Cold Brook Campground

Cold Brook Lake

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.

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.

Need to Know

- All camping passes will be checked. Usable passes are as follows: America the Beautiful pass Senior annual, Senior Lifetime and Access Pass. Golden Age and Golden Access can also be used. Military and Annual Passes CAN NOT be used for a camping discount.
- Use of gasoline motors on Cold Brook Lake is strictly prohibited. Only vessels with non-motorized or electric-motors may be used on Cold Brook Lake.
- Maximum Camping Stay: Each person and camping unit is limited to 14-days in a 30-day period.
- Campsites are limited to either: (a) One (1) wheeled camping unit and one (1) small tent for dependents OR (b) Two (2) Tents per campsite.
- Camping is only permitted in designated campsites.
- All motor vehicles are restricted to designated roadways and parking areas only, off-road travel is prohibited.
- Vehicles may only be parked in designated parking areas or on campsite pad, no parking along roadways or in a manner that restricts or prohibits traffic flow. Vehicles parked in campsites are restricted to two (2) wheels on gravel, two (2) on grass.
- Fireworks are strictly prohibited. All fires must be contained within designated fire rings or grills.
- All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs/UTVs), golf carts and dirt bikes are prohibited, unless licensed and street legal.
- Pets are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than six (6') in length within campground. All pet waste must be properly disposed of promptly. Pets may be off-leash within wildlife area.
- All public-use of Coldbrook Lake & Dam Project is governed by Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) .
- For more information, please contact the Corps of Engineers, Hot Springs Office at 605-745-5476.
Firewood Alert! Don't Move Firewood: Due to the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for further information.
Protect Your Waters! Attention Boaters, Paddlers and Anglers: Do your part to help stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) by remembering to always Clean, Drain, and Dry! Visit SDLeastWanted.com for more information.

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.

Nearby Attractions

Popular nearby attractions include:

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.

Changes & Cancellations

Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS HOT SPRINGS OFFICE P.O. BOX 664 HOT SPRINGS SD 57747

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 605-745-5476. FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL: 877-444-6777.

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

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 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. 12814-12826 Cold Brook Road Hot Springs, SD 57747.

Available Campsites

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