Cold Brook Campground
Located less than 1 mile north of Hot Springs, South Dakota sits one of the area's most perferred campgrounds. At the south end of Cold Brook Campground sits Cold Brook Lake, a popular destination for those looking to take a swim at the beach, snorkel in the crystal clear water or wet a line while trying to catch a variety of fish species. At the north end of the campground sits a wildlife area with a two-track trail that is good for a morning stroll or a short bike ride with the possibility of seeing wildlife.
More like this: reservable in South Dakota · pets allowed in South Dakota
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 12 |
| Host/management | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 36 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
12 sites in 2 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Entry | Fits, ft | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Back-in | 30 | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 2 | 1 | Back-in | 30 | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 3 | 1 | Back-in | 30 | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 4 | 1 | Back-in | 30 | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 5 | 1 | Back-in | 36 | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 6 | 1 | Back-in | 30 | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 7 | 1 | Back-in | 30 | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 8 | 1 | Back-in | 28 | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 10 | 1 | Back-in | 36 | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 11 | 1 | Back-in | 36 | 8 / 2 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 04:00 PM, checkout 04:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. |
Cold Brook Campgrounds features 12 primitive campsites with no water or electric hook-ups. Potable water is available in the main part of the campground across from the camp host. The camp host is available to greet visitors and help with any questions they may have. Sites 12 and 13 are right on the lake while the rest of the sites are a short drive or walk to the lake. In the recreation area there is a boat ramp, beach, picnic shelters, vault toilets, archery range, fire rings, grills and a playground. The use of gas motors on the lake is strictly prohibited.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From 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…
| Coordinates | 43.4617° N, 103.4917° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 21.2 mi |
| Outdoor gear | High Mountain Outfitters ↗ | 21.7 mi |
| RV sales & service | Jack's Campers ↗ | 55.6 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
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Video
Cold Brook Lake Campground in South Dakota
Public land it sits in
Black Hills National Forest begins about 12.9 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 12.9 miBlack Hills National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,537,116 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- State Soldiers Home BarnBuilding · Hot Springs · 1.6 mi
- Phillip Wesch HouseBuilding · Hot Springs · 1.7 mi
- Hot Springs High SchoolBuilding · Hot Springs · 2.2 mi
Natural features
Located in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota, construction of Cold Brook Dam began in 1949 and was completed in 1953, under the Flood Control Act of 1941. Although the dam was originally built for flood control, it has created a park with approximately 450 acres of public lands and water that provides a variety of benefits to both the public and wildlife. Once here you will see how the rugged hills, crystal clear water and evergreen trees create a picturesque site.
Recreation
Cold Brook Lake is about 33 acres in size and it provides a quiet opportunity to wet a line and possibly catch a large mouth bass, northern pike, catfish, carp, rainbow trout, or various pan fish. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or any other small non-gas motorized boat can commonly be seen on the lake. As the summer heats up, the beach tends to be a popular hangout for both locals and tourists. The non-motorized two-track path in the wildlife area is a great spot for a short hike or letting pets enjoy being off a leash. Other popular outdoor recreational opportunities include picnicking, playing at the playground, wildlife viewing, photography, and archery hunting. Archery hunting is permitted in designated areas only and both hunting and fishing regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota.
Nearby
- Popular nearby attractions include:
- Black Hills National Forest
- Wind Cave National Park
- The Mammoth Site
- Evans Plunge
- Jewel Cave National Monument
Guidebooks for South Dakota and camping across the country
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Cold Brook Campground?
Sites at Cold Brook Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Cold Brook Campground?
Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Cold Brook Campground?
Check-in 04:00 PM, checkout 04:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Cold Brook Campground have?
13 sites, including 12 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Cold Brook Campground?
Cold Brook Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Cold Brook Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Cold Brook Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Cold Brook Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Cold Brook Campground?
Cold Brook Lake is about 33 acres in size and it provides a quiet opportunity to wet a line and possibly catch a large mouth bass, northern pike, catfish, carp, rainbow trout, or various pan fish. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What if Cold Brook Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Cottonwood Springs Campground (4.3 mi), Elk Mountain Campground (7.2 mi), and Comanche Park (21.7 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby