Cold Creek Backcountry Campsite Camping Area

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Last Updated: December 4, 2025

The Cold Creek Backcountry Campsite is a unique and secluded camping area located in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado.


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Summary

Visitors to this area will be impressed with the stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Indian Peaks, James Peak, and the Continental Divide. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, and bears.

One of the main draws of the Cold Creek Backcountry Campsite is its proximity to several popular hiking trails. In particular, visitors can explore the nearby St. Louis Lake Trail or the High Lonesome Trail, both of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. For those interested in fishing, Cold Creek is also a great spot to try your luck at catching native trout.

The campground itself offers several amenities for visitors to enjoy. There are several campsites available, each with a fire ring and picnic table. Water is available at the nearby Cold Creek, and there are vault toilets on site. Visitors are encouraged to pack out their own trash to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Interesting facts about the Cold Creek Backcountry Campsite include its location in an area that was once heavily mined for gold and silver. Visitors can still see evidence of this history in the form of old mine shafts and tunnels in the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the area is home to several unique plant species, including the Indian paintbrush and the alpine forget-me-not.

The best time of year to visit the Cold Creek Backcountry Campsite is typically from June through September, when temperatures average between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and can drop into the 30s at night. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, including afternoon thunderstorms, and should always be mindful of the potential for wildlife encounters.

Sources:
-https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/recarea/?recid=28454
-https://backpackersreview.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/cold-creek-backcountry-campsite-review/
-https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/st-louis-lake-trail
-https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/high-lonesome-loop-trail

       

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Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.

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