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Camping is permitted throughout National Forest lands, though campers are cautioned to respect private property, keep their site clear of trash and debris, and restrict their stay to the two-week limit. The danger of wildland fire grows more serious each summer season. Campers are urged to take every precaution to avoid the possibility of a wildland fire. Public and private campgrounds in our area serve tenters and RVs alike. Some are fee based and others are free.
AREA CAMPGROUNDS
Buckingham (a.k.a. Fourth of July) Campground
Six miles west of Eldora on dirt road. RVs not recommended. Rustic. Wilderness access. 7 “official” sites. Free on first come basis.
Cold Spring Campground
Gilpin County north of Black Hawk on Highway 119. Open late May through early September. 27 sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP.
Columbine Campground
Gilpin County three miles west of Central City. Open late May through early September. 47 sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Gilpin County north of Black Hawk. Two
camping areas: Reverend’s Ridge and Aspen Meadows (tents only). 168 total sites. Drinking water, showers, hook-ups, Visitors Center. Hiking trails, biking, fishing, horseback riding. Colorado State Parks fee. Reservations recommended. (303) 582-3707 or on the web.
Kelly-Dahl Campground
Three miles south of Nederland off Highway 119. Drinking water, trailer sites. Open late May through early September. 46 sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP.
KOA Central City/Black Hawk
One half mile off Highway 119 north of Black Hawk. Open all year. Full service
camping, tents, and cabins. Kids under 6 free. Reservations at (800) 562-1620 or on the web.
Pawnee Campground
West of Ward on a good paved road 5 miles at Brainard Lake. Drinking water. Trailer sites. This is a very popular campground and reservations are highly recommended. Wilderness access. Open late May through early September. 55 sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP.
Peaceful Valley & Camp Dick
About 18 miles north of Nederland on Highway 72. One half mile on good dirt road to Peaceful Valley and one mile beyond to Camp Dick. Drinking water, trailer sites. Wilderness access. Open late May through early September. 49 total sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP.
Pickle Gulch Group Campground
Gilpin County on Highway 118 north of Black Hawk. Open late May through early September. Group
camping only, available by reservation only. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP.
Rainbow Lakes Campground
Six miles north of Nederland off Highway 72, then left on turnoff for University of Colorado Mountain Research Station. Six miles to campground over a poorly maintained, bumpy road. Rustic. Wilderness access. Open late May through early September. 18 sites. USFS fee. (800) 280-CAMP.
Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds
There are several campgrounds located within the park. Some include RV sites and running water. Open all year, but summer reservations are required. 577 total sites. (970) 586-1206 or on the web.
