Iron City
4.7115 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open from May 16, 20...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open from May 16, 20...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsIron City
$0.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range from $0 to $22 depending on the season, with $22 during the first-come, first-served season. "Two vehicles or one RV per site is...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$22.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(661) 702-1420
What Campers Say
4.71
Top-Rated
Based on 15 reviews
34 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanlocationfriendlywell-maintained
Some mention
noiseroad noise
"Iron City Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, scenic views, and proximity to nearby attractions like St. Elmo and Chalk Creek. Users praise the camp host for their friendliness and the campground's suitability for off-road vehicle enthusiasts."
Fees & Passes at Iron City
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: "Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during a visit at this campground." (Authoritative Content).
Cancellation: "Changes can be made ahead of arrival through My Reservations. $10 change fee applies for new stay d...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
Best Time to Camp at Iron City
The high-altitude climate here tells a tale of dramatic seasonal shifts, from winter's crystalline snowscapes and bone-chilling temperatures to the warm, wildflower-filled days of summer. Late spring through early fall unveils the campground at its finest, when the mountain air is crisp but comfortable, and the trails beckon adventurers to explore. Come prepared for mountain weather's quick changes—even summer nights can bring a refreshing chill that makes campfire gatherings all the more memorable.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: "Season opens May 16, 2025, with first-come, first-served starting June 20, 2025. Season ends October 11, 2025." (Authoritative Content).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 16, 2025 to October 11, 2025. First come, first served available from June 20, 2025 to October 11, 2025.
About Iron City
Tucked away in the heart of Colorado's rugged backcountry, Iron City Campground offers an intimate escape with just 15 sites, where the whispers of mining history blend with the rumble of modern-day ATV adventures. This hidden gem near the ghost town of St. Elmo provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both thrilling trail rides and serene mountain solitude in the stunning Chalk Creek Canyon.
Iron City Campground offers primitive camping on a first-come, first-served basis, with 15 sites suitable for tents and small RVs.
Historical SignificanceStep into Colorado's mining legacy at Iron City, where the past literally rests at your doorstep. The historic Iron City cemetery on the campground's eastern edge serves as a poignant reminder of the brave souls who sought fortune in these mountains generations ago. An interpretive sign at the entrance unveils the stories of early settlers and miners who now rest eternally beneath the pines, their dreams and hardships forever woven into the fabric of this mountain landscape.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-altitude climate here tells a tale of dramatic seasonal shifts, from winter's crystalline snowscapes and bone-chilling temperatures to the warm, wildflower-filled days of summer. Late spring through early fall unveils the campground at its finest, when the mountain air is crisp but comfortable, and the trails beckon adventurers to explore. Come prepared for mountain weather's quick changes—even summer nights can bring a refreshing chill that makes campfire gatherings all the more memorable.
ElevationPerched high in the magnificent Chalk Creek Canyon, Iron City Campground sits at an elevation where the air is thin and pure, and the views stretch endlessly across Colorado's Continental Divide. Here, you'll camp among the clouds, where every breath connects you to the raw beauty of the high country.
Natural Features and SceneryIron City enchants visitors with its remarkable blend of tranquility and grandeur. Each generously-sized campsite is embraced by towering pines and offers glimpses of the surrounding peaks that define Chalk Creek Canyon. As one delighted camper noted, this 'beautiful quiet campground' delivers both space and scenery in abundance. Wake to golden sunlight filtering through the forest canopy, spend your days surrounded by panoramic mountain vistas, and fall asleep to the gentle symphony of wind through the trees.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic Chalk Creek Canyon, Iron City Campground sits at the crossroads of geological wonder and recreational paradise. This spectacular canyon, carved by centuries of rushing water and shifting earth, now serves as a playground for ATV enthusiasts who traverse its winding trails. Just minutes from the remarkably preserved ghost town of St. Elmo, the campground offers a front-row seat to both the natural forces and human ambitions that shaped this extraordinary corner of Colorado.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityInformation about accessibility features is not explicitly provided.
