Cold Brook Campground

Star4.48
125 reviews
12814-12826 Cold Brook Road Hot Springs, SD 57747
SwimmingSummer Destination

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

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 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
Cold Brook Campground
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping reservations cost $18 per night during peak season (May 15 - September 14). Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
605-745-5476
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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 125 reviews

84 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanwater

"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."

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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

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.
The campground is accessible only via a 1.5-mile dirt road. User reviews describe this road as rough and dusty, with one stating: 'Even traveling at a crawl, it was rough and extremely dusty.' Another reviewer commented, 'There was no speed you could drive without watching your dishes chip, eggs crack, and fillings loosen.'
Nearby places
Hot Springs, SD (1 mile), Rapid City, SD (approximately 60 miles), Chadron, NE (approximately 60 miles)
Nearby supplies
Hot Springs, SD (1 mile): Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Cold Brook Campground

Summer transforms Cold Brook into an aquatic playground, with warm temperatures and brilliant blue skies creating perfect conditions for lakeside adventures. The water beckons swimmers on those gloriously clear days that visitors rave about, when the sun warms the rocks and the breeze carries the scent of pine. As autumn arrives, the landscape shifts to golden hues before winter wraps the campground in a peaceful blanket of snow, offering a completely different but equally enchanting experience for those brave enough to embrace the cold.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 15–Sept 14); summer praised for warm weather and water-based activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into early fall (through Sept 14) but limited late-fall access and activities.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15, so only late-spring access; favorable conditions but limited season length.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 15–Sept 14; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - September 14, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins May 15, 2025, and closes September 14, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are currently listed.

About Cold Brook Campground

Tucked away in the pine-scented hills less than a mile north of Hot Springs, Cold Brook Campground offers an authentic escape into South Dakota's wild heart. This intimate, primitive campground serves as your gateway to the sparkling waters of Cold Brook Lake, where days unfold with the gentle rhythm of fishing lines cast at dawn, afternoon swims in crystal-clear water, and evening hikes along wooded trails. Wildlife enthusiasts will discover a thriving ecosystem where deer emerge at dusk and birds fill the morning air with song.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly listed.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly listed.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingA short two-track trail runs through the wildlife area, suitable for hiking or biking. It is described as a good spot for a morning stroll with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
FishingFishing opportunities are abundant at Cold Brook Lake, with species like largemouth bass, northern pike, catfish, carp, and panfish. One camper described it as 'good fishing with awesome scenery.'
SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity at the lake, with clear and clean water. One visitor noted, 'The water was so clear and the perfect temperature!'
BikingThe two-track trail in the wildlife area allows for short and leisurely bike rides.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Gas motors are prohibited on the lake.
Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently enjoy wildlife viewing. One camper shared, 'Great picture-taking opportunities with wildlife as well!' The area features diverse bird species and other animals.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes near the creek (described by one review as 'mosquitoes the size of sparrows'), rough and dusty access roads, and flash flood risks.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are currently listed.

Weather at Cold Brook Campground

Reviews

4.5
125 reviews
Recommended
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 125 reviews

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,...
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Based on 125 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 125 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...
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Based on 125 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....
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Based on 125 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 125 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 12 and 13 are highly recommended for their lakefront location. Site 8 is noted for its spaciousness and seclusion. Site 10 is suitable for larger RVs. Creek-side sites were criticized for heavy...
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Based on 125 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews of accessibility were limited, but the presence of a handicap-accessible fishing dock was mentioned positively.
Based on 125 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...
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Based on 125 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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