Gold Park Campground

4.13

32 reviews

Peace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

9,265 ft

Price

$21/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens White River National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

9,265 ft

Price

$21/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens White River National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Gold Park Campground

$21.00 - $21.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees at Gold Park Campground are described as $21 per night for a campsite. It is noted that this fee may be considered high compared to...

Standard Site Fee$21.00

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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What Campers Say

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 32 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhikinglake

"User reviews for Gold Park Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.785 for the campground itself. Campers appreciate the natural setting, clean facilities, and access to nearby trails and wilderness areas."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Gold Park Campground

39.4047, -106.4353

Driving directionsFrom the Minturn, CO exit on I-70 travel southeast on Highway 24 for about 13 miles to Homestake Road, Forest Service Road 703. Take a right onto this good dirt road and continue 7 miles to the Gold Park Campground on the left.

The campground is accessible via Homestake Road (Forest Service Road 703), which is described as a good dirt road with minimal potholes. It is located approximately 7 miles off Highway 24, making it a remote yet accessible location.

Nearby places

Minturn, CO (13 miles)

Leadville, CO (distance unspecified)

Best Time to Camp at Gold Park Campground

Gold Park transforms dramatically with the seasons, from snow-laden winter wonderland to vibrant summer sanctuary. Winter campers should prepare for true alpine conditions—Week 2 data shows temperatures plunging to a bone-chilling 9.97°F, with highs barely reaching 29.17°F and a significant chance of snowfall (25.89%). Despite the cold, winter rewards hardy souls with crystal-clear skies more than half the time (51.78%) and crisp, dry air perfect for stargazing. Most visitors find their sweet spot between late spring and early fall, when wildflowers carpet the meadows, creek waters run high with snowmelt, and warm days give way to cool, campfire-perfect evenings.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Most popular season; ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing and creekside camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal transformation noted; likely excellent for colors and quieter trails though details are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Snowmelt season likely wet and scenic with fewer visitors; trail access variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Alpine, snow-laden winters mentioned; winter access and services not detailed—prepare for harsh conditions.

Planning Tips

Current Alerts: Bear activity warning and food storage order is in effect for all developed campgrounds on the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, including Gold Park Campground.

About Gold Park Campground

Nestled deep in Colorado's mountain wilderness, Gold Park Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic escape from civilization. This intimate retreat features just 12 thoughtfully placed sites along the melodic waters of Homestake Creek, where towering pines create a natural cathedral overhead. As your gateway to the Holy Cross Wilderness, Gold Park serves as basecamp for countless trail adventures while maintaining the wild character that draws visitors back generation after generation. Recent increases in bear activity add to the authentic wilderness experience, reminding campers they're sharing this pristine habitat with Colorado's native wildlife—proper food storage is essential and strictly enforced.

Gold Park Campground provides a rustic camping experience with 12 first-come, first-served sites. It is ideal for tent camping and RVs, though it lacks modern hookups or facilities.

Historical SignificanceGold Park isn't just a campground—it's a keeper of memories spanning generations. Since at least 1967, families have returned to this special corner of the Leadville area, creating traditions that endure through decades. As one longtime visitor, Jules Butler, reflects: 'Have been camping in and around Leadville CO since 1967... Such wonderful memories.' These woods have witnessed first camping trips, marriage proposals, and countless stories shared around crackling fires, making Gold Park not just a destination, but a living chronicle of Colorado's outdoor heritage.

Weather and SeasonsGold Park transforms dramatically with the seasons, from snow-laden winter wonderland to vibrant summer sanctuary. Winter campers should prepare for true alpine conditions—Week 2 data shows temperatures plunging to a bone-chilling 9.97°F, with highs barely reaching 29.17°F and a significant chance of snowfall (25.89%). Despite the cold, winter rewards hardy souls with crystal-clear skies more than half the time (51.78%) and crisp, dry air perfect for stargazing. Most visitors find their sweet spot between late spring and early fall, when wildflowers carpet the meadows, creek waters run high with snowmelt, and warm days give way to cool, campfire-perfect evenings.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into Gold Park and feel the stress melt away as Homestake Creek's perpetual symphony fills the air. Visitor Lisa Hooker captures it perfectly: 'The ambiance of sites is made by the soaring pines and the rush of Homestake Creek nearby.' This isn't just camping—it's immersion in a living ecosystem where ancient pines stretch skyward, creating dappled shade patterns that dance across your campsite. Ruby-throated hummingbirds dart between wildflowers, while the rugged peaks of the surrounding wilderness frame every view. The creek itself becomes your constant companion, its crystal-clear waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and endless entertainment for those who love to explore rocky streams.