Sites SizeSites are described as large enough for tents and small RVs, with extra vehicle parking available at the entrance.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some clustered near the road and others providing more seclusion.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPopular site #15 offers unique rock arrangements and proximity to the Iron City Cemetery. Site #8 noted for cleanliness and quietness mid-week.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
"Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during a visit at this campground." (Authoritative Content).
Guests Allowed Per Site
"Two vehicles or one RV per site is included in the camping fee." (Authoritative Content).
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are located on both sides of the road with additional trailer/vehicle parking at the entrance. "Sites are one both sides of the road so you will get road noise." (Review by Raygan).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16, 2025 to October 11, 2025. First come, first served available from June 20, 2025 to October 11, 2025.
Reservation Platforms"Reservations are made using the Recreation.gov app, including Scan & Pay option if available." (Authoritative Content).
Walk-in Availability"Sites are first-come, first-served; visitors must physically arrive at the campground to claim a site." (Authoritative Content).
Cancellation Policy"Changes can be made ahead of arrival through My Reservations. $10 change fee applies for new stay dates completely different from original dates." (Authoritative Content). "Cancellations one day before arrival incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreational use fee." (Authoritative Content).
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Iron City Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities with a focus on nature and local history. Visitors have access to nearby ATV trails, the historic townsite of St. Elmo, and the Iron City Cemetery, which provides a unique glimpse into the area's past.
Wildlife viewing
Visitors have reported opportunities to observe local wildlife, including feeding black sunflower seeds to chipmunks in nearby St. Elmo.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground includes the Iron City Cemetery, which has interpretive signs providing historical context about early settlers and miners.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, though the area may experience snow as indicated by weather data.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not described.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Boondocking with a firepit." (Review by Gary Claxton).
Hazards
General hazards"There were a lot of mosquitoes so bring the bug spray." (Review by Jack Van Bourgondien).
Weather at Iron City
29
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 18.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Peak season dates"Season opens May 16, 2025, with first-come, first-served starting June 20, 2025. Season ends October 11, 2025." (Authoritative Content).
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are present on-site to facilitate waste management.
Proximity to water features"Sounds of Chalk Creek throughout the campground." (Review by Scott Latimer).
Common complaints"Road noise from off-road vehicles." (Review by Raygan).
HostHosts noted as friendly and helpful: "Steve was a delightful host... had suggestions on where to 4wheel." (Review by Sunshine Thomas). "Chuck, the camp host, shared local information and kept a clean camp." (Review by Gary Claxton).
Campground Map
Driving directions"GPS will want you to take the right fork off of Chalk Creek Rd. Don't, take the left one as if you were going to St Elmo. The right fork is pretty messy and you will get stuck if you don't have enough ground clearance." (Review by Raygan).
Access is challenging. "The right fork is pretty messy and you will get stuck if you don't have enough ground clearance." (Review by Raygan).Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
15 reviews
Iron City is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Iron City Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, scenic views, and proximity to nearby attractions like St. Elmo and Chalk Creek. Users praise the camp host for their friendliness and the campground's suitability for off-road vehicle enthusiasts.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained vault toilet, scenic location near Chalk Creek, friendly and helpful camp host, access to ATV trails, and unique historical features such as the Iron City Cemetery.
Based on 15 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some reviewers noted the presence of mosquitoes and road noise from off-road vehicles as potential downsides.
Based on 15 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent, download the Recreation.gov app before arrival, and consider visiting the Iron City Cemetery and St. Elmo townsite.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open from mid-May to mid-October, with most reviews indicating that summer is a popular time to visit due to favorable weather conditions. Some visitors noted that weekdays tend to...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"GPS will want you to take the right fork off of Chalk Creek Rd. Don't, take the left one as if you were going to St. Elmo." - Raygan. "Best for tents or small RVs. Trailer and extra vehicle parking...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 15 is described as the most popular due to its unique white rock patterns and proximity to the Iron City Cemetery. Site 8 is noted for its cleanliness and quietness during weekdays.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No explicit reviews about experiences with pets were provided.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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