Buffalo Pass Dispersed Camping offers primitive, free sites in the Routt National Forest at 9,000-10,000 feet elevation. Access requires traveling rough forest roads that can become muddy or snow-covered depending on the season. The area provides mountain views and opportunities to spot wildlife including moose, elk and deer in the meadows surrounding campsites.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Near Dumont Campground, trails offer varied terrain for bikers. "A USFS campground that's unimproved, it's a hidden jewel. Overlooking Dumont Lake, the Campground can be awash with wildflowers, cloudbursts, and singletrack," reports Curtis B.
Wildlife viewing: The meadows near Buffalo Pass Dispersed provide habitats for various animals. As one camper noted, "Saw evidence of moose elk deer and bear (and horses) but no sightings. Some mosquitos but it was quite dry when we were there."
Fishing opportunities: Reservoirs and lakes offer fishing spots. Haileigh W. shared about Teal Lake: "This is by far my favorite place to go fishing when I'm in the mood to fish off the shore! I have spent many years coming to Teal lake, its always been a family favorite!"
What campers like
Sunrise and sunset views: The open landscapes create dramatic light displays. At Walden Reservoir, one camper mentioned, "Amazing views but lacks tree coverage. Tons of ants but nothin bit me. Smells like sage and fresh air. Quiet as can be. Relatively flat land."
Secluded camping spots: Many areas provide privacy away from crowds. At FR-302 Dispersed Camping, "We found a great spot 1.9 miles in on the East (left) side of the road. We saw 6-7 other campers set up on the way in… Mostly tent campers and a van or two."
Fall foliage viewing: September brings changing aspen colors. A camper at Buffalo Pass shared, "This was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast, and honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles. It was such a beautiful area mid September. All the leaves were changing."
What you should know
Road conditions matter: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. As Walter B. noted about FR-302, "We were able to grab a spot on an overlook, with a great view. If working had excellent Verizon cell service. The site was unleveled but not too bad for a van with rocks and firewood under wheels."
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes and other bugs can be intense. At Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping, campers report: "SO many mosquitoes and biting ants but the sunsets are gorgeous and make it worth it. Sites aren't really marked/but are right next to the reservoir. No fires/water pumps."
Weather changes rapidly: Mountain elevation means unpredictable conditions. Doug B. warned about Buffalo Pass: "When you see other reviews that say there are lots of bugs… they were not exaggerating, there are massive swarms of mosquitoes everywhere. Not sure if more bug repellent would even help."
Tips for camping with families
Look for established campgrounds: These typically have better facilities for children. At Meadows Campground, "Each campsite has a place for 2 cars, a picnic table, flat places for 2-3 tents, and a fire ring with an adjustable grill. Plenty of shady trees to hang your hammock from and enough space between campsites to give you some privacy."
Choose sites with wildlife viewing: Kids enjoy animal spotting opportunities. One reviewer at Buffalo Pass noted, "We enjoyed walking and exploring and could go quite a ways straight from the site without having to go out to the road."
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects some dog friendly campgrounds near Coalmont. Sean F. mentioned about Meadows Campground: "The campground is beautiful but most sites are fairly close to the highway. Pretty loud at night. A moose wandered by one evening. The scenery and convenient location to steamboat outweigh the road noise issue."
Tips from RVers
Scout sites before committing: Not all dispersed areas accommodate larger vehicles. At Hidden Lakes Campground, a camper noted it's "a great little campground, right on water. The other lakes are somewhat difficult to find, but make for a great adventure!"
Road clearance requirements: Many access roads have challenging sections. Ray & Terri F. shared about Buffalo Pass: "There are several sites along FR-302, which is actually in pretty decent shape, one about 1/2 mile in, several about a mile in at FR-3021B, which is where we stayed (to the left), and then a few more about another mile in or so."
Size limitations for pet-friendly areas: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Coalmont have space restrictions. Regarding FR-302, one RVer advised: "You can get a small TT into the first 4-5 sites. I would not continue after what I think is site 5 on the right that has a fairly large rock fire pit and good loop for when leaving. Great parking area to drop and go scout with your vehicle first."
Ranger
