Cascade

About

Cascade Campground occupies a scenic location in Chalk Creek Canyon at 9,000 feet elevation within the San Isabel National Forest. The canyon gets its name from the soft, white, chalk-like kaolinite walls created by ancient hot spring deposits. The campground is set in a dense forest of Douglas fir and aspen, with Chalk Creek flowing just across the road and Cascade Falls nearby. The campground offers 21 single-family sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are provided, and water is available via handpump. Some sites (2-7, 11-12) are first-come, first-served, while the remaining sites are reservable through Recreation.gov. Maximum occupancy is 8 people per site with either two tents and two vehicles or one RV. Recreation opportunities abound, including stream fishing in Chalk Creek above the falls and at Chalk Lake one mile east. The area features numerous OHV trails including routes to Mount Antero, Tincup Pass, and Hancock Pass. Hikers can access the Colorado Trail, Narrow Gauge Trail, and Cascade Loop Trail. The historic ghost town of St. Elmo is just 15 minutes away.

Directions

From Buena Vista, take Highway 285 south to Nathrop. Turn west on County Road 162 and travel approximately 9.5 miles past Mt. Princeton Hot Springs resort. The campground is on the left side of the road just past Cascade Falls.