Buffalo Creek Recreation Area provides numerous opportunities for rustic camping near Englewood, Colorado. Sites along Redskin Creek Road are organized into clusters spaced about 0.25 miles apart, with elevation ranging from 7,800 to 8,200 feet. The area experiences typical mountain weather patterns with temperature drops of 20-30°F at night even during summer months. Winter camping remains possible but requires preparation for snow and temperatures below freezing.
What to do
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Buffalo Creek area features extensive trail networks designed for various skill levels. According to one visitor at Redskin Creek Rd, "There are 32 or more spots along redskin creek road that goes back a few miles with spots with fire rings along the dirt road. Def can get busy all 32 spots were taken at like 3pm on a Saturday."
Hiking to nearby peaks: Multiple trails lead to scenic vistas within 1-3 miles of most campsites. A camper at Buffalo Creek Recreation Area noted, "Great place to spend a day to a few weeks depending on lifestyle. Fire pits and hiking near."
Fishing in mountain streams: Several creeks in the area offer trout fishing opportunities, particularly in spring and early summer. At Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, a visitor reported, "Nice 1 night get away spot. Pretty area, the sites we saw were numbered. The only disappointing thing was right before dusk was about an hour of shooting, constant and annoying. After dark, very quiet even though it was close to the road."
What campers like
Well-spaced campsites: The distance between sites provides privacy not commonly found in established campgrounds. At Redskin Creek Rd, one camper said, "This is now my favorite campsite in Colorado. Just an hour from Denver... nice road... large campsites with fire pits, hiking trails. Minutes from fishing. Perfect!!"
Accessibility from Denver: Most primitive camping areas near Englewood can be reached within 60-90 minutes, making them viable for weekend trips. According to a camper at Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping, "Beautiful views, ~50 minutes of rocky gravel road to reach the top but doable in any vehicle depending on the weather. Tons of spots and easy to be secluded. Very few other campers up there at the time we visited."
Established fire rings: Most designated sites include stone fire rings. A visitor at Redskin Creek Rd observed, "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."
What you should know
Arrive early on weekends: Most dispersed camping areas fill by Thursday afternoon or Friday morning during peak season (May-September). A visitor at Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping advised, "Chinns Lake is a beautiful spot for dispersed camping with plenty of campsites scattered around the lake and surrounding area. That said, it definitely gets crowded—especially on weekends."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access roads may become impassable after heavy rain or snow. "The road is a bit of a washboard, but that is nothing compared to most of the forest roads in Colorado," noted a camper at Redskin Creek Rd.
No amenities available: Campers must bring all supplies including water, food, and waste disposal equipment. "Only a fire ring is provided, everything else you'll need to bring...AND PACK OUT when you leave so the next camper can enjoy the site like you did," reminded a camper at Redskin Creek Rd.
Tips for camping with families
Bring activities for children: Limited cell service means no digital entertainment. A parent at West Magnolia Campground noted, "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 and is ultimately uplifting."
Look for sites with shade: Temperatures can rise quickly during daylight hours. At Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, a camper observed, "Our site on this trip was #27 and we really loved it. It was downset from the road so we had a little privacy and the sites are large and far apart from each other so we were able to socially distance within our own group."
Check weather forecasts before departure: Mountain storms develop quickly and can include lightning, hail, and flash flooding. A visitor at Buffalo Creek noted, "There was plenty of tree coverage for rainstorms and shade but not too much to where you couldn't find a tent site easily."
Tips from RVers
Scout sites in advance: Many primitive camping areas near Englewood have limited space for larger vehicles. According to an RVer at Beaver Park Reservoir, "Beautiful lake with several good sized RV spots. We have a 25 foot camper and feet nicely in. Road in was good as well (May 2025). Some pots are close to each other and others have more space."
Avoid the deepest forest roads: Clearance issues and tight turns make some areas inaccessible for larger rigs. "About half way up looking for a way to turn around. We got lucky and found a space just barely large enough to back in to carefully. I am a first time TT owner so, yeah it was a bit nerve racking," warned a visitor to Mount Herman Road.
Level your site before setting up: Most rustic camping areas have uneven terrain. "The parking areas tend to be very unlevel and there are only a few that you can pull right up to your campsite," noted an RVer at Redskin Creek Rd.
