West Chicago Creek

At an elevation of 9,600 feet, West Chicago Creek Campground offers a serene forest retreat with stunning views of aspen and lodgepole pines, easy access to the Mount Evans Wilderness, and the soothing sound of its namesake creek. This small, rustic campground features 15 sites equipped for tent and RV camping, providing essentials like tent pads, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and fire rings. Vault toilets and a trash dumpster are available, but there are no hook-ups or potable water, making it perfect for those seeking a self-reliant outdoor experience.

Located just 9 miles from the historic town of Idaho Springs, the campground is an ideal basecamp for hiking, with multiple trails leading into the wilderness, or for fishing, with rainbow, brown, and brook trout in the nearby creek. Idaho Springs itself offers charming outings, including a stop at the Argo Gold Mine and Mill Museum. The last stretch of the road to the campground is a narrow gravel path with sharp switchbacks, rewarding travelers with an immersive escape into Colorado’s rugged beauty.