How much does camping cost at Pickle Gulch?

Camping fees at Pickle Gulch range from $69-$263/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pickle Gulch first-come first-served or reservation?

Pickle Gulch accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pickle Gulch before I book?

Yes! Pickle Gulch has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pickle Gulch?

Pickle Gulch is open May 15 to October 09. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pickle Gulch?

Pickle Gulch does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Pickle Gulch?

Fire policies at Pickle Gulch: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pickle Gulch have?

Pickle Gulch has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pickle Gulch?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pickle Gulch. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Pickle Gulch?

Pickle Gulch offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pickle Gulch?

Popular activities at Pickle Gulch include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pickle Gulch

3.99

108 reviews

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Pickle Gulch

$69.00 - $263.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA- 101-150 (Person at one time) day use group: $263.00; GROUP PICNIC AREA- 51-100 (Person at one time) day use group: $193.00; GROUP...

Group Site Fee$69.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

801-226-3564

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Pickle Gulch

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Campground Map

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Pickle Gulch

ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT

Nearby places

Black Hawk (4 miles), Denver (approximately 50 miles)

Weather at Pickle Gulch

Current alerts(11)

All campsites must be occupied within 26 hours of the beginning of the reservation. If not present the site will be rented by first come first serve basis.
EXTRA VEHICLE FEES: One vehicle is included in your reservation. Any additional vehicles will be charged $8.00 per vehicle per night and will be collected by the camphost. There is not a way to pay for extra vehicles when you make your reservation.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.

Best Time to Camp at Pickle Gulch

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather and full access to the campground (open May 16–Oct 10), with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F and cool nights in the 30s–40s. This is peak time for hiking, mountain biking, stream fishing, and family group camping—though expect afternoon thundershowers and higher weekend crowds in July and August. Wildlife viewing is excellent as meadows are lush and streams run well, and the Peak to Peak Byway is at its most inviting for a Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter season with aspens and views; some services like water may be shut off in Oct.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 09. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16th through October 10th annually.

About Pickle Gulch

Pickle Gulch sits in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, a high-elevation alpine campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors come for stream fishing, mountain biking, and hiking, with group sites available for family gatherings. The small layout and scenic setting appeal to campers seeking a quieter mountain experience within reach of Denver.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather and full access to the campground (open May 16–Oct 10), with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F and cool nights in the 30s–40s. This is peak time for hiking, mountain biking, stream fishing, and family group camping—though expect afternoon thundershowers and higher weekend crowds in July and August. Wildlife viewing is excellent as meadows are lush and streams run well, and the Peak to Peak Byway is at its most inviting for a Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation9140 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pines and aspens dominate the landscape, with areas affected by pine beetle activity creating sunny clearings that now attract wildflowers and wildlife. The mix of forest and open meadow provides mountain views, and the evolving canopy structure means some sites get more sun than others. The setting is quintessential Colorado montane forest: rocky, uneven terrain with stretches of shade and pockets of light.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal lodging options such as cabins or hotel-style accommodations are mentioned. The focus is on group tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests are limited based on site size.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate significant numbers of campers, with capacities varying by site. For example, Site 5 features 10 tent pads. A group picnic area can host up to 150 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe group campsites are walk-to only, with wheelbarrows available to assist with transporting gear. However, the walk (up to 150 yards over uneven terrain) may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeGroup sites are large, with some accommodating up to 10 tent pads. Specific site sizes were noted in reviews, such as Site 5, described as "huge" with 10 tent pads and spacious bear boxes.

PrivacySites offer good privacy, with many tent pads "tucked back in the trees," and significant distances between group sites. Site 4 was highlighted as particularly secluded.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Group Site 4 for maximum privacy and scenic views. Group Site 5 is recommended for larger groups.

Best CampsitesSite 5 stands out for its size: 10 tent pads, spacious bear boxes, and a location surrounded by aspens. Site 4 gets mentioned for seclusion. All sites are walk-in, so gear haul is a factor. Some campers recommend sites tucked farther back in the trees for privacy.

Need help booking Pickle Gulch?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Utility hookups and electricity are not available No RV water connections are available. RVs are not permitted past the parking area

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided instead, and user reviews consistently praise their cleanliness.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers available at each site.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

108 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pickle Gulch has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 108 reviews.

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

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...

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...

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...

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a high-elevation group camping option near Denver and don't mind hauling gear uphill from the parking area.

Skip if

You need drive-up sites or want to avoid occasional shooting noise from nearby areas.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

Cold Springs - Arapaho Roosevelt Nf (Co)

4.2

(318)

Cold Springs - Arapaho Roosevelt Nf (Co)

PO BOX 3307, IDAHO SPRINGS, CO, 80452, USA

Cold Springs sits at 9,200 feet in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, minutes from Blackhawk and the Peak to Peak Highway. Operated by Leisure Adventure, this mid-sized campground offers shaded tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers hike the Vista Trail for alpine views, fish nearby streams, and mountain bike forest roads while wildflowers and aspens frame the setting.