West Chicago Creek Campground

For Colorado locals, the call of the mountains is often a yearning for true disconnection – a chance to leave behind the digital noise and immerse oneself fully in nature's embrace. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves rugged beauty, challenging trails, and nights under a canopy of stars with minimal modern interruptions, then West Chicago Creek Campground near Idaho Springs, Colorado, could be your next adventure.

Nestled within the Arapaho National Forest at a refreshing elevation of 9,600 feet, this campground offers a genuinely rustic experience. It’s a place where the grandeur of the Rockies is your backdrop, and the sounds of the creek and rustling trees replace the constant pings of your phone. As one camper aptly put it, "Being so disconnected from the modern world for a night made me feel like a real adventurer!" This article will guide you through the essentials of West Chicago Creek Campground, highlighting its unique features and services, and why it’s a suitable choice for Colorado residents seeking an authentic, unplugged mountain experience.

West Chicago Creek Campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground located along its namesake creek, at the base of Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans), within the vast expanse of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. This high-elevation campground features 15 individual campsites suitable for both RVs (without hookups) and tents. Each site is equipped with essential amenities like a tent pad, picnic table, charcoal grill, and a fire ring (fire restrictions allowing).

The campground is renowned for its primitive nature, offering a true "back to basics" experience. It’s a destination for those who are prepared to be self-sufficient, as reviews consistently highlight the lack of modern conveniences. "Make sure you come fully aware that there is no washroom, shower, electricity or water available. There is no cellular service," advises one visitor. However, it's important to note that while some past information indicates no water, more recent reports from Recreation.gov confirm the presence of "water spigots" for potable water, though visitors should always confirm current conditions, as water availability can change (e.g., "Water is currently unavailable. Reservation holders will receive a 25% refund during this water outage."). The absence of cell service is a consistent feature, allowing for a complete digital detox. The area's natural beauty, characterized by an aspen and lodgepole pine forest, combined with access to numerous hiking and fishing opportunities, draws those seeking an active outdoor escape. While it can get "very cold at night," a well-prepared camper will find immense satisfaction in its secluded, tranquil atmosphere.

West Chicago Creek Campground is nestled in the stunning Colorado Rockies, with its address listed as W Chicago Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA. This prime location places it within Clear Creek County, offering convenient access from the Denver metropolitan area and other Front Range communities.

Accessing the campground typically involves taking I-70 westbound to Idaho Springs (Exit 240), then heading south on Highway 103 for approximately 6.5 miles. From Highway 103, you'll turn right onto Forest Service Road 188, also known as West Chicago Creek Road. The final stretch to the campground is about 3 miles, with the last mile being a dirt/gravel road that can be "winding and narrow," especially with "two sharp switchbacks." Visitors are advised to "Drive slowly, be prepared to move / slow your vehicle to accommodate oncoming vehicles, and keep a GPS to consult. My Garmin GPS had no trouble guiding me to the campsite." While low-profile cars have been known to make it, a higher-clearance vehicle is generally recommended for comfort on the rougher sections.

The campground's high elevation of 9,600 feet means cooler temperatures, even in summer, and potential for sudden weather changes, including snow. Its proximity to Idaho Springs, a historic mining town, allows for quick trips into town for any last-minute supplies or a visit to local attractions like the Argo Gold Mine and Mill Museum. The balance of feeling remote while still being relatively close to town amenities is a significant draw for many local campers.

West Chicago Creek Campground provides a limited but essential set of services to ensure a functional, albeit rustic, camping experience:

• Campsites: 15 individual sites are available, suitable for both tent and RV (up to 30-45 feet parking length, must fit on spur). Each site features a tent pad, picnic table, charcoal grill, and a fire ring. Four sites are designated as "Walk-In" sites.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets, which are frequently praised for their cleanliness. One reviewer noted them as "the cleanest I have ever seen."

• Potable Water Spigots: While there have been reports of water being unavailable at times (check Recreation.gov for current alerts), the campground is generally equipped with "water spigots" for potable water. Campers should always confirm availability or bring their own water as a backup.

• Trash Dumpster: A trash dumpster is available for waste disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean.

• Bear Boxes: All sites are equipped with bear boxes for food storage, which is crucial in this wildlife-rich mountain environment.

• Firewood for Sale: During peak season, firewood is typically available for sale at the campground, offering convenience for those planning campfires (always check current fire restrictions).

• Camp Host: An on-site camp host is generally present to assist campers and manage the campground. Reviewers have often described hosts as friendly and helpful.

• No Hook-ups: There are "no RV hook-ups" for electricity, water, or sewer at any site. Campers must be self-sufficient.

• No Cellular Service: The campground is a "no cellular service" zone, ensuring a complete digital detox experience.

• Unplugged Experience: The complete lack of cellular service is a major highlight for those seeking to truly disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in nature. As one reviewer felt, it makes you "feel like a real adventurer!"

• Direct Access to Mount Evans Wilderness: The campground provides immediate access to numerous hiking trails leading into the pristine Mount Evans Wilderness. The "West Chicago Creek Trail" is highly recommended, offering an "amazing experience" and a "bit strenuous but well worth the leg burn." The Hell's Hole Trailhead is also adjacent to the campground.

• Excellent Fishing: West Chicago Creek itself offers "good fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout," making it a popular spot for anglers.

• Beautiful High-Elevation Scenery: Situated at 9,600 feet in an aspen and lodgepole pine forest, the campground boasts "beautiful scenery" with views of Mount Blue Sky (Mount Evans) and the surrounding peaks.

• Clean Facilities: The "very clean bathrooms" (vault toilets) are a consistent positive, defying expectations for a rustic campground.

• Bear-Proof Storage: The inclusion of bear boxes at every site is a valuable feature, providing peace of mind for food storage in bear country.

• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, including potential sightings of moose.

• Proximity to Idaho Springs: Despite its secluded feel, the historic town of Idaho Springs is a short drive away, offering access to limited services and attractions like the Argo Gold Mine and Mill Museum.

Address: W Chicago Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA

Phone: (For campground inquiries or current conditions, the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests can be reached at 303-567-3000. Reservations are typically made via Recreation.gov.)

For Colorado locals, West Chicago Creek Campground is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic, high-altitude mountain escape. Its suitability stems from its ability to deliver a true "unplugged" experience, a rare commodity in today's connected world. The complete lack of cell service forces a genuine disconnection, allowing for deep immersion in the natural beauty of the Arapaho National Forest.

This campground is perfectly tailored for adventurers, hikers, and fishing enthusiasts. The readily accessible and highly recommended West Chicago Creek Trail offers a rewarding challenge for those looking to stretch their legs and explore the Mount Evans Wilderness. Anglers will appreciate the opportunities to cast a line for trout in the namesake creek. Even for casual campers, the clean vault toilets, bear boxes, and the availability of water (when operational) provide essential comforts in a primitive setting.

While the roads can be winding and narrow, and nights get cold, these aspects are part of the adventure, not deterrents, for a prepared Colorado outdoor enthusiast. West Chicago Creek Campground offers a vital retreat for locals to reset, reconnect with nature, and embrace the rugged charm of the Rocky Mountains, all within a reasonable drive from the Front Range. It’s more than just a place to camp; it's an opportunity to truly feel like an adventurer in your own backyard.

West Chicago Creek Campground

W Chicago Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA