Buckingham Campground - Fourth of July

From Fourth of July Campground, you can access several beautiful hiking trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. The main trail system connects to the Hessie Trailhead network, offering routes of varying difficulty around the alpine lake and into the surrounding mountains. These trails provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including moose sightings. In early season (June), portions of the trails may still be snow-covered, which can make navigation challenging but rewards hikers with less crowded experiences. The area is particularly popular during summer months when wildflowers are abundant.

Yes, camping is available at the Fourth of July Trailhead area, but it requires backpacking into designated sites rather than camping directly at the trailhead parking area. The actual campsites are located around the lake after hiking in from the trailhead. During peak seasons, the parking area can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. Be prepared for potential snow conditions in early June which can make finding the campsites challenging.

Fourth of July Campground and Buckingham Campground are actually the same location, commonly referred to by both names. This campground offers beautiful alpine scenery with lakeside sites that provide stunning views. It's a backcountry camping area that requires hiking in, making it less crowded than developed campgrounds but requiring more preparation. The natural setting allows for wildlife sightings including moose. The remote nature means you'll need to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash, with no modern amenities available.

Fourth of July Campground is located near Nederland, Colorado in the Indian Peaks area. It sits a few miles up from the Hessie Trailhead in the Arapaho National Forest. The campground requires hiking in to reach it, and the area is accessed via a bumpy road that typically requires a high-clearance vehicle. The campground itself is situated by a lake, offering beautiful alpine views of the surrounding wilderness.