Glamping in Buffalo Creek, Colorado provides access to the South Platte River basin at elevations around 6,500-8,000 feet. The area experiences temperature variations with summer days reaching the 80s while nights can drop into the 30s even in July. Pine forests dominate the landscape, creating a distinct mountain camping environment where tree cover affects both site selection and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Take the trail near Wellington Lake to discover scenic waterfall views accessible from most campsites. "Wellington Lake was nice and clean in early May. The restrooms were well-maintained. They have a trail with waterfalls as well as a large lake," notes Lisa O.
Paddling without motors: The lakes in this region prohibit motorized boats, creating calm water for paddleboards and kayaks. "The lake is pretty and the trail is fun for hiking. Word of caution- every year I see/hear about multiple dogs going down the waterfall. No major injuries but it scares the owners," shares Victoria H. about Wellington Lake.
Fishing opportunities: The South Platte River offers trout fishing access points throughout the region. At Lone Rock Campground, "we were at the site right on the river so too almost felt to have some privacy away from everyone else as the campsites are close. Clean site, awesome views," according to Haley E.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many visitors appreciate the larger-than-average campsite sizes throughout the area. "The spaces are almost double the size of most places," mentions one camper at Wellington Lake, while at Platte River Campground, a reviewer notes "This is a great place to camp if you are planning to fish. Otherwise I would recommend the Indian Creek campground which is in the same area but off the beaten path."
River access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access from sites. At Ouzel Campground, "Right on the river, exactly as I hoped. Backed my car up to the barrier and had a lovely time. Outhouses. Trash dumpster. Peaceful and perfect for relaxing. Lovely views, and did I mention you can just walk all over in the river?" says Andrew B.
Proximity to Denver: Buffalo Creek glamping options provide mountain experiences without long drives from the city. "One of our favorite campgrounds that has become an annual trip for us the last few years. There are great sites right on the water with plenty of tree shade and privacy. This campground is located a short distance from downtown Denver but makes you feel hours away," writes Eric L. about Castle Mountain Recreation Area.
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: At many campgrounds, water services shut down during colder months. At Platte River Campground, "We do have potable water but it tastes pretty bad, so bring drinking/cooking water. Most, if not all sites, have a picnic table and fire pit," explains William H.
Limited cell service: Prepare for connectivity gaps across the region. At Staunton State Park Campground, "The lot to park in is also the big hiking trail lot so there are always cars there. It makes it not super quiet all the time but I got lucky in the noise department since we were 1 of 2 campers," says Hayley K.
Reservation requirements: Popular waterfront locations fill quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor to Castle Mountain Recreation Area warns, "Reserve ahead, gets booked," while another mentions, "Price seems high but compared to the cost of day use and camping nearby it's reasonable."
Tips for camping with families
Tubing activities: Several river campgrounds provide natural water play areas. At Lone Rock Campground, "We had an awesome time between 6 adults & 7 kids! It is so much fun tubing down the river. The kids were old enough to walk up the path, tube down a little ways, then get out to do it all over again," shares Victoria H.
Kid-friendly hiking: Look for shorter trails with interesting features to keep children engaged. At Colorado Campground, "This is a great campground for introducing little ones to car camping. The campground is clean and well-maintained, the sites are good-sized and it's a short hike to decent fishing at Manitou Lake," says Cody R.
Weather preparedness: Pack for significant temperature changes, especially at higher elevation sites. "We went in June and July. Check the weather. We had very cold weather in both June and July, weather hit the low 30's," warns a camper at Staunton State Park.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Check maximum vehicle length limits before booking. At Colorado Campground, "No RV/Campers over 36 ft permitted. Parking pads are gravel, a few are pull-through. Sites are non-electric with no hookups…no showers," notes Dave V.
Road conditions: Some access roads may be challenging for larger vehicles. At Castle Mountain Recreation Area, "The only downside was the road to get there. It wasn't maintained very well and there was only room for one vehicle at some points," cautions Linda D.
Walk-in sites: Some glamping locations in Buffalo Creek require short hikes from parking areas. At Staunton State Park, "This is a walk in site, but your cars aren't parked very far away. And if you have a rooftop tent, you can still use that. Just know that your car will be parked on the road," explains Amanda B.
