Buffalo Springs Campground

For Colorado locals seeking a truly tranquil and immersive camping experience amidst the natural splendor of the Rocky Mountains, Buffalo Springs Campground is a hidden gem. Tucked away on a rolling hillside within the picturesque San Isabel National Forest, this campground offers a peaceful retreat from the noise and hustle of daily life. It’s particularly celebrated for its quiet atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and the feeling of being truly surrounded by nature. If you're yearning for a place where you can unwind, enjoy the crisp mountain air, and be just moments away from incredible outdoor adventures, Buffalo Springs Campground provides an ideal setting for your next Colorado getaway.

Buffalo Springs Campground is conveniently located on Co Rd 76, Buena Vista, CO 81211, USA. This places it approximately 12.5 miles south of Fairplay on Forest Service Road 431, and about an hour's drive southwest of Denver, making it a manageable journey for many Colorado residents. The accessibility is generally good, with well-maintained roads leading into the campground. While the area offers a sense of seclusion, it's not too far from essential services in nearby towns like Fairplay and Buena Vista, ensuring you can easily restock supplies if needed. The elevation of 9,000 feet provides a true high-mountain experience with stunning views and cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings. The surrounding San Isabel National Forest offers vast opportunities for exploration right outside the campground, including miles of dirt roads that are often closed to vehicle traffic during certain seasons, making them perfect for traffic-free biking. This blend of accessibility and serene wilderness makes Buffalo Springs Campground an attractive destination for those looking to escape into the heart of Colorado's natural beauty.

Buffalo Springs Campground focuses on providing essential services that enhance the traditional camping experience, emphasizing cleanliness and a natural setting:

• Vault Toilets: These facilities are consistently praised by visitors for being clean and well-maintained.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available via a water pump at the campground. (Note: some reviews have mentioned the water pump occasionally not working, so it’s wise to bring extra water).
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and cooking.
• Picnic Tables: Every site includes a picnic table, providing a convenient space for meals and gathering.
• Firewood for Sale: The camp host typically sells firewood bundles, saving campers the hassle of bringing their own.
• Accommodating Camp Host: Visitors consistently commend the camp host (e.g., "James" mentioned in a review, though hosts can change) for being friendly, helpful, and ensuring the campground is well-maintained.
• Spacious Sites: Campsites are generally well-spread out, offering a good sense of privacy.
• Parking: Each campsite can accommodate up to two vehicles or one RV, with additional parking sometimes available for a fee.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: While many sites are reservable via Recreation.gov, a few are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility.

Buffalo Springs Campground distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a cherished destination for campers:

• Quiet Campground: A major draw for visitors, as the campground has clear rules against excessive noise, loud parties, ATVs, or shooting, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere.
• Beautiful and Forested Setting: The campground is nestled among aspens, spruce, and mixed conifers, providing ample shade and a classic Colorado mountain forest feel. Visitors are especially excited to return in the fall to witness the stunning aspen foliage.
• Well-Spread Out Sites: Campsites are designed with good distance between them, offering a sense of privacy and seclusion.
• Awesome and Accommodating Camp Host: The presence of a helpful and friendly host is frequently highlighted as a significant positive, assisting with site selection and maintaining cleanliness.
• Miles of Dirt Roads for Biking: Just outside the campground, behind a gate that is typically open from July to September, there are extensive dirt roads ideal for biking without vehicle traffic, a unique highlight for cyclists.
• First-Come, First-Served Availability: While not guaranteed, the possibility of finding open spots, especially on weekdays, adds flexibility for last-minute trips.
• Good for Tents and Some RVs: While most sites might be too small for large truck-and-trailer combos, there are a few larger sites that can accommodate them, and it's perfect for tents and smaller camper vans.
• Privacy: The wooded setting and spacing of sites contribute to a high degree of privacy, especially for sites on the "outside of the ring."
• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: Ideal for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing in the surrounding San Isabel National Forest.
• High Elevation: At 9,000 feet, campers experience crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures, especially at night, adding to the authentic Colorado feel.

For reservations or general inquiries about Buffalo Springs Campground, you can utilize the following contact information:

Address: Co Rd 76, Buena Vista, CO 81211, USA

Phone: (719) 836-2031 (South Park Ranger District, which manages the campground)

Mobile Phone: +1 719-836-2031

Reservations for many sites at Buffalo Springs Campground can also be made through Recreation.gov by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visiting their website. It's recommended to check Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information on availability, specific site details, and any reservation requirements, as some sites are reservable while others are first-come, first-served.

Buffalo Springs Campground is an exceptionally suitable choice for Colorado locals for several compelling reasons. Its location within the San Isabel National Forest, near Buena Vista and Fairplay, makes it conveniently accessible for residents across the state, offering a relatively short drive to a true mountain escape. For those prioritizing a peaceful and quiet experience, the campground's strict noise policies and well-spread-out sites create an ideal atmosphere, setting it apart from more bustling locations. The abundance of aspen trees makes it a particularly attractive destination for autumn visits, allowing locals to fully immerse themselves in Colorado's famed fall foliage. While the site map on reservation sites might be "worthless," the on-site host's helpfulness and the availability of photos for each site (as noted by a reviewer) ensure campers can find a spot that perfectly suits their needs, even if they have a truck and trailer. The miles of dirt roads just outside the campground, often free of vehicle traffic during summer, offer unique opportunities for safe and scenic biking, catering to active locals. Furthermore, the presence of clean vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and an accommodating host ensures a comfortable and well-supported camping trip. For Colorado residents seeking a tranquil, forested, and activity-rich outdoor experience that truly embodies the spirit of the Rockies, Buffalo Springs Campground is a local treasure waiting to be discovered or revisited.

Buffalo Springs Campground

Co Rd 76, Buena Vista, CO 81211, USA