How much does camping cost at Cold Brook Campground?

Camping fees at Cold Brook Campground range from $18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cold Brook Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cold Brook Campground 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 Cold Brook Campground before I book?

Yes! Cold Brook Campground has 10 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 Cold Brook Campground?

Cold Brook Campground is open May 15 to September 14. 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 Cold Brook Campground?

Cold Brook Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Cold Brook Campground?

Cell phone service at Cold Brook Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Cold Brook Campground have?

Cold Brook Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cold Brook Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cold Brook Campground. 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 Cold Brook Campground?

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

Cold Brook Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cold Brook Campground?

Fire policies at Cold Brook Campground: All camping passes will be checked. Usable passes are as follows: America the Beautiful pass Senior annual, Senior Lifetime and Access Pass. Golden Age and Golden Access can also be used. Military and Annual Passes CAN NOT be used for a camping discount. Use of gasoline motors on Cold Brook Lake is strictly prohibited . Only vessels with non-motorized or electric-motors may be used on Cold Brook Lake. Maximum Camping Stay: Each person and camping unit is limited to 14-days in a 30-day period. Ca. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.48

127 reviews

12814-12826 Cold Brook Road Hot Springs, SD 57747

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Wind Cave National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,619 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,619 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Cold Brook Campground

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $18.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-745-5476. FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL: 877-444-6777.

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

12814-12826 Cold Brook Road Hot Springs, SD 57747

Cold Brook Campground

12814-12826 Cold Brook Road Hot Springs, SD 57747

Nearby places

Hot Springs, SD (1 mile), Rapid City, SD (approximately 60 miles), Chadron, NE (approximately 60 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Rapid City, SD take US-79 South, turn right onto US-18 W/US-385N, follow US-385N through Hot Springs, shortly after the speed limit increases to 35mph turn left onto Badger Clark Road, at the T-intersection turn right onto Evans Street, follow that road as it takes a sharp curve to the left, then as the road splits stay to the right and go up the hill and lastly the road will turn to gravel, follow this to the campground and day use area. From Chadron, NE take US-385 North, turn left onto US-18 W/US-385N through Hot Springs, shortly after the speed limit increases to 35mph turn left onto Badger Clark Road, at the T-intersection turn right onto Evans Street, follow that road as it takes a sharp curve to the left, then as the road splits stay to the right and go up the hill and lastly the road will turn to gravel, follow this to the campground and day use area.

Weather at Cold Brook Campground

Current alerts(2)

Firewood Alert! Don't Move Firewood: Due to the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site.
Protect Your Waters! Attention Boaters, Paddlers and Anglers: Do your part to help stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) by remembering to always Clean, Drain, and Dry! Visit SDLeastWanted.com for more information.

Best Time to Camp at Cold Brook Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, sunny weather (daytime highs commonly in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F, nights in the 45–55 °F range) and the full range of lake recreation—swimming, boating, and peak fishing—making Cold Brook Lake most inviting. The campground is open May 15–Sept 14, and July–August bring the clearest water and longest days for paddling, shore fishing, and evening hikes through fragrant pine forests. Expect the busiest conditions in July and early August (weekends fill early), so book/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season; warm days, clearest water, beach and water activities best in summer per reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins May 15, 2025, and closes September 14, 2025.

About Cold Brook Campground

Cold Brook Campground sits in the foothills near Hot Springs, South Dakota, on the shore of Cold Brook Lake. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this small seasonal campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for the clear lake water, quiet atmosphere, and opportunities for non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing.

This campground consists of 12 primitive sites designed for tent and RV camping. Sites are situated near Cold Brook Lake, and two of them (Sites 12 and 13) are directly adjacent to the lake. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, sunny weather (daytime highs commonly in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F, nights in the 45–55 °F range) and the full range of lake recreation—swimming, boating, and peak fishing—making Cold Brook Lake most inviting. The campground is open May 15–Sept 14, and July–August bring the clearest water and longest days for paddling, shore fishing, and evening hikes through fragrant pine forests. Expect the busiest conditions in July and early August (weekends fill early), so book/ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3619 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCold Brook Lake anchors the campground, created in 1953 when Cold Brook Dam transformed a mountain valley into a reservoir. The water runs clear enough to see the bottom, surrounded by evergreen-covered ridges at 3,619 feet elevation. Deer move through camp at dusk. Birds fill the morning air. The setting is quiet and undeveloped, though many sites lack natural shade. A creek runs near the campground, bringing mosquitoes along with it.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites accommodate either one wheeled camping unit and one small tent, or two tents per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground includes a handicap-accessible fishing dock and nearby trails. However, no specific details about accessibility for campsites or facilities such as vault toilets were provided.

