Most rv parks near Buffalo Creek provide amenities for short stays within driving distance to Denver attractions. Buffalo Creek sits at 7,400 feet elevation in the Pike National Forest where summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 80°F during the day. Road access to camping locations often involves navigating mountain terrain with occasional steep sections and limited cell reception in more remote areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several creeks and small lakes near Buffalo Creek provide fishing access. At Middlefork RV Resort in nearby Fairplay, campers can enjoy "on site gold panning" and "a small catch and release trout pond on site," according to visitors.
Hiking trails: The area offers numerous hiking options from beginner to advanced difficulty levels. Clear Creek RV Park provides easy access to "a gorgeous walking path to the mountains" and is "within immediate walking distance to multiple breweries and restaurants, and extremely accessible to the mountains," as one camper noted.
Mountain biking: Buffalo Creek is known for technical mountain biking trails that attract riders throughout the warmer months. Near Garden of the Gods RV Resort, "there are lots of paths and locals parks to adventure around. Tubing & swimming in the creek is wonderful especially in summertime. Our favorite is the fishing, so much fun fishing in all the different spots along the creek."
What campers like
Close proximity to Denver: Many RV parks provide convenient access to city attractions while staying in mountain surroundings. Dakota Ridge RV Park is popular because it "allows easy access to Denver, Golden, and the foothills. Campers are close together, but there are some mature trees. This campground is nicer than most that provide access to Denver."
Urban amenities: The rv parks Buffalo Creek visitors choose often include facilities not found in more remote camping. "Staff were very polite and helpful. This is a great base camp for exploring Denver as well as Jefferson and Clear Creek counties," a Dakota Ridge RV Park visitor explained, also noting the campground "has a pool and hot tub."
Views and wildlife: Many Buffalo Creek area campers enjoy mountain scenery and wildlife sightings. Diamond Campground & RV Park features "wildlife right outside our door every morning" according to one review, while another mentioned "Deer wander through the campground throughout the day."
What you should know
Site variations: RV park sites range widely in size, levelness and spacing. At Pikes Peak RV Park, "Sites are very close together. Friendly helpful staff. Bathrooms clean well maintained," observed one visitor. Diamond Campground has "lots of pine trees and most spots are pull through. Some sites are a little close together but not all of them."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping options become limited as some facilities close. Applewood RV Resort, formerly called Prospect RV Park, is described as "good for what it is. If you want to be close to the city and have easy access to any kind of shopping imaginable, this will meet your needs." However, another review clarifies, "this is not the place to go to get out into the wild."
Pricing differences: Idaho Springs RV Resort & Campground costs concern some visitors: "Its a small campground nice people level sites, but you are stacked up. The have a laundry and bathrooms that are good. They did give us a 10% discount. I guess the 74.00 a night is what got me."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer recreation specifically designed for children. Garden of the Gods RV Resort has "a rather extensive arcade for kids and me, cute kid bungalow" according to reviews, though another visitor noted "the play set for kids is small."
Supervised water activities: Creeks provide family recreation but require caution. One family at Pikes Peak RV Park enjoyed that "this RV campground is along the creek that runs through Manitou Springs. We specifically asked for a creekside spot. I slept great listening to the creek. Good shade trees, friendly staff and clean shower house/restrooms."
Pet policy restrictions: Many parks limit how pets can be contained outside. Dakota Ridge RV Park has specific rules where "portable dog pens are not allowed. Tethering is not allowed... At this park they can only be on a 6 ft leash attached to a human. They have a dog 'area' instead of a fenced dog park where they can play a little."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some Buffalo Creek area RV sites require additional equipment for proper setup. At Clear Creek RV Park, "Sites 8 & 9 are extremely unlevel, but the other sites are pretty fine," while another visitor to Diamond Campground noted "Sites are not level, bring proper equipment for leveling."
Hook-up placement: Water and sewer connections aren't standardized across all parks. At Applewood RV Resort, "the sewer is 6 inches above grade and slinky support wasn't tall enough. You might be lifting your hose to assist emptying," reported one RVer.
Reservation timing: Competition for RV spaces intensifies during peak seasons. The staff at Clear Creek RV Park is "extremely helpful and accommodating. They have extremely clean bath houses cleaned daily and coin-op laundry (office has quarters available)," though this park "operates seasonally from May through September."