Geological RegionGold Park Campground sits in the heart of Homestake Valley, a geological masterpiece carved by centuries of flowing water and glacial activity. This dramatic landscape forms part of the greater Holy Cross Wilderness ecosystem, where ancient granite peaks rise from dense coniferous forests. The valley's unique position creates a natural corridor for wildlife and serves as the starting point for a network of trails that climb into the high country. Here, the raw geology of the Colorado Rockies reveals itself in exposed rock faces, mineral-rich soils that nourish the forest, and the ever-present Homestake Creek that continues its patient work of shaping this mountain sanctuary.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two tents, one pavilion, two cars per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes 12 sites, some spaced closely together and others separated by trees to offer privacy. It is described as small and well-organized. "The camp sites are of a good size for easily two tents and a pavilion with space for two cars and a lot of open space." - Bjoern Nordmann.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews highlight this as a positive feature of the campground.

Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made in advance as all campsites are first-come, first-served. No detailed cancellation policy applies.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the source information.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, with one user noting they are 'of a good size for easily two tents and a pavilion with space for two cars and a lot of open space.

PrivacySite privacy varies; some sites are close together with little privacy, while others are spaced out with trees in between. One reviewer commented, 'Several of the sites were pretty close together with little privacy, but most were spaced out with trees between.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSeveral of the sites were pretty close together with little privacy, but most were spaced out with trees between." - Jemmie Dyk. Recommended for its proximity to Homestake Creek and ample shade provided by surrounding trees.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Gold Park Campground offers several outdoor activities, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts. It is located near the Holy Cross Wilderness, providing access to hiking trails. Hummingbirds are a common sight, and the area is suitable for simple bouldering. Nearby activities include fishing, although one reviewer reported that the stream appeared to be overfished.

HikingSeveral trailheads into the Holy Cross Wilderness are within driving distance, including Missouri Lakes, Fancy Lake, and Lonesome Lake, which are described as offering 'GREAT hiking.'

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingFishing is permitted, but one user mentioned, 'The stream appeared to be way over fished as I did not see a single fish.'

Wildlife viewingHummingbirds are frequently mentioned as a highlight, with one user stating, 'Hummingbirds abound.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is a significant concern, necessitating strict food storage protocols. Reviews also note overfished streams and some dispersed camping spots nearby.

Active AlertsBear activity warning and food storage order is in effect for all developed campgrounds on the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, including Gold Park Campground.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted, and fire pits are provided at each site. Some reviews note that fire pits might not be cleaned timely. "Fire pit had not been cleaned in what looked like a year." - Roy W.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, as noted by a reviewer who mentioned a 'bin for garbage.' Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located along Homestake Creek, a scenic and rushing water body described as gorgeous by user reviews. "The creek was gorgeous." - Jemmie Dyk.

Camp HostMultiple reviews praise campground hosts, particularly Doug and Gary, for their exceptional service. "Host alone was worth the stay." - Dan Corn.

Weather at Gold Park Campground

Reviews

4.1

32 reviews

Satisfactory

Gold Park Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Gold Park Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.785 for the campground itself. Campers appreciate the natural setting, clean facilities, and access to nearby trails and wilderness areas.

Review Summaries

Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include the campground's cleanliness ('The bathrooms are immaculate and look brand new'), natural beauty ('The creek was gorgeous'), and proximity to hiking trails ('GREAT hiking...

Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water ('No water, but by a stream if you have a filter'), no cell phone service ('Complete lack of cell phone coverage for MILES'), and the absence of a...

Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a water filter if you plan to use the stream for water. They also suggest being prepared for a complete lack of cell phone service. Arriving early is advised, as all sites...

Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the summer, as conditions in user reviews frequently mention activities like hiking, fishing, and observing wildlife. Winter conditions are not detailed, but...

Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great 1st come / 1st serve campground. The bathrooms are immaculate and look brand new.' 2. 'My favorite campground! The ambiance of sites is made by the soaring pines and the rush of the...

Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews indicate that some sites lack privacy ('Several of the sites were pretty close together with little privacy, but most were spaced out with trees between'). Sites near the creek...

Based on 32 reviews