Site SizeMost sites are reported as shallow, though some, like Sites 10 and 11, are more spacious and can accommodate larger RVs up to 40 feet. Gravel pads are generally level.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. Some campers noted close proximity between sites, while others described spacious and quiet layouts (e.g., Site 8 being 'nicely tucked in').

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend avoiding sites near the creek due to mosquitoes and opting for sites further into the campground to minimize road dust and traffic noise.

Best CampsitesSites 12 and 13 sit directly on the lake and offer the most space and scenery. Site 8 tucks into the back corner with better privacy than most. Sites 10 and 11 can handle larger RVs up to 40 feet. Choose sites away from the creek to avoid mosquitoes.

Need help booking Cold Brook Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Cold Brook Campground provides a range of amenities suitable for primitive camping. Located by the 33-acre Cold Brook Lake, visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The campground offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. Additionally, it includes picnic shelters, grills, and a playground. There are no water or electric hookups at the campsites. Sites 12 and 13 are directly by the lake, with others a short walk away. The camp host is available for assistance, and the facility is reported to be well-maintained.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cold Brook Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. The lake is popular for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with species including largemouth bass, catfish, and rainbow trout. Other activities include wildlife viewing, photography, hiking on a two-track trail, and archery hunting (in designated areas). The beach is a favorite among locals and tourists during summer.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilet facilities are not available; campers must utilize the provided vault toilets.

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 PolicyAll camping passes will be checked. Usable passes are as follows: America the Beautiful pass Senior annual, Senior Lifetime and Access Pass. Golden Age and Golden Access can also be used. Military and Annual Passes CAN NOT be used for a camping discount. Use of gasoline motors on Cold Brook Lake is strictly prohibited . Only vessels with non-motorized or electric-motors may be used on Cold Brook Lake. Maximum Camping Stay: Each person and camping unit is limited to 14-days in a 30-day period. Ca

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, and campers are expected to dispose of waste properly. However, one review mentioned an issue with garbage left behind at a picnic area, demonstrating the importance of personal responsibility.

Cell CoverageCell service is reported as excellent by some visitors, with one camper remarking, 'I work online and never had an issue with internet out there.' Another noted, 'We were able to work on all 3 major cell providers without issue.'

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

From Booking Sources

4.5

127 reviews

Recommended

Cold Brook Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Cold Brook Campground is praised for its peace, cleanliness, and proximity to Cold Brook Lake. While many visitors enjoyed the natural setting and recreational opportunities, some complaints included the rough gravel road leading to the campground, lack of shade, and issues with mosquitoes near the creek.

Review Summaries

Based on 127 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 127 reviews.

Site 8Loved
Site 8 is noted for its spaciousness and seclusion.
Site 10Mentioned
Site 10 is suitable for larger RVs.

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciated the clean and well-maintained facilities, the friendliness of the camp hosts, and the clear lake water. Many reviews highlighted the campsite's quiet and tranquil atmosphere,...

Based on 127 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included the rough and dusty access road, lack of shade at campsites, and mosquitoes near water. Some visitors also noted that the host could be overly strict.

Based on 127 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray to mitigate mosquitoes. Select sites further from the creek to avoid bugs. Visit during early mornings to secure prime spots at the beach. Prepare for a rough gravel road by driving...

Based on 127 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, offering warm weather for water-based activities. Visitors frequently commented on the beautiful lake and beach but advised caution about the heat and mosquitoes....

Based on 127 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake was super close and the area was beautiful!' 2. 'The campground was very clean and quiet. It was full both nights we were there.' 3. 'The road in is rough, but worth it.'

Based on 127 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews of accessibility were limited, but the presence of a handicap-accessible fishing dock was mentioned positively.

Based on 127 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed within the campground. Off-leash activities are permitted in the wildlife area. One reviewer mentioned bringing their dog to the lake and using the boat ramp for...

Based on 127 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a tranquil lake experience with non-motorized boating and don't mind limited shade or a bumpy drive in.

Skip if

You need shaded sites, paved access, or want to visit outside the late-spring to early-fall season.

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U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, HOT SPRINGS OFFICE, P.O. Box 664, HOT SPRINGS, SD, 57747, USA

Cottonwood Springs Campground sits on Cottonwood Springs Lake near Hot Springs, South Dakota, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This small, budget-friendly campground in mid-elevation forest offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with flush and vault toilets, a camp host, and a playground. Reviewers call it a quiet, well-maintained hidden gem with scenic lake views, ideal for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing during the fall color season.