Buffalo Creek Campground

For many Coloradans, the majestic Rocky Mountains and vast national forests beckon, offering unparalleled opportunities to escape the urban landscape and immerse themselves in nature. Camping provides a cherished avenue to experience the state's rugged beauty, from towering pines to pristine creeks. Among the numerous outdoor destinations scattered across Colorado, Buffalo Creek Campground stands as a well-known spot within the expansive Pike National Forest, offering a rustic yet adventurous experience for those looking to explore the Front Range wilderness. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Buffalo Creek Campground, helping prospective visitors and curious locals understand what makes this particular site a popular, albeit sometimes challenging, choice for their Colorado outdoor adventures.

Camping in Colorado is an essential part of the local lifestyle, representing a chance to disconnect, enjoy the crisp mountain air, and forge lasting memories amidst breathtaking scenery. Whether you're a seasoned mountain biker, a dedicated angler, or a family seeking a simple getaway, finding a campground that aligns with your adventurous spirit is key. Buffalo Creek Campground, as reflected in various visitor experiences, offers a unique blend of accessibility to world-class trails and a straightforward camping environment. It's a place where the sounds of the forest and the nearby creek provide the soundtrack to your stay, and the thrill of outdoor exploration is right at your fingertips. This guide will delve into its location, the services it provides, its distinctive features and highlights, and why it is considered a suitable, though sometimes demanding, option for locals seeking an authentic Colorado camping experience.

Buffalo Creek Campground is strategically located at 28707 Redskin Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80470, USA. This address places it squarely within the renowned Pike National Forest, offering a genuine mountain camping experience approximately an hour's drive southwest of Denver. Its proximity to the Denver metropolitan area makes it a popular choice for weekend getaways for many Front Range residents, seeking to quickly transition from city life to wilderness immersion.

The accessibility of Buffalo Creek Campground is a double-edged sword, offering both convenience and a touch of ruggedness. While it's relatively close to major population centers, the roads leading to and within the campground can be challenging. Some visitors have reported the dirt road leading up to the campground, especially for the last 5-7 miles, to be "washed out and in terrible shape." Similarly, roads at and around some campsites have been described as "one of the worst." This indicates that while the location is geographically convenient, the journey to specific sites may require vehicles capable of handling rough, unpaved terrain. It is advisable to be aware of road conditions, especially after heavy rain or snowmelt, and to check with the Forest Service or recent reviews for current updates.

Despite the road conditions, the campground's setting in the Pike National Forest provides direct access to a vast network of multi-use trails, making it a hub for outdoor activities. The "creek is only a short walk away," offering a place to cool off on hot days. Being about 30 minutes from limited services and goods on "rough dirt roads," campers should come prepared with enough water and food for their stay. This blend of accessible wilderness and required self-sufficiency defines the travel experience to Buffalo Creek Campground.

Buffalo Creek Campground provides a set of essential services typical for a rustic forest campground. While it doesn't offer extensive amenities, its provisions are designed to support a traditional camping experience.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground accommodates both tent campers and RVs, though it's noted that some sites are specifically designated for tents only. There are single-family sites, and some are suitable for smaller trailers or RVs (up to approximately 22-32 feet in length). The "inner loop are the first come first serve site with about 5 that can accommodate trailers or rvs."
• First-Come, First-Served & Reservable Sites: While some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly in the inner loop, many sites are reservable, especially for weekends. This flexibility allows for both spontaneous trips and planned getaways.
• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are provided throughout the campground, offering basic restroom facilities. Users generally find them clean and well-maintained.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a picnic table for dining and a fire ring with a grill grate for campfires (contingent on local fire restrictions). These are fundamental amenities for outdoor cooking and enjoyment.
• No Potable Water: A critical service note is that potable (drinking) water is generally NOT available at the campground. Campers must bring their own water supply for all needs, or be prepared to filter/treat water from natural sources.
• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewage hookups available at any of the campsites, reinforcing the rustic nature of the campground.
• Trash Collection: A dumpster is available for trash disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and "bear aware," as black bears are known to frequent the area.
• Firewood and Bottled Water Sales: A camp host may sell firewood and bottled water at the host site, providing a convenient option for essential supplies (though it's noted this can sometimes be perceived as pushy).

