjoying the pristine surroundings of the Arapaho National Forest. This blend of accessibility and a genuine "far off" mountain feel is a significant advantage for residents looking for a quick yet impactful escape.

The dedicated facilities for groups, including multiple picnic tables, fire pits, BBQs, and essential bear boxes, make planning and execution for larger parties considerably easier than at standard individual campsites. The consistently praised cleanliness of the campground and its amenities underscores the commitment to providing a high-quality outdoor experience. While the walk from the parking area to the sites requires some effort, the provision of wheelbarrows and the resulting peaceful, vehicle-free campsites are a worthy trade-off, enhancing the sense of immersion in nature.

The potential for incredible wildlife sightings, as recounted by previous visitors, adds a magical dimension to camping at PICKLE GULCH. Such encounters reinforce the unique natural heritage that Colorado offers. Although there was an isolated report of distant gunshots, the overall reviews emphasize the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. For local families, youth groups, or friends planning a reunion, PICKLE GULCH provides an ideal balance of wilderness adventure, practical amenities, and a strong sense of community, all within the breathtaking landscape that makes Colorado so special. It's a place where shared memories are forged amidst the rustling aspens and majestic mountain views.

PICKLE GULCH (Group Site Camping)

Missouri Gulch Rd, Black Hawk, CO 80422, USA