144 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Pike National Forest land around Buffalo Creek puts dispersed camping in the middle of one of the Front Range's most-used trail networks. No fees, no reservations, no water, no restrooms. You pack everything in and everything out, and the 14-day stay limit applies across the forest. The Dyrt campers in this corridor flag the Buffalo Creek trail system as a strong reason to position here, with mountain bike and hiking access starting from some sites. Dispersed sites near Deckers give an alternative base about 15 miles away if Buffalo Creek roads are occupied.
Road conditions are the main variable. Some forest roads require high clearance after rain, and the softer sections turn muddy enough to strand a passenger vehicle. Check fire restriction status before heading out. Buffalo Creek sits at moderate elevation, so summer nights get cool but not cold enough to require heavy gear.
"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)."
"We only drove into the 30s and turned around to claim site 23. Only a few spots are across from one another or beside each other. Majority of the sites are spaced out which was really nice."
"A large number of established roadside dispersed camping spots to choose from. All spots have metal fire rings, so campfires are allowed even with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place."
"Felt safe car camping as there was a thunderstorm. Beware of cows in the road as you enter the area, they’re kind if you are! Verizon cell coverage at the site I parked at was 1-3 bars."
"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."
"Only two designated spots with fire pits but a large area for a group or a big rig with turnaround room. Beautiful views with shade And not much road noise and decent Cell phone reception"
"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. "
"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!"
"Not far from the monument exit on I-25. The road is rocky bumpy & rutty in many areas. In others its smooth. Yet suitable for 2wd vehicles. Some campsites have mobile data & many do not. "
"Most of the campsites are right next to a dirt road with little privacy. I went on a hike on the 4x4 road and there were so many more dope campsites.."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
Guide# 7 was a sweet spot - You can get three to four tents in this spot if you tent camp.
Tons of deadfall for firewood
I was able to pick up three pieces of trash. I am saying it's a clean spot!
Super quiet - Saw a moose!
Great area! Easy to get to!
ScoutNice area with lots of spots, and a few that will work for a camper van. Gravel road that’s well maintained on the way up. Some road traffic but not too bad. No major views, but peaceful and easy to get to!
RangerQuite the drive but worth it. They were repaving some of the road and I personally had no issues getting to a site. It’s gravel, but doable for most vehicles. There was a propane tank and some trash left behind when I got there (always disheartening to find), but it didn’t feel “lived in” like some other spots have so I ultimately felt pretty safe. It was truly beautiful. I got a spot right at the creek that was tucked away from the main road. Maybe a handful of cars passed throughout my stay, so very peaceful and quiet. Zero amenities, so come prepared. No Verizon cell service. Lots of milky quartz laying about, beautiful birds and minimal bugs. Would make the trek here again in a heartbeat.
TravelerSo beautiful, dispersed camping at 11,200 feet surrounded by mountains. Area is busy with day hikers, go past the parking lot and set up at one of the handful of spots. Definitely for small rigs or tents, don’t come up here with a non 4x4 vehicle, and trailers would be close to impossible.
GuideI was pulling a camper and couldn't make it to the higher up spots. the spots near the entrance are littered with gross trash. I cleaned my area but there's too much . Hiking around has beautiful views.
ScoutSolid lil campground. Surprisingly busy mid week but everyone seems to be nice and polite. Few sections would be a bit rough for low clearance but sites 1-10 should be easily accessible. The views are gorgeous with the aspens turning this time of year.
ScoutSeveral places to pull off and camp along the road with pre-built fire rings. Some traffic comes through but still very peaceful. 22’ AWD camper van was able to make it there with no issues.
ScoutRough road but doable in a minivan. About 12 minutes from Nederland, which had a lot of good restaurants, bars, and a fair size grocery store. Saw a moose and mountain lion.
GuideBeautiful drive out here past window rock!
Buffalo Creek dispersed camping sits within Pike National Forest at elevations around 7,000-8,000 feet, creating cool summer nights even when days reach the 80s. The area features ponderosa pine forest that's gradually recovering from a 1996 wildfire, with many camping spots offering views of exposed rock formations. Winter camping isn't maintained, with access roads typically closing after the first significant snowfall.
Mountain biking exploration: Some of the best intermediate to advanced mountain biking trails in Colorado connect through this area. "This place is great for outdoor enthusiasts. We stayed here a couple weekends in a row and we were able to try out some different spots and trails close to those spots," notes a visitor to Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
Fishing access: The South Platte River runs nearby, providing trout fishing opportunities about 15-20 minutes from most campsites. A camper at Matukat Road Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Tarryall reservoir is beautiful and a great fishing spot!"
Wildlife viewing: The burn area and recovering forest create excellent habitat for wildlife watching. "We saw a herd of cows that initially we thought were bears so we had a split second of worry before realizing what they were," noted one camper, while others report seeing moose, minks, big horn sheep, and fox in the area.
Well-spaced, varied sites: Different sites provide options for those seeking shade or open views. "I started camping this area a couple of years ago and have been coming back several times a year. 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," shares a camper at Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite.
Accessibility from Denver: The area offers accessible rustic camping near Buffalo Creek without requiring long drives. "Great site for a quick weekend getaway. Able to find some privacy off the road. Excellent mountain biking and hiking!" notes a reviewer who enjoyed the proximity to the city.
Natural solitude on weekdays: While weekends fill quickly, midweek visitors often find peaceful camping. "Not super busy! Lots of open spaces when we arrived around 6pm," reports a camper at Bruno Gulch Dispersed.
Weather considerations: High elevation means dramatic temperature shifts. "We dealt with some crazy wind so a fire wasn't even in question. Be sure to check with the local ranger station before starting a fire in the area, especially since this is a burn area," advises a visitor to the region.
Thursday arrivals essential: For weekend camping, Thursday arrival is practically mandatory. "This is a very nice area with many walking/biking trails. It is clear the sites are heavily used though, with small pieces of plastic and glass scattered about. The area is busy and can easily fill for the weekend by Thursday mid-day," reports one camper.
Fire restrictions: Given the area's fire history and dry conditions, restrictions are common. At Bailey Area Dispersed, a camper notes, "All the sites have a bbq pit & fire ring. I give this site 3 stars cause of all the broken glass & shot guns shells."
Stream access for kids: Look for sites near water features where children can explore safely. "The creek is a great place for kids to splash and play. When you first pull off Guanella Pass there is a great place to stop by the creek," mentions a camper at Kirby Gulch.
Pack for cool nights: Even in summer, nighttime temperatures drop substantially. "It did get pretty cool at night, and our kids definitely let us know about it. Luckily we have extra blankets to insulate their bags and another person in our party had a small heater. But even in July, plan for cooler night time temps and rain!" advises a family at Kirby Gulch.
Wildlife education: The area provides excellent opportunities to teach children about forest ecology. "Great place to spend a day to a few weeks depending on lifestyle... Fire pits and hiking near," notes a visitor, with many parents using the recovering burn areas to discuss forest regeneration with their children.
Road condition awareness: While many sites accommodate RVs, road quality varies significantly. "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," advises an experienced camper at Tarryall Creek- Dispersed Camping.
Arrive with supplies: No services means complete self-sufficiency is required. "This is dispersed camping, so there is no water no electric and very little cell service. The sites are definitely big enough to accommodate big rigs. You just have to take the road really slowly on the way up."
Site selection for larger rigs: Some sites work better than others for RVs. "There are some sites that are better than others for group sizes and it isn't very RV friendly. Our site on this trip was #27 and we really loved it. It was downset from the road so we had a little privacy."
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.
Keep Exploring
