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Best Dispersed Camping near Buffalo Creek, CO

678 Reviews

Buffalo Creek, Colorado, is a prime location for dispersed camping enthusiasts seeking a true backcountry experience. The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers numerous primitive sites where you can set up camp without the amenities of developed campgrounds. These undeveloped areas require campers to be self-sufficient, as there are no facilities such as toilets or running water. When camping in these remote locations, it is crucial to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment. The Buffalo Creek City Park Campground and Colorado National Forest Sites are popular spots for wild camping, providing solitude and a connection with nature. Campers must adhere to public land regulations, including maintaining a distance from roads and water sources. The maximum stay limit is typically 14 days, ensuring that the area remains accessible for future visitors. Access to these sites often requires a high-clearance vehicle, especially after rain or snow, due to rugged road conditions. The primitive nature of the experience means you must pack in all your supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions are common in this region, so always check with local authorities before starting a campfire. The Buffalo Creek Area State Park is another option for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains without the crowds. While boondocking in this area, you might encounter local wildlife, so proper food storage is essential to avoid attracting animals. The serene environment and stunning views make Buffalo Creek a memorable destination for those prepared for the challenges of backcountry camping.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Buffalo Creek, Colorado (123)

    1. Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    3 miles

    "So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it."

    "The "Buffalo Creek Recreation Area" is ONLY the 35 designated dispersed campsites that start just west of the intersection marked on the map(Redskin Rd/County road 550 AND Deckers Road/hwy 126)."

    2. Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite

    8 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    3 miles

    "Over 30 dispersed campsites along a moderately smooth dirt road. Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open."

    "About 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road."

    3. Bailey Area Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Buffalo Creek, CO
    5 miles

    "The first 3 are out in the open and then the remaining 5 are past the trailhead. Nice area for Starlink and solar and dog walks. It’s a burn site."

    "I had to slow down to a crawl at points because it was thrashing my rig around so much. There is also one turn on the road where if you’re not careful, I could imagine getting stuck."

    4. Matukat Road Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 553-1400

    "Rock fire pits, wood around. No water, garbage, nor toilets. Cool temps, road in is rough go slow. Nice shady trees. First few spots you encounter left, then right seem ok."

    "We drove a couple of miles up the decently maintained dirt road and found the second dispersed camping spot and decided to set up our roof top tent for the night. "

    5. Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Monument, CO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 636-1602

    "If you enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, drive in dispersed camping and putting your off-roading skills to the test, this dispersed campsite is a must visit!"

    "It took us about 15 minutes driving past the coordinates (trailhead) to start seeing campsites. There was nobody around, and we picked a very spacious one with a great view."

    6. Rainbow Falls - Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Woodland Park, CO
    19 miles
    Website

    "Lots of shade in the morning at our spot. We were by a dirt road and did have a few vehicles drive by but not bad. There is bear scat, not old and not new, in the area but no wildlife was seen."

    "Terrain was interesting on the drive in, some of the pull off camping spots are pretty steep off the road. However, the sights were beautiful and it was very quiet and peaceful when we visited :)"

    7. Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Lake George, CO
    23 miles
    +1 (719) 836-2031

    "Great dispersed camping for an evening on our way out west. The campground nearby was closed, but it was easy finding a dispersed spot near OHV trails."

    "Tarryall Reservoir is an awesome location. To update from a different review; the ONLY camping is dispersed. There is a day use only area next to the reservoir with no overnight camping."

    8. Kirby Gulch

    14 Reviews
    Montezuma, CO
    28 miles

    "Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado."

    "Plenty of trail heads nearby and had moose visitors right by camp each day which was cool but be sure to respect the wildlife and give them space."

    9. Bruno Gulch Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Grant, CO
    27 miles
    Website

    "We arrived around Monday lunchtime. There are 19 sites in this area as they are all designated. There were only two available when we arrived so we selected site number three."

    "Great spots hidden in the trees. Dispersed free spots."

    10. Pull off with fire ring - Dispersed Site

    16 Reviews
    Georgetown, CO
    28 miles
    Website

    "Resources were running low on a Friday night so it was great pull off great views close to idaho springs down town , nice hiking trails as well traffic is pretty much non existent after 9pm"

    "Any unpaved areas around it are not flat."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Buffalo Creek, CO

489 Photos of 123 Buffalo Creek Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Buffalo Creek, CO

678 Reviews of 123 Buffalo Creek Campgrounds

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Kirby Gulch

    Worth the Rough Drive

    Kirby Gulch is a fantastic spot for anyone seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid camping experience near Grant, Colorado. Situated off Route 1038, this dispersed camping area offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.

    The campsites are well-spaced, providing plenty of privacy, and the area is generally clean, thanks to considerate campers. Since it’s a dispersed site, there are no amenities like water or toilets, so make sure to come prepared. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the sites, especially after rain or snow.

    What makes Kirby Gulch truly special is its tranquility. You can enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees, the crisp mountain air, and dazzling stargazing at night. It’s also a great starting point for exploring nearby trails or simply soaking in the serene environment.

