Pickle Gulch

Star4.07
108 reviews
ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Quick Facts

9,140 ft

Price

$69 - $263/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open May 16th throug...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Pickle Gulch
$69.00 - $263.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary by season and are divided based on group sizes. Peak season rates range from $69.00 for Group Walk-To sites to $263.00 for larger...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$69.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
801-226-3564
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What Campers Say

4.07

Satisfactory

Based on 108 reviews

79 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouswell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Pickle Gulch are generally positive, with an average sentiment of 4.32 out of 5. Common themes include site cleanliness, scenic beauty, and thoughtful amenities such as wheelbarrows and bear boxes. Some users, however, expressed concerns about accessibility, noise from nearby gun activity, and interactions with the campground hosts."

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Campground Map

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Pickle Gulch

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 25 in Denver, travel west on 6th Avenue to State Highway 6 and continue through Clear Creek Canyon. Turn on State Highway 119 toward Black Hawk and Central City. Follow the highway 4 miles north of Black Hawk, to the campground.
All roads leading to the campground are paved and accessible year-round, but note that RVs are not permitted past the parking area.
Nearby places
Black Hawk (4 miles), Denver (approximately 50 miles)
Nearby supplies
The town of Black Hawk is nearby with stores for basic supplies, groceries, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Pickle Gulch

Summer at Pickle Gulch unfolds with brilliant blue skies and comfortable mountain temperatures, perfect for outdoor adventures—though afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through, adding drama to the landscape. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to warm afternoons, creating ideal hiking conditions amid changing aspens. Winter transforms the area into a snow-covered wonderland, with temperatures that demand cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. Spring brings its own wild beauty, as the mountains awaken with unpredictable weather patterns that can shift from sunshine to snow in mere hours, reminding visitors of nature's dynamic personality.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and peak season: “brilliant blue skies, comfortable temps,” but busy with afternoon storms and occasional noise.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall noted as quieter and scenic (aspens), though some facilities (water) may be turned off in Oct.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground is closed prior to its May 16 opening; spring not in-season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is closed outside May 16–Oct 10; winter camping not in-season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16th - October 10th annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 16th through October 10th annually.

About Pickle Gulch

Nestled along the breathtaking Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Highway 119), Pickle Gulch beckons adventure seekers with its perfect blend of mountain serenity and outdoor excitement. This cherished group picnic and camping destination serves as your gateway to Colorado's rugged backcountry, where off-road trails wind through stunning alpine landscapes and crystal-clear streams promise memorable fishing expeditions. Whether you're gathering with family for a weekend reunion or seeking a basecamp for mountain exploration, Pickle Gulch delivers the authentic Rocky Mountain experience you've been dreaming of.
Pickle Gulch is primarily a group camping facility designed for large parties. It exclusively offers group walk-to tent camping sites and a group picnic area.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is set to 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is set to 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Pickle Gulch offers a variety of recreational options including hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and scenic driving. A dedicated day-use area includes volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. Nearby attractions offer additional activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
HikingMany hiking trails are available nearby, including those in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which offers over 35 miles of trails.
FishingNumerous creeks, rivers, and lakes in the area provide opportunities for fishing. However, specific details about fish species or fishing quality were not provided.
BikingBiking trails are available nearby, and mountain biking is specifically permitted in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
Wildlife viewingOpportunities for wildlife viewing are available. One user reported seeing a moose near their campsite.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts'This is bear country! For bear and human safety, keep a clean campsite.' Flash flooding possible during thunderstorms. Pollen can become a nuisance for allergy sufferers.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers available at each site.

Weather at Pickle Gulch

Reviews

4.1
108 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Pickle Gulch is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Pickle Gulch are generally positive, with an average sentiment of 4.32 out of 5. Common themes include site cleanliness, scenic beauty, and thoughtful amenities such as wheelbarrows and bear boxes. Some users, however, expressed concerns about accessibility, noise from nearby gun activity, and interactions with the campground hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 108 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include well-maintained vault toilets, spacious group sites, scenic views, and proximity to Denver. Many users appreciated the cleanliness of the facilities and the helpfulness of the...
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Based on 108 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the walk from parking to campsites being challenging, limited cell service, and noise from nearby shooting. Some users mentioned management being overly strict or unhelpful.
Based on 108 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray to combat mosquitos, and pack a wagon or wheelbarrow to assist with transporting gear. Campers are advised to prepare for mountain weather, including potential cold temperatures even...
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Based on 108 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is reported as a busy season with occasional noise from nearby activities. The fall season offers quieter stays, but facilities such as water spigots may be turned off in October. Winter...
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Based on 108 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms were spotless and the camp host friendly." "It’s also so easy to get to and only 50 min from Denver." "We saw a couple moose on our second morning while on a trail near the area."
Based on 108 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 is highlighted as a large site with 10 tent pads, while Site 4 is noted for its seclusion. Reviews for Site 1 mention ample shade and space for kids to play.
Based on 108 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users noted the walk to campsites as a challenge, particularly for those with mobility issues.
Based on 108 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. No additional feedback specific to pets was provided.
Based on 108 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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