Cold Springs Campground
4.548 reviewsCold Springs Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Fees for camping vary and include additional reservation service fees: online reservations incur an $8 fee; contact center reservations incur a $9 fee; in-person reservations incur a $3 fee.
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About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Colorado's rugged backcountry, Cold Springs Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape just 16.5 miles from the charming town of Yampa. This intimate campground serves as your gateway to the breathtaking Flat Tops Wilderness, where towering peaks and pristine alpine landscapes create an unforgettable backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite comes equipped with a sturdy picnic table and fire grate, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While you won't find electric hookups or shower facilities here, the campground provides essential amenities including vault toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction, with crystal-clear reservoirs waiting to be explored, world-class fishing opportunities, and access to legendary hiking trails including the Stillwater and Smith Lake Trailheads that wind through some of Colorado's most spectacular terrain.
Cold Springs Campground caters primarily to tent camping and possibly small RVs, though it is not specifically designed for RV use.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Cold Springs into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures demand respect and proper preparation. Early season conditions can be particularly brisk, with mercury dipping to bone-chilling lows near 4°F while daytime highs hover around a crisp 23°F. Despite the cold, nature rewards hardy visitors with stunning clarity—over half the days feature brilliant blue skies that make the snow-dusted landscape sparkle. Moderate snowfall blankets the area in pristine white, creating perfect conditions for those seeking a true winter wilderness experience. These frigid temperatures and snowy conditions underscore the importance of checking current weather forecasts and packing appropriate cold-weather gear for your high-country adventure.
ElevationElevation details are not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryCold Springs Campground sits at the crossroads of Colorado's most stunning natural features, where the majestic Flat Tops Wilderness dominates the horizon with its distinctive mesa-like formations and endless vistas. The nearby Yamcolo Reservoir mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks, creating picture-perfect moments at every turn. This remarkable landscape has captured the hearts of countless visitors who describe it as 'easily one of the most scenic campgrounds' they've ever experienced. The area's pristine water bodies dot the terrain like jewels, offering tranquil spots for reflection and recreation. As one enchanted camper noted, this 'beautiful campground' fills quickly—and it's easy to see why. From sunrise painting the peaks in alpenglow to evening light dancing across the wilderness, every moment here offers a new perspective on Colorado's raw, untamed beauty.
Geological RegionPerched on the edge of the legendary Flat Tops Wilderness, Cold Springs Campground provides front-row seats to one of Colorado's most distinctive geological wonders. This ancient volcanic plateau, carved by millennia of wind, water, and ice, creates a dramatic landscape unlike anywhere else in the Rockies. The surrounding terrain tells a story written in stone—from the rugged wilderness expanses that stretch to the horizon to the pristine reservoirs nestled in glacial valleys. A network of trails weaves through this geological masterpiece, offering hikers intimate encounters with the area's diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vistas. The interplay between water and rock has sculpted a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, where crystalline reservoirs reflect towering cliffs and meandering streams have carved pathways through ancient volcanic deposits.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not provide specific information about accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 5 campsites. Individual site sizes are not described.
Sites PrivacyDetails about the level of privacy provided by each campsite are not included in the official or user-provided information.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe proximity to Devil's Causeway is highly praised, with one user noting it's '0.4 away from trailhead.'
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest count per site is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has five sites and is described as well laid out: 'The place is beautiful, well laid out.'
Reservation PlatformsReservations are handled through Recreation.gov, though Cold Springs Campground is not reservable due to its first-come, first-served nature.
Walk-in AvailabilityCold Springs Campground is fully first-come, first-served, as stated in authoritative content and user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyCamping reservations cancelled on the day before arrival ('late cancellation') will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee AND forfeit the first night's fees. No refunds for cancellations on the day of check-in.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and fishing. It is near Stillwater and Smith Lake Trailheads and boasts access to the Yamcolo Reservoir for fishing and boating.
Hiking
"This is a prime area as the campground is close to the Stillwater and Smith Lake Trailheads on Forest Service Rd 900." Paper trail guides for these hiking opportunities are available at the Yampa Ranger Station.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at Yamcolo Reservoir and two other nearby reservoirs. One user noted that fishing quality was low at times: "...reservoir low, fishing not so good."Boating
The campground is close to a boat launch at Yamcolo Reservoir, which allows for boating activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews highlight potential hazards like mosquitoes during the summer: 'Only downside: mosquitoes,' and variable road conditions: 'Road can be rough.'
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are closest in the town of Yampa, Colorado, though specific facilities like hospitals and ranger stations are not listed.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresYamcolo Reservoir is nearby and has a boat launch. Two additional reservoirs are also in proximity, providing opportunities for fishing and boating. One user commented on this: 'Great location to Devil's Causeway reservoir low fishing not so good.'
Common complaintsMosquitoes and limited site availability are recurring complaints, supported by reviews stating 'Only downside: mosquitoes,' and 'Beautiful campground, sites fill quickly.'
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom downtown Yampa, take County Road 7 just behind the local General Store (Montgomery’s Grocery) for approximately 6 miles. The paved road turns into gravel where it becomes Forest Service Road 900. Cold Springs Campground is 16 miles on the right side after passing Bear Lake and Horseshoe Campgrounds.
The campground is accessed via Forest Service Road 900, which transitions from pavement to gravel. User reviews state the road can be rough and challenging depending on seasonal conditions: 'Road can be rough; awesome campground to get to Devil's Causeway.' Another reviewer shared, 'Well above the average washboarded road when I went. Roads change tho!' suggesting that road conditions vary.Nearby places
Yampa, Colorado, approximately 16.5 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Montgomery’s Grocery in downtown Yampa serves as the closest supply location, as noted by user reviews like 'Don’t have food? Yampa General Store does. You can’t miss it!' Yampa is approximately 16.5 miles away from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
8 reviews
Cold Springs Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Cold Springs Campground is highly regarded for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Devil's Causeway trail. The small size and remote location are appreciated by users, though the road leading to the site can be rough.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the scenic views and the campground's proximity to hiking trails like Devil's Causeway. Comments include "Easily one of the most scenic campgrounds I’ve been to!" and "Awesome...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users mentioned mosquitoes as a downside, and others noted that the road to the campground can be challenging to navigate: "Road can be rough."
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors suggest preparing for mosquitoes and recommend visiting the Yampa General Store for supplies. It's also suggested to hike Devil's Causeway, with one user saying, "Perfect spot to hike...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is especially favored during the summer months for hiking activities and scenic views. Winter accessibility and usability are not discussed.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Easily one of the most scenic campgrounds I’ve been to!" "Super rad place to camp. Hike Devil’s Causeway and this will be a camping trip of a lifetime!" "Vaulted toilet and some sort of water...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews note that the campground includes only five sites and may not be fully compatible with RVs: "5 sites in total; none really RV-compatible, but you could make it work."
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025