Buffalo Creek Recreation Area dispersed camping offers 35 numbered sites set along a 5-mile dirt road that extends toward Wellington Lake. Sites fill quickly, particularly on summer weekends, with Thursday mid-day often marking the cutoff for weekend availability. The area features rocky terrain with sites that are typically unlevel, requiring careful vehicle positioning. Fire restrictions frequently apply during dry periods, and no drinking water or trash services are provided.
What to do
Mountain biking on established trails: At Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, riders can access trails for various ability levels. "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking. Not whistler in terms of terrain but plenty of trails for various ability levels," notes andrew B.
Climbing rock formations: The Rampart Range Area offers rock outcroppings suitable for informal climbing and exploration. Multiple sites throughout the area provide access to these features, with one visitor mentioning "plenty of tree coverage for rainstorms and shade but not too much to where you couldn't find a tent site easily."
Fishing in nearby streams: Colorado Trail access points near these camping areas connect to fishing opportunities. "We hiked out to the 96 burn area to explore and we ended up doing a nice 7 mile loop to get down to the creek for a cool down," shares a camper who stayed in the area.
What campers like
Well-spaced campsites: Redskin Creek Rd Dispersed Campsite provides good separation between sites. One camper noted, "Sites are spaced well apart, some sites are covered in trees while others are wide open. I camped at sites 15, 18, 22(twice), 26 (twice), and there's two sites close to Wellington lake that I've stayed three times."
Weather variability: The higher elevation of Mount Herman Road Dispersed Camping brings interesting weather patterns. "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," reports Logan C.
Proximity to Colorado Springs: Sites are conveniently located for weekend trips. "Firstly, this site is too exposed for tent campers. Better if you're in an rv. The better site is to stay on FR 323 to the left and there is a better site about 300 yards further down the road ideal for a tent and shelter with good tree cover."
What you should know
Limited cellular coverage: Service varies throughout the area, typically stronger at higher elevations. At Matukat Road Dispersed Camping, "We had between two and three bars of Verizon service at the site but no Verizon service at the main road so it is spotty."
Target shooting noise: Many free camping areas near Parker experience shooting activity. "The problem with this area is too much gunfire. At 7pm on a Tuesday evening just as we sat down to eat a group very close by started target shooting. If you're looking for peace and quiet, this is just not the spot for you."
Weekday availability: For those with flexible schedules, midweek camping offers more solitude. One reviewer stated, "It is very difficult to find a spot on a weekend. We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home."
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Rainbow Falls Dispersed Camping requires vigilance with children. A camper advised, "Decent number of sites with fire rings on Long hollow road in the ATV use area. Downsides were the family group camped nearby riding ATVs and playing music into the night, and a rifle range to the west."
Educational opportunities: The burn recovery areas offer teaching moments about forest regeneration. "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."
Trash awareness: Teaching proper waste disposal is crucial. "We had to clean up the site. Beer cans and broken bottles all over the place. Some people have no respect for our beautiful state."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Cascade-Chipita Park/Woodland Park presents challenges for larger rigs. A reviewer cautioned, "Don't go up if you are pulling anything larger than a tear drop trailer. I didn't go all the way up, so I don't know if there is any kind of turn around up there."
Road conditions: Free camping near Parker, Colorado often requires navigating rough roads. One RVer stated, "The road up is rough but totally doable with pickup truck with slide in camper. This campsite was nice and level."
Arrival timing: Early arrival increases chances of securing level sites for RVs. "We arrived early on a Saturday and there were quite a few people already around and two spots available. Sites were big and far enough away from neighbors."
