Pike National Forest maintains Green Mountain, a small campground with just six sites accessed via rough dirt roads near Buffalo Creek. The Forest Service operates this walk-in facility seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, charging $18 per night for sites that require carrying gear across a footbridge over Buffalo Creek.
Each compact site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grate, though campers must bring their own firewood since none is available on-site. The creek runs directly through the campground, requiring bridge crossings to reach certain sites. Several reviewers mention the challenge of the access road, with one noting that RVs and small cars "might have a bit of a hard time" navigating the rough terrain, though it remains passable.
The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and fills quickly on weekends during peak season. Vault toilets serve the area, but no potable water is available on-site. Christina A. notes campers "had to cross creek to get to the site," adding to the walk-in nature of the experience. The location provides access to Wellington Lake recreation opportunities just down the road.
Green Mountain works best for tent campers comfortable with carrying gear and navigating rough access roads, particularly those seeking proximity to Buffalo Creek and Wellington Lake activities.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Facilities
Located southwest of Denver__at an elevation of 7,500 feet, Green Mountain Campground offers a wonderful opportunity for individuals or families to enjoy the great outdoors. South Fork Buffalo Creek runs through the campground and there are numerous nonmotorized, multi-use trails nearby. Green Mountain Campground__is far enough away from town, but still close enough that the drive to and from home is an enjoyable__getaway.Tent camping only.__All dates are weather dependent. Visitors may expect full-service Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The area also has an extended season when services such as water, trash or a host may not be available during the fall/winter/spring. Host is located down the road at Buffalo Campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (303) 647-2366.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS** STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS **** PROHIBITIONS**Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the Described Area:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.36 CFR 261.52(a).
- Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)
- Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR 261.52(h) EXEMPTIONS Pursuantto36 C.F.R.261.50(e), thefollowingpersons areexemptfrom thisOrder:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty. DESCRIBEDAREA All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A of this Order. PURPOSE Thepurposeof this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety. IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August November 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGreen Mountain is located in Colorado near Buffalo Creek
Coordinates
39.327016 N
105.355554 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 25 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 34 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 46 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 6 min from Pueblo, CO














