Mountain bikers and creek enthusiasts find themselves drawn to this 36-site Forest Service campground where Buffalo Creek flows nearby and trail access begins steps from camp. The established campground sits along a dirt road that can turn rough during wet conditions, requiring careful navigation but rewarding visitors with spacious sites that accommodate RVs up to 40 feet.
Sites vary considerably in their level terrain, with some offering better tent-friendly spots than others. Many feature adequate spacing between neighbors and decent shade coverage from surrounding conifers. Kristyn E. notes "Sites at the Buffalo CG are generally spacious and have a level of privacy between one another," though finding level ground for tents can prove challenging at certain sites. The campground operates with both reservable sites and first-come, first-served options (sites 29-38), with weekends filling quickly due to proximity to Denver.
Buffalo Creek's renowned trail system connects directly from the campground, making this a prime staging area for mountain biking adventures. Creek access provides opportunities for cooling off after rides, though fishing prospects appear limited based on visitor reports. The area also serves as a gateway to Colorado Trail connections and other Buffalo Creek Recreation Area trails. Bears frequent the area, particularly around the dumpster facilities, requiring proper food storage practices.
Vault toilets and a camp host provide basic services, though water availability can be inconsistent season to season. Stephanie F. mentions "No water is a bit of a hassle but manageable" while appreciating other amenities like "plenty of shade, plenty of hammock trees." The $28 nightly fee covers the May through September season, with reservations recommended for weekend visits to secure spots in this popular recreation hub.
Description
Overview
Buffalo Campground is one of two facilities within the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, about an hour's drive southwest of Denver, Colorado. Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking and trout fishing.
Recreation
The Buffalo Creek Recreation Area is home to a 40-mile trail system most popular with mountain bikers, but hikers and horseback riders enjoy the area as well. Several trailheads are within walking distance of the campground. The Lost Creek Wilderness Area can be accessed via the Colorado Trail, which stretches nearly 500 miles from Denver to Durango. Buffalo Creek is a popular fishing stream for brook trout.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites, some of which are designated for tent camping only. Each site is equipped with accessible picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are provided. No hookups are available.
Natural Features
The campground is situated near Buffalo Creek at an elevation of 7,400 feet in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Summer temperatures are mild and range from 75-80 degrees during the day to 55-65 degrees at night.
Nearby Attractions
The drive along County Road 126 southwest from Pine Junction affords magnificent views of the valleys below. Pikes Peak, at 14,110 feet, can be seen in the distance and other prominent rock formations present themselves throughout the scenic drive.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS** STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS **** PROHIBITIONS**Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the Described Area:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.36 CFR 261.52(a).
- Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)
- Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR 261.52(h) EXEMPTIONS Pursuantto36 C.F.R.261.50(e), thefollowingpersons areexemptfrom thisOrder:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty. DESCRIBEDAREA All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A of this Order. PURPOSE Thepurposeof this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety. IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August November 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBuffalo Campground is located in Colorado near Buffalo Creek
Public CampgroundDirections
From Denver, travel southwest on Highway 285. Turn south on Jefferson County Road 126 and travel 15 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 550 and drive 5 miles to the campground.
Address
28718 Redskin Creek Rd.
Bailey, CO 80421
Coordinates
39.3415944 N
105.329625 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/21/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/21/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/21/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/21/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 23 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 32 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 41 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 1 min from Pueblo, CO
