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Arapaho-Roosevelt/West Chicago Creek
Overview
Located within the serene landscapes of the Arapaho National Forest, West Chicago Creek Campground offers a quintessential Colorado mountain experience. Sitting at an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet, this facility provides a quiet retreat for those looking to disconnect from the hustle of modern life. Visitors are treated to the soothing sounds of the rushing creek and the scent of evergreen forests, making it a premier choice for authentic nature enthusiasts and families looking to explore the Rockies.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just southwest of Idaho Springs, the campground is nestled in a valley thick with lodgepole pine, aspen, and fir trees. The sites are spread along the banks of West Chicago Creek, providing a lush, green backdrop during the summer months. Its proximity to the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway makes it a convenient basecamp for high-altitude exploration while remaining tucked away from the noise of the main highways and heavy interstate traffic.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional Forest Service site, the amenities focus on providing a rustic experience. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for evening gatherings. The park provides basic necessities including:
- Vault toilets located conveniently throughout the loops
- Potable water accessible via a hand pump
- Standard trash collection services
It is important to note that there are no hookups or dump stations available, and the campground is best suited for tents or small-to-mid-sized RVs, generally under 30 feet in length.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away, with the Hell’s Hole Trail trailhead located right at the end of the campground road. This popular hiking path leads visitors into the Mount Evans Wilderness for spectacular views. A short drive away, travelers can explore Echo Lake Park or drive to the summit of Mount Blue Sky. For a touch of history, the nearby town of Idaho Springs offers gold mine tours and natural hot springs for post-hike relaxation.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for boondockers and small rig owners who prioritize scenery and solitude over modern luxuries. If you enjoy falling asleep to the sound of moving water and starting your day with a hike directly from your campsite, this is the place for you. It is perfect for outdoor adventurers seeking a rugged, peaceful atmosphere within easy reach of Colorado’s iconic 14,000-foot peaks and historic mining towns.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Stevie Gregory
A true hidden Colorado gem of a campground. Small campground nestled amongst the trees short walk to clear ice cold creek. Tents or small rvs
L W
Beautiful, but come prepared! Make sure you come fully aware that there is no washroom, shower, electricity or water available. There is no cellular service. It gets very cold at night. I camped in a tent and was well equipped for these challenges, and enjoyed my stay. Being so disconnected from the modern world for a night made me feel like a real adventurer! The roads are winding and narrow as you get closer to the campsite. 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.
Kali L
Nice campground! Camp site was spacious and had a fire ring, picnic table, and bear proof storage. Trail nearby for a nice hike. Camp host has firewood for sale.
Victoria Joseph
Campground was very nice, no complaints there. Unfortunately, our visit was turned sour by an unpleasant interaction with the camp host. I don’t know this woman’s name but she has quite the attitude. We rolled in kinda late looking for an open camp ground. We found a site that said open so we pulled in. We began setting up when the host came over telling us we had to leave because that spot was actually reserved. From the start she had an I own nature attitude that rubbed me the wrong way. This was unfortunate but we agreed right away and started thinking of alternate plans. We decided to ask a nice couple with a big site if we could set up our tent in a corner of their site and they were happy to have us! Just as we start taking out our tent the camp host comes over yelling “no, no, no ladies” over and over. I chat with her explaining we discussed this with the couple there, the guy walks over to confirm. She will not hear it and just says that if we had asked her before setting up our tent it would have been fine but now we HAD to leave. Ended up camping on the side of the road and not feeling super comfortable. Would have loved for a camp host (some one who should love access to nature) to treat us with a little more kindness 🤷🏻♀️
Larry North
Definitely worth the drive