Cold Brook, South Dakota Campground Photos, Directions & Reservations

Cold Brook Campground Photos

Overview

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

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.

Recreation Sites

Standard Nonelectric
Overnight

Activities

Camping
Day Use Area
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming
Water Access
Wildlife Viewing
Birding
Picnicking
Boating

Amenities

Beach Access
Boat Dock
Boat Ramp
Drinking Water (peak season)
Fishing Pier
Horseshoe Pit
Host
Lake Access
Parking Area
Pets Allowed
Picnic Area
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Pit Toilets
Playground
RV Parking
Scenic Overlooks
Shade
Tent Pads
Trash Collection
Vault Toilets
Picnic Table
Campfire Rings

Nearby Attractions

Popular nearby attractions include:

Directions and Contact Information

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.

Need to Know

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.

Location Map

Latitude : 43° 27′ 41.9616″ N
Longitude: 103° 29′ 30.1200″ W

Mailing Address

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
HOT SPRINGS OFFICE

Phone Number

(605) 745-5476.

Additional Information

South Dakota Tourism
South Dakota Road Conditions
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks
Local Weather Conditions & Forecast
Rules and Regulations – Title 36 CFR

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