Primitive camping near Conifer, Colorado provides opportunities to enjoy the backcountry of the Front Range at elevations between 8,000-9,500 feet. Seasonal temperature shifts are significant, with summer nights dropping into the 40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Fall campers should prepare for possible early snow and freezing temperatures starting in mid-September.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers extensive trail networks popular with mountain bikers. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels. Much of the area still shows scars from the 1996 fire here, but the sprouts and smaller trees show you a preview of how nature heals," notes Buffalo Creek Recreation Area visitor Andrew B.
Fishing access: Multiple streams and small lakes provide fishing opportunities within 30 minutes of most dispersed sites. "Minutes from fishing. Perfect!!" reports Rick R. about the Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite, which offers easy access to creek fishing.
Hiking to alpine lakes: More adventurous campers can use dispersed sites as base camps for alpine lake hikes. "Hiked up to an absolutely gorgeous lake, and upper lake. 10/10," writes Wesley S. about the terrain near Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping, though access requires significant clearance or hiking in.
What campers like
Wide site spacing: Many campers appreciate the privacy at several dispersed camping areas. "Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open," explains David H. about Redskin Creek Rd, which features over 30 sites along a moderately smooth dirt road.
Wildlife viewing: The area attracts diverse wildlife including moose. "We arrived on a Wednesday lunchtime and it was busy... The creek is a great place for kids to splash and play," notes Chris P. about Bruno Gulch Dispersed, where another camper reported, "Beautiful area, seen a moose and goats close to our campsite."
Mobile connectivity: Unlike many remote areas, several dispersed sites near Conifer maintain cellular service. "If you have a roof top tent, you might be able to get 3-4 bars of 5G. I have verizon, my wife has mint mobile, both were able to doom scroll while it was raining," reports Andrew L. about Bailey Area Dispersed.
What you should know
Timing is crucial: Competition for spots intensifies Thursday through Sunday. "Def can get busy all 32 spots were taken at like 3pm on a Saturday," warns Frank B. about Redskin Creek Rd, reflecting a pattern across most areas. Another camper noted, "Arrived Sunday afternoon to a pretty empty campground."
Road conditions vary: Access roads range from well-maintained to challenging. "The road coming in has some gnarly washboards for the first 2ish miles, at one point we were just crawling cause it was so rough," cautions Andrew L. about Bailey Area Dispersed, which features 8 numbered sites.
Environmental considerations: Pack out waste completely. "Ended up cleaning a bunch of toilet paper left near one of the hiking trails," reports Frank B. at Redskin Creek Rd, highlighting the importance of proper waste disposal.
Tips for camping with families
Stream access for kids: Several sites offer creek access for water play. "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," notes Chris P. about Kirby Gulch.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring layered clothing. "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 Charlie K. about Kirby Gulch.
Noise considerations: Some sites maintain quiet hours while others may experience noise. "Big camping spots, fun campground vibes, noise restrictions so don't worry your kiddos won't be able to hit a reasonable bed time," reports Andrew B. about Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all dispersed areas accommodate RVs equally. "There are some sites that are better than others for group sizes and it isn't very RV friendly. This 'campground' is not super large RV friendly so if you are in a large RV try and get site 13," advises Hayley K. about Buffalo Creek Recreation Area.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require leveling equipment. "Some have mountain views, others are more covered by trees. I stayed in a loop site that was super cozy," notes Seanna M. about Redskin Creek Rd, adding "Just a heads up that many of the spots aren't flat for parking or even for a tent."
RV-friendly sites numbered: When available, look for specific site numbers. "Sites 1-8 are massive and can accommodate anything," reports Chris P. about Bruno Gulch Dispersed, providing specific guidance for larger vehicles.
