How much does camping cost at West Chicago Creek?

Camping fees at West Chicago Creek range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is West Chicago Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

West Chicago Creek 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 West Chicago Creek before I book?

Yes! West Chicago Creek 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 West Chicago Creek?

West Chicago Creek is open May 15 to September 18. 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 West Chicago Creek?

West Chicago Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does West Chicago Creek have?

West Chicago Creek has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at West Chicago Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at West Chicago Creek. 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 West Chicago Creek?

West Chicago Creek offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at West Chicago Creek?

Popular activities at West Chicago Creek include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

West Chicago Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at West Chicago Creek?

Fire policies at West Chicago Creek: 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.

4.30

140 reviews

Arapaho and Roosevelt NF Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Highway 103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Colorado

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,600 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,600 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG Official Website

Get Directions

West Chicago Creek

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $25.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $25.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

801-226-3564

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to West Chicago Creek

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Arapaho and Roosevelt NF Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Highway 103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA

West Chicago Creek

Arapaho and Roosevelt NF Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Highway 103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA

Nearby places

Idaho Springs - approximately 9 miles.

Weather at West Chicago Creek

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.
Limited first-come, first-served sites are available

Best Time to Camp at West Chicago Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the warmest daytime temperatures (roughly mid-60s to low-70s°F) and long daylight for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing at 9,600 ft. Trails are generally free of snow, alpine wildflowers are in bloom, and lakes and streams fish well, though afternoon thunderstorms are common—plan hikes for mornings. Campsite facilities are open and crowds are moderate to busy on holiday weekends, so midweek stays give a quieter experience. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open May 16–Sep 20; summer offers best trail access, wildflowers and reliable fishing per reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from May 16 to September 20.

About West Chicago Creek

West Chicago Creek sits at 9,600 feet in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, a small alpine campground near Idaho Springs. The Forest Service operates this high-elevation site with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers hike nearby trails, fish mountain streams, and enjoy wildflower-studded summer meadows under the watch of an attentive camp host.

The campground offers accommodations for tent camping and RVs, but there are no RV hook-ups available. Sites are equipped with basic amenities such as tent pads and fire rings. The campground's remote and quiet atmosphere appeals to campers seeking a more rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, the warmest daytime temperatures (roughly mid-60s to low-70s°F) and long daylight for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing at 9,600 ft. Trails are generally free of snow, alpine wildflowers are in bloom, and lakes and streams fish well, though afternoon thunderstorms are common—plan hikes for mornings. Campsite facilities are open and crowds are moderate to busy on holiday weekends, so midweek stays give a quieter experience. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pine and aspen surround the campground, which sits along West Chicago Creek. The elevation and creek provide cool air and water sounds. Moose and deer pass through regularly. Trails leave directly from camp, and Mount Evans looms nearby for experienced hikers. The setting is remote enough that reviewers call it "off the beaten track" and "peaceful," though the close site spacing means you'll hear your neighbors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The site capacity varies based on size, but the official sources don't specify a maximum number of guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityInformation on accessibility is not explicitly mentioned. However, the campground terrain includes dirt roads and unlevel ground, and RV access may be challenging due to narrow and rough roads.

Site SizeSites accommodate RVs and tents, but space can be tight. Parking spurs range from 30 to 45 feet in length, and some sites were noted for being spacious.

PrivacySites are described as very close together with limited privacy. 'You basically end up camping WITH your neighbor,' stated one reviewer. Outer sites are noted to offer more seclusion than central sites.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site 008 due to its location near the toilets and dumpsters with frequent foot traffic. Sites 013 and 012 are recommended for creek access and scenic views.

Best CampsitesSites 012 and 013 are mentioned for creek proximity and views. Outer sites offer more privacy than central ones, where you'll "basically end up camping WITH your neighbor.

Need help booking West Chicago Creek?

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

West Chicago Creek Campground is well-equipped with basic amenities for campers. Each of the 15 sites includes a tent pad, picnic table, charcoal grill, and fire ring. Additional amenities include a vault toilet, a water spigot, and a trash dumpster. However, there are no RV hook-ups available. Firewood can be purchased during the peak season. 'The vault toilets were well maintained and clean,' one reviewer noted, though others mentioned occasional bad odors. There is no potable water as the well is not functional, and campers are advised to bring their own water. The camp host has received high praise for upkeep, friendliness, and attentiveness, with one reviewer stating, 'Bathrooms were very clean. One of our favorites.'

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing. Nearby trails such as the 'Hell's Hole' provide challenging hiking experiences, and West Chicago Creek supports fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Wildlife sightings, including moose and deer, are common, and the serene creek adds to the natural charm.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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 at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are 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.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, but there were reports of overflowing garbage during certain stays. Reviewers noted, 'Garbage was overflowing and had zero room,' indicating occasional maintenance issues.

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

Rate West Chicago Creek

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.3

140 reviews

Satisfactory

West Chicago Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is highly rated for its scenic beauty, peaceful environment, and proximity to trails. However, concerns about site privacy, road conditions, and the lack of water amenities were frequently raised.

Review Summaries

Based on 140 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's natural beauty, the attentiveness of the camp host, and the availability of hiking trails. Many reviewers mentioned the clean facilities and the peaceful setting, with...

Based on 140 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues included the close proximity of campsites, unlevel ground, road conditions leading to the campground, and the lack of potable water. 'Sites are very close together. Not much privacy,'...

Based on 140 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 11, 12, and 13 are described as being very close together, offering minimal privacy. Site 8 is near the toilets and dumpsters, with reviewers mentioning that foot traffic can be disruptive....

Based on 140 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water as there is no potable water available. Consider outer campsites for more privacy. Drive cautiously on the narrow, rough road leading to the campground, especially with large RVs.

Based on 140 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in the summer months when hiking and fishing are at their peak. However, some reviews noted that heavy rains occasionally impacted their stays.

Based on 140 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were very clean. One of our favorites.' - TIM G 2. 'The vault toilets were well maintained and clean.' - NORM P 3. 'Sites are very close together. Not much privacy.' - DREW L

Based on 140 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews regarding accessibility for campers with disabilities. The dirt roads and site layout may pose challenges for some users.

Based on 140 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some reviewers noted that their dogs enjoyed the creek and trails. No specific concerns or issues related to pets were highlighted.

Based on 140 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want summer alpine access near Idaho Springs with trails, fishing, and a peaceful mountain setting.

Skip if

You need level tent pads, potable water on-site, or easy road access for low-clearance vehicles.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.2

(83)

Clear Lake Campground

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Clear Lake Campground sits at 10,000 feet in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Georgetown, offering eight first-come, first-served sites for tents and small RVs (15-25 foot parking spurs). Sites run $21-23 per night with basic amenities: vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. No water or hookups. Reviews praise the aspen groves and hiking access but consistently mention a constant buzzing from a nearby hydroelectric plant.