West Chicago Creek

Star4.30
140 reviews
Arapaho and Roosevelt NF Clear Creek Ranger District 101 Highway 103, Idaho Springs, CO 80452, USA

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

Opens Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG 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
West Chicago Creek
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites cost $25 per night during peak season. There are no discounts, taxes, or incremental charges...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
801-226-3564
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What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 140 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhiking

Some mention

unlevel

"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."

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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

Driving directionsI-70 westbound, Idaho Springs exit #240 - Hwy 103. Go south for 6.5 miles and turn right on southwest Forest Service Road 188 (West Chicago Creek Road). Go 3 miles to campground. The last mile of dirt/gravel road is one lane with pull overs and contains two sharp switchbacks.
The road access quality varies. The last mile of dirt/gravel road is narrow, has two sharp switchbacks, and is one lane with pull overs, which creates challenges especially for larger RVs or trailers.
Nearby places
Idaho Springs - approximately 9 miles.
Nearby supplies
Idaho Springs provides groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at West Chicago Creek

Summer days at West Chicago Creek are nothing short of magical, with temperatures hovering around a perfect 70°F under brilliantly blue skies that dominate 65% of the season. As evening falls, the mountain air cools to a refreshing 48°F—ideal for cozy campfire conversations wrapped in your favorite flannel. While afternoon thundershowers occasionally roll through to water the wildflowers and clear the air, most days remain gloriously dry. When winter's heavy snows blanket the high country, the campground closes its gates, resting quietly until summer's return.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season; ideal hiking/fishing weather (~70°F, clear skies); most popular time.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into mid-Sept; aspen color and cooler weather likely make fall appealing early in season.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Opens May 16; late-spring conditions can include leftover snow, mud and road issues.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 16–Sep 20; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season runs from May 16 to September 20.
  • Current Alerts: The water well at this campground is not operational, so campers must bring their own water.

About West Chicago Creek

Tucked away at a breathtaking 9,600 feet near the majestic Mount Evans, West Chicago Creek Campground offers an intimate mountain escape with just 15 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This peaceful high-altitude haven welcomes both RV adventurers and tent campers seeking refuge among the clouds. Each site comes equipped with essential comforts—a level tent pad, sturdy picnic table, fire ring for evening gatherings, and charcoal grill for outdoor cooking. While you'll find clean vault toilets and convenient trash facilities, the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with no water hookups or potable water, encouraging visitors to come prepared for a genuine wilderness experience.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 am
Check-out
12:00 pm
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThere are several trails accessible from the campground, including the 'Hell's Hole' trail. Hikers have described the trails as scenic and leading to diverse terrains. One reviewer stated, 'Hell's Hole, 9.5 miles, lots of shade, rocky in many areas.' Another noted the abundance of hiking opportunities, 'Beautiful, family-friendly campsite! Easy to get to and well worth it.'
FishingFishing is available in West Chicago Creek, with opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout. However, one reviewer mentioned, 'No obvious or easily accessible fishing,' indicating that fishing access may be limited in certain areas.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of moose, deer, and other animals. One reviewer shared, 'We saw some moose along the way and a deer and baby fawn.' Another noted, 'The variety of wildlife was amazing, including moose, sheep, and birds.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, requiring clean campsites and proper food storage. The last mile of road access to the campground includes sharp switchbacks and narrow lanes, posing challenges for larger vehicles.
Active AlertsThe water well at this campground is not operational, so campers must bring their own water.
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.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at each site.

Weather at West Chicago Creek

Reviews

4.3
140 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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,'...
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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

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....
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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