    If you’re comfortable with primitive camping and leave-no-trace principles, Kirby Gulch is a hidden gem worth checking out.

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping

    Great base camp for summiting Gray’s/Torrey’s

    Stevens Gulch Road (321) is a dirt road off of I-70 west of Denver in the Arapaho & Rosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands. It has amazing scenery and access to gorgeous hiking trails to summit Gray’s, Torrey’s and Kelso Peaks. It is a fairly mellow SUV road with plenty of space to pass other vehicles and you will occasionally see passenger cars as well. The road leads to a large parking lot that fills up fast with car overflow parking spilling down both sides of the road. There are pit toilets and bear proof trash cans at the parking lot. The road continues past the parking lot a very short ways to some dispersed campsites by a river that have stone campfire rings. Definitely filter this water as there are uphill toilet paper gardens along the climb to summit.

  • Meg G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Spectacular - 4x4 is required to access.

    We drove our BRAND NEW 4x4 Revel and were nervous the entire trip up and back.  We are a high profile vehicle, luckily we had plenty of clearance but it was very nerve wracking both up and back.  It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake.  When you arrive, there are several dispersed campsites around the lake.  All the spots have beautiful views and tons of space between other campers.  There are firepits (even though CO is on a fire ban) that  will be nice for future visits.  We visited on Sept 17-19, 2020, so the evenings are cold and the days short.  Additionally, the water level was very low.  

    The area is nice for hiking and exploring, and especially to get away from it all.  No cell phone service.

    As the weekend approached, there were several ATV's heading up for the day.  While we were there, only 3 other groups camping on the weekend.

    You will be at 11,000 feet looking at the Continental Divide!  THIS is Colorado camping!  Enjoy and please remember to leave no trace!

  • Karl G.
    May. 6, 2019

    Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    Dispersed Campsite with Views - Gordon Gulch (4x4 recommended)

    So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites. I am reviewing one of these unnumbered campsites in particular, because this one had the best view. Before you read too far, I can't guarantee you will be able to reach this campsite without a 4X4 high clearance vehicle. We got to the site with a Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Tacoma TRD so we had no problems... I can't definitely say a Subaru would make it though. In the pictures I have included a map of the Gordon Gulch trail system. Entering through the Gordon Gulch entrance and taking 226.1 to 233.1 is the hardest route - there is one very steep and washed out spot. Entering via 120J/Switzerland Trail from the Peak to Peak Hwy and then turning right onto 233.1 is the easier option. On that map I have marked the general area of the campsite with a pink dot and here are the coordinates.

    DMS: 40°01'18.5"N 105°28'37.6"W

    DD: 40.021814, -105.477103 - if you type this into Google Maps it will locate it

    As for the actual campsite, it is a great option for spring/fall camping in Colorado. The elevation is about 8,800 ft and it is on the south side of a hill so it gets a lot of sunlight and is protected from northern winds. In terms of privacy, there are no other campsites that can be seen from this one. However, Gordon Gulch is a popular off-roading area so dirt bikes and Jeeps pass by frequently. This campsite is set up high above and away from the road though, so it is really not that bad. Another thing to point out is that this is a popular area for shooting as well, so if you absolutely hate guns it may not be the place for you. Also, as stated before, this is a dispersed campsite the only thing it has is a fire ring. Pack it in, pack it out!

  • Doug C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping

    Choose Your Own Adventure From Rampart Range Road

    Rampart Range Road is the main dirt road that has plenty of smaller trails branching off of it to keep you busy exploring all summer. Rampart Range Road is accessible by 2wd vehicles while some of the smaller trails that branch off of Rampart Range Rd do better with a 4wd with high clearance. The southern portion of the road (south of Devils Head Trail) is open year around while the northern half of the road is closed seasonally during winter. Easily accessible outside of Woodland Park on the south end of the road and west through Sedalia. Lots of dispersed camping sites along the road, some are very large and could easily accommodate a large RV or large groups. Other campsites are tucked away off the road a little which is great because this road can be very busy & dusty in the summer. All in all, this place makes for a fun and easy weekend getaway as long as some ohv traffic doesn’t bother you too much. The best part of Rampart Range Road is the several forest service roads that branch off with dispersed camping. These smaller trails and dispersed camping make for a much more relaxing and peaceful weekend, I highly recommend if you have a 4x4. Find the right forest service road and you’ll feel like you are a million miles from it all.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping

    Good but not great

    Tarryall creek dispersed camping. The road in is a bit bumpy. I would not trade in a low clearance vehicle. Four-wheel-drive is needed if it should get wet or slippery. Once you get onto the road, the sites are big and spacious. This is dispersed camping, so there is no water no electric and very little cell service. We have periodic two bars of Verizon. The sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up. If you carry on all the way up to 10, you get to fenced areas where there is no camping so we took 293 off to the left and immediately after the Turner a couple of sites. We followed it all the way down for a long way. The road is incredibly bumpy and four-wheel-drive is absolutely necessary. Along with high clearance. I would not advise it for big rigs. The Site that we got just on the left after the turn walls reasonably wide. Big enough to get a big rig into. It’s pretty flat too but it’s also very exposed. There’s not a lot of shelter for our tent or our gazebo. The views are OK but nothing spectacular.