Buffalo Creek Campground offers several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for specific types of campers, despite some reported challenges. These attributes are what draw many outdoor enthusiasts to this location.

• World-Class Mountain Biking and Hiking Access: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The campground provides direct access to the extensive Buffalo Creek Recreation Area trail system, which is renowned for its mountain biking and hiking opportunities. "Great access to mountain biking and the Colorado Trail!" is a common sentiment, with trails for various ability levels. The Colorado Trail Segment 3 is directly accessible.
• Proximity to Creek: A "creek is only a short walk away and nice to cool off in on a hot day." This offers a natural spot for relaxation, cooling off, or even trout fishing in the "gold-medal waters of the South Platte River canyon below Cheesman Dam."
• Rustic, Authentic Camping Experience: For those who appreciate a less developed, more "off-grid" feel, the lack of extensive amenities like running water and hookups provides an authentic wilderness experience. This appeals to campers who are self-sufficient and prefer to disconnect.
• Shade and Scenery: Many sites offer "decent shade," which is valuable during warmer months. The campground is surrounded by "towering pine trees and a variety of wildlife (moose, deer, elk, turkeys and black bear), providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere." 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."
• Community and Shared Experience: While some sites are "crammed in right on top of each other with little privacy," other reviews mention "spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings" and "campsites were super far away from each other." This suggests variety, and a "fun campground vibes" with noise restrictions in place to ensure reasonable bedtimes.
• Camp Host Presence (Varies): While some experiences with camp hosts were mixed, others found them "friendly and readily available," or even "incredible campground hosts." Their presence often means a source of information and on-site support.

For inquiries about Buffalo Creek Campground, including current conditions, fire restrictions, or to make reservations for sites that are reservable, it is best to contact the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the South Platte Ranger District, which manages the Pike National Forest.

• Address: 28707 Redskin Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80470, USA
• Phone: (303) 275-5610 (This number is for the general forest service office which oversees this area. It's recommended to call during business hours for specific campground information.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 303-275-5610 (Same as above)
• For reservations, check Recreation.gov, as many sites are reservable, especially on weekends.

Buffalo Creek Campground, situated in the breathtaking Pike National Forest near Pine, Colorado, is a highly suitable, albeit specific, destination for locals across the Centennial State. Its primary appeal lies in its unparalleled access to some of Colorado's most esteemed mountain biking and hiking trails, including direct connections to the Colorado Trail. For residents who are passionate about these outdoor pursuits, Buffalo Creek serves as an ideal basecamp, offering an immediate gateway to miles of singletrack and scenic routes.

The campground offers an authentic, rustic camping experience, perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and self-sufficiency. While the roads leading to and within the campground can be challenging, this often means that those who make the journey are dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, fostering a community of like-minded individuals. The presence of a nearby creek provides a natural cooling-off spot and fishing opportunities, adding another layer to the recreational offerings.

It is crucial for locals to understand that this is not a luxury campground; it lacks potable water and hookups, requiring campers to come fully prepared. However, for those who embrace this self-reliant style of camping, the rewards are immense: peaceful nights (especially on weekdays), beautiful scenery, and direct access to a world-class trail system. While some sites may be less private and weekend crowds can be substantial, planning a weekday trip or reserving in advance can mitigate these issues. Ultimately, for the Colorado local seeking an adventurous, trail-centric, and truly immersive forest camping experience, Buffalo Creek Campground, with its rugged charm and natural splendor, is a destination well worth the effort.

Buffalo Creek Campground

28707 Redskin Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80470, USA