Camping near Buford, Wyoming offers year-round options with varying seasonal facilities. Located in the high plains region at elevations around 8,000 feet, this area experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night even in summer months. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, with limited winter camping available at select locations that maintain plowed access roads.
What to do
Wildlife viewing tours: At Terry Bison Ranch Resort, campers can take the "train to view and feed the Buffalo was really cool. Restaurant was also excellent. Friendly staff!" according to Barbara F. The ranch offers unique opportunities to see bison up close, with guided feeding experiences not commonly found at other campgrounds.
Lake activities: The reservoirs at Curt Gowdy State Park Campground provide water recreation options. One camper noted they had "private lake access was fantastic" and mentioned the park has "plenty to do with the reservoir and trails in the park. Boat, fish, hike or bike just take your pick."
Trail exploration: Multiple trail systems connect campgrounds to natural areas. At Curt Gowdy, campers report "The trails are beautiful, fun and abundant. We couldn't have had a better time hiking and wildlife watching." Trails range from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes with elevation gains of 500+ feet.
What campers like
Open spaces: Last Chance Camp receives positive reviews for its spaciousness. One camper stated, "The location is spacious, clean, and quiet" while another mentioned, "There is open parking at the picnic tables so you can face any direction you want. Extremely private and spacious."
Riverside sites: Riverview RV Park & Campground offers sites along the Big Thompson River. A reviewer commented, "We had a great time at this campground. We spent 4 days in a spot right next to the river." Another mentioned, "The campground is right on the banks of the Big Thompson river which does provide a soothing background for those fortunate enough to have sites on its banks."
Proximity to recreation: Campgrounds near Buford provide quick access to outdoor activities. Horsetooth Inn & RV Park was praised because it's "right up the road from the marina. Lots of accessibility to easy going paddle boarding/kayaking" with "no need to fight for parking as you're already front and center of all the rez action!"
What you should know
Weather conditions: The Buford area experiences unpredictable weather patterns. One camper at Laramie RV Resort reported, "I decided to stay here while a spring winter storm blew through" and noted "sub zero temperatures." Strong winds affect many sites, particularly those without natural windbreaks.
Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Last Chance Camp, visitors report "decent cell phone reception" while other rural sites have limited coverage. One camper at RV Park by RJourney reported having "2-3 bars Verizon 5G" - important information for remote workers.
Reservation requirements: Most rv sites near Buford, Wyoming fill quickly during peak season. AB Camping & RV Park recommends making reservations "same day because of some delays" while others noted advance planning is essential, especially for electric sites during busy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: Cheyenne RV Resort by RJourney provides family-friendly amenities. A reviewer noted they enjoyed "putt putt, croquet, birdwatching, rock painting, volleyball, basketball, large yard games, and more!" These structured activities keep children engaged when not exploring natural areas.
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require supervision of children. Last Chance Camp visitors mention interactions with ranch animals, noting "Owners have a friendly dog which came by to visit." Families should maintain awareness of local wildlife including pronghorn that frequently approach campground perimeters.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences. At Terry Bison Ranch Resort, a visitor mentioned "after arriving I had a tour from the owner. She showed me the bees and ranch animals. I learned a lot about bees from her, very cool." These interactions provide educational value for children during camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: When choosing rv sites near Buford, Wyoming, level terrain matters. One RVer at AB Camping noted that "sites are perfect fit for a 50 foot rig" while another mentioned they "enjoyed the freedom of open parking and found it very easy to level my motorhome." Selecting sites away from high-traffic areas improves the camping experience.
Water system considerations: Many campgrounds winterize water systems during colder months. An RVer at Terry Bison Ranch Resort observed the "water pipes are protected against low temperatures" - important for camping during shoulder seasons when overnight freezes occur.
Utilities availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. At Riverview RV Park, campers noted "we booked a water/electric online, but got bumped up to full hookups." Several campgrounds offer 50-amp service for larger rigs, though availability may be limited during peak seasons.