  • Anthony P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Buffalo Creek Recreation Area

    big and busy

    We headed out to these spots on memorial day weekend and it was busy. So busy that we had to go in the middle of the week to get a spot, so plan ahead here and expect crowds. That being said, each spot is unique and we loved it. We ended up staying as far up the road as possible and found a large spot big enough for a trailer and a few cars. 

    Keep in mind there is buffalo creek campground ($) and buffalo creek rec area that is free with dispersed camping. The dispersed camping is where we stayed and i believe there are over 40+ spots if you explore all the roads. A lot of the spots are large enough to accommodate a trailer or small RV. No bathrooms on site ad fire rings are made of rocks. Most spots are near the road, as you can see from my photo but the further up the road you get, the traffic will calm down. We did not see this as a problem at all. This are is prone to wildfires and has been in a fire ban since the winter. 

    Plenty to do up here as well, hiking, biking and world class fishing just down the road in Deckers.

    Get here early and find a spot that fits you.

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Fraile’s Campground - Dispersed

    Huge sites on gnarly road

    CR 290 off Tarryall Rd. Campsites are all designated on 290 but there are numerous firepits on the side roads. The road to get up is very rutted. I recommend a high clearance vehicle. Definitely four wheel drive is required. I did see a Subaru forester up near the top. The sites are wide open once you get onto the plateau at the top. Easily could accommodate a big rig, but the issue would be getting it up the road. The views from the top are really nice. It opens out and you get some spectacular views of Pike National Forest. The sites are spacious with some pine tree coverage for tent campers. This would definitely be a possible back up spot if nothing on Matukat rd was available. Because they are dispersed there is no electrical hook ups or water. There’s no Creek running through the area. I imagine it would be really quiet and remote up here because the road to get in is going to deter a lot of people. We did find some spots with fire pits, but not sure you can camp there given there is no sign post reading designated campsite but they are off the main road so give it a try.

  • Eileen S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Peru Creek Designated Dispersed Camping

    Crowded Camping Near Keystone

    This is beautiful camping close to keystone and likewise gets crowded in the summer months. If you want a spot on a weekend, get there early. There are a few pull offs along the road suitable for most cars, but if you have a high clearance 4WD you can go on a few offshoot roads and find more spacious spots. No cell phone signal or water, and frequent fire bans in the summer.

Guide to Buffalo Creek

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Buffalo Creek, Colorado, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Buffalo Creek

  • Enjoy mountain biking at the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, where numerous trails cater to all skill levels, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Explore the breathtaking views and hiking trails around Matukat Road Dispersed Camping, which offers ample space and stunning backdrops for a memorable outdoor experience.
  • Take advantage of the nearby fishing opportunities at Tarryall Creek, accessible from Tarryall Creek - Dispersed Camping, where you can unwind by the water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Buffalo Creek, Colorado

  • Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends, as many sites like those at Matukat Road Dispersed Camping can fill up quickly due to their popularity.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area does not provide drinking water or electric hookups, so plan accordingly by bringing your own supplies.
  • Respect the environment by cleaning up after yourself, as many areas, including Tarryall Creek - Dispersed Camping, have reported issues with litter left by previous campers.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Are permits required for dispersed camping at Buffalo Creek?

No permits are required for dispersed camping at Buffalo Creek. Like other dispersed camping areas in national forests, Buffalo Creek follows the free, first-come, first-served model. Similar to Rampart Range Road - Dispersed Camping, you'll need to follow standard dispersed camping regulations, including the 14-day stay limit and Leave No Trace principles. While permits aren't needed, it's advisable to check for any temporary fire restrictions, especially during dry summer months. The area can get crowded on holiday weekends, so arriving early to secure a spot is recommended, particularly during peak camping season.

Where is Buffalo Creek dispersed camping located in Colorado?

Buffalo Creek dispersed camping is located in Pike National Forest, southwest of Denver, Colorado. The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area sits near the small community of Buffalo Creek, offering easy access to outdoor enthusiasts from the Denver metro area. Similar to Kirby Gulch near Grant, Colorado, this dispersed camping area is situated in a mountainous region with stunning views and access to numerous recreational trails. The area is accessible via Forest Service roads and provides a serene natural setting that's popular for weekend getaways, especially during summer months.

What amenities are available at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area for dispersed camping?

Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers minimal amenities, as is typical with dispersed camping. There are no provided water sources, electricity, or shower facilities. Similar to Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, you'll find established fire rings at most sites, but you need to bring everything else you'll need, including water and waste disposal solutions. Some sites offer sufficient space for larger vehicles, though road conditions may limit accessibility. The area is known for its extensive trail system, making it popular with mountain bikers and hikers. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, so plan accordingly. Pack out all trash and follow proper sanitation practices as there are no garbage services or toilet facilities.

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