South Dakota / Fall River County

Cold Brook Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Operates from mid-May through mid-September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov starting several months in advance.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Red Flag Warning issued April 11 at 12:06PM MDT until April 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Rapid City SD

12:06 PM — April 12th, 3:15 AM

...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS THROUGH SUNDAY ACROSS PORTIONS OF NORTHEASTERN WYOMING AND WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA... .Warm, dry, and breezy weather will support critical fire weather conditions over northeastern Wyoming and southwestern South Dakota this afternoon and again Sunday afternoon. In addition, isolated dry thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon and evening. While confidence in timing and occurrence is low, erratic wind gusts in excess of 50 MPH would be possible if a dry thunderstorm occurs. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 314 Northern Campbell, 315 Southern Campbell, 317 Weston County Plains, 320 Central Black Hills, 321 Southern Black Hills, 322 Fall River County Area, 324 Eastern Foot Hills, 325 Custer County Plains, 326 Pine Ridge Area, 329 West Central Plains and 332 Badlands Area. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...The combination of gusty winds and low relative humidity will produce critical fire weather conditions.

About

Located less than 1 mile north of Hot Springs in the Southern Black Hills, Cold Brook Campground sits on approximately 450 acres of public lands and water managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The campground features 12 primitive campsites, with sites 12 and 13 directly on the lake. Cold Brook Lake, a 33-acre reservoir created by the completion of Cold Brook Dam in 1953, provides opportunities for swimming at a sandy beach, fishing for largemouth bass, northern pike, catfish, carp, rainbow trout, and panfish, and paddling with canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized or electric-motor boats. Gas motors are strictly prohibited. The recreation area includes a boat ramp, picnic shelters, an archery range, playground, and vault toilets. A non-motorized two-track trail through the wildlife area at the north end offers hiking and biking opportunities with chances to view wildlife. Pets are allowed on leash in the campground and may be off-leash in the wildlife area. Each campsite includes a fire ring and grill, with potable water available near the camp host. The rugged hills, crystal clear water, and evergreen trees create a scenic Southern Black Hills setting close to attractions including Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and the Mammoth Site.

Directions

From Rapid City, take US-79 South, turn right onto US-18 W/US-385 N, follow US-385 N through Hot Springs. Shortly after the speed limit increases to 35 mph, turn left onto Badger Clark Road, turn right at the T-intersection onto Evans Street, follow as it curves left, stay right at the split and go up the hill. The road turns to gravel; follow to the campground.