USDA Forest Service · Colorado
Pickle Gulch
USDA Forest Service · Colorado, United States
- Sites
- 7
- Season
- May 15 to October 10
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 9,140 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 4
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile weak · AT&T weak · Verizon weak (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- PICKLE GULCH CAMPGROUND (NFSR 177.2A) · crushed aggregate or gravel · moderate degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG
- Nearest town
- Morrison
- Address
- 9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO, 80465
- Phone
- 801-226-3564
- Activities
- Biking, Camping, Day Use Area, Fishing, Hiking, Scenic Drive
7 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Pickle Gulch is a group picnic and camping facility located just off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway/Highway 119. Visitors enjoy the area for its scenic and off-road driving, and nearby hiking and fishing opportunities.
Recreation
Many hiking and biking trails are found nearby. Scenic driving is available along Highways 119 and 72, which is also known as the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Numerous creeks, rivers and lakes in the area provide fishing opportunities. Off-road enthusiasts will find many jeep roads in the vicinity.
Facilities
Pickle Gulch is an area that offers day-use picnic sites and six campsites to accommodate large groups. The picnic site can accommodate up to 150 people and is equipped with picnic tables and campfire circles. A parking area, vault toilets and a playground are provided. The group campsites are all walk-to sites for tent camping only. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables, a campfire circle and tent pads. Vault toilets and drinking water spigots are shared between sites. A separate day-use area contains two volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and a vault toilet. Firewood may be gathered from the surrounding forest, if available, or purchased from the host.
Natural Features
The site offers many scenic views of the surrounding area. It is set among a fairly level forest of lodgepole pine trees, dotted with aspens.
Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, there may be little to no shade at these sites.
Nearby Attractions
The historic mining town of Central City is nearby. The town hosts various popular events, including Lou Bunch Day and the Central City Opera and Jazz festivals.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a short drive from the campground. This scenic park offers more than 35 miles of hiking trails. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also allowed on some trails. Every stream and pond within the park is open to fishing.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (970) 234-1110.
Charges & Cancellations
Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30° | 10° | -15° | 46° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 32° | 10° | -20° | 50° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 37° | 16° | -5° | 57° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 45° | 21° | -2° | 62° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 54° | 31° | 16° | 70° | 11 of 11 |
| June | 70° | 42° | 33° | 80° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 74° | 48° | 38° | 81° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 71° | 46° | 41° | 78° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 66° | 41° | 13° | 78° | 1 of 11 |
| October | 55° | 31° | -5° | 66° | 10 of 10 |
| November | 42° | 19° | -4° | 58° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 33° | 13° | -2° | 47° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Cold Springs - Arapaho Roosevelt NF (CO) · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 43 sites
- Columbine Campground · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 47 sites
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park · Colorado State Parks · 5 mi · 117 sites
- Kelly Dahl · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi · 46 sites
- Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout · USDA Forest Service · 11 mi · 1 sites
All public campgrounds in Colorado · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-08-11. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.