Buffalo Creek Recreation Area offers free dispersed camping sites with pets allowed throughout the area. Located about 30 miles southwest of Evergreen at approximately 7,400 feet elevation, this area provides a more primitive camping experience with vault toilets but no hookups or running water. The campground has 35 designated dispersed sites that fill quickly, especially on weekends. Visitors should arrive by Thursday mid-day to secure weekend spots, as the popularity among mountain bikers and hikers makes availability limited.
What to do
Mountain biking trails network: Buffalo Creek Recreation Area has become a destination for mountain bikers with trails for various skill levels. A camper noted, "Great camping spot, esp, if you like mountain biking... 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."
Hiking to Chicago Lakes: From Echo Lake Campground, visitors can access the Chicago Lakes trail. "There's multiple hikes to chose from of different difficulty... to rewarding day hikes like the Chicago Lakes trail, a 9 mile strenuous hike to the Chicago Lakes," shares one reviewer who appreciated the variety of trail options available.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Chief Hosa Campground offers chances to spot local wildlife during your stay. One visitor reported, "Stopped here between Boulder and Vail for an overnight and there was only one spot left, and it was really worth it. Absolutely stunning views and even saw a deer."
What campers like
Convenient locations: Many campers appreciate being close to attractions while having a forest experience. At Dakota Ridge RV Park, campers found the balance ideal: "If you're looking for a solid RV park near Golden that's clean and dog friendly, this place is for you... Close By: 20 minutes to Denver, 10 minutes to Red Rocks, 8 minutes to the Coors Brewery, 25 minutes to Idaho Springs."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention the condition of bathrooms and showers. At Chief Hosa Campground, one visitor commented, "Bathrooms were VERY clean and seemed to be pretty new - plenty of bathroom stalls, sinks, and large showers. They were quarter showers for 2 minutes of hot water, so basically less than $1 per shower, which is great."
Pet-friendly accommodations: Pet owners seeking camping near Evergreen, Colorado value sites that welcome their animals. At Clear Creek RV Park, a long-term camper shared, "Stayed here for a month and a half... Staff is extremely helpful and accommodating. They have extremely clean bath houses cleaned daily and coin-op laundry."
What you should know
Elevation considerations: The campgrounds around Evergreen sit at higher elevations. Echo Lake Campground is particularly high, with a reviewer noting, "Echo Lake campground is situated off Squaw Pass Rd next to Echo Lake and the start of Mt Evans Rd... Overall this campsite is at a prime location because the surrounding scenery is great and there are many hikes to do nearby."
Weekend crowds and timing: Dispersed camping areas fill quickly on weekends. A Buffalo Creek visitor advised, "We got up there around 6:30pm on Friday night and after driving around for a couple hours ended up bailing and going home. We pushed our luck and went back on Saturday morning and were lucky enough to catch someone as they were leaving."
Fire restrictions: Fire bans are common in this region during dry periods. A Buffalo Creek camper warned about safety concerns: "There is an active fire ban in the area and the neighbors were lighting 5ft tall fires with gasoline which put us at risk. If you are going to be camping in BLM or Wildlife Areas please follow the restrictions."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers family-friendly amenities. One family camper shared, "This campground was tiny and a little cramped but was very clean and had running showers that was a plus... We would stay here again because the staff was very friendly and they had a nice little store and playground."
Kid-friendly trails: Several campgrounds offer easier hiking options for families with children. At Echo Lake, a visitor noted, "There's multiple hikes to chose from of different difficulty. Ranging from nature walk status - the Echo Lake Trail, a flat 1 mile walk around Echo Lake - to quick but tough hikes like Chief Mountain Trail."
Space for activities: Look for campgrounds with room for kids to play. At Reverend's Ridge in Golden Gate Canyon, campers appreciate that "facilities within walking distance for restroom and dishes. Electricity and water were great for us semi-tent campers. We had great camping neighbors."
Tips from RVers
Hookup information: Denver West-Central City KOA provides full hookups for RVs at 8,100 feet elevation. A recent visitor noted, "Our space was a big rig space on concrete pad with ample seating, a table, a fire pit, and a propane grill stove… use your own propane! Full hook ups. It was still reaching freezing at night."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some campgrounds. One camper at Dakota Ridge RV Park mentioned, "Sites are not necessarily level & certainly aren't spacious. Grass is pretty sad or nonexistent except right at the office. Overall just seems pricey."
Altitude acclimation: RVers should prepare for the high elevation when camping near Evergreen. A KOA camper humorously noted, "Yes Mountain High!! 8100' high. 7 miles off I-70 at Idaho Springs... Don't worry they have oxygen! Not kidding!!"
Traveler
