Buffalo Springs

Star4.02
144 reviews
P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO 80827

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open May 16, 2025 - ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Buffalo Springs Campground Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Buffalo Springs
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$24 per night for Peak Season (May 16 - October 12, 2025). Displayed fees exclude taxes, discounts, or incremental charges. Additional fees include...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
661-702-1420tbolton@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 144 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlysites

"User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, spacious campsites, and proximity to nature. However, complaints about vault toilet odors, water pump issues, and the behavior of some campground hosts are common."

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO 80827

Buffalo Springs

P.O. Box 74, Lake George, CO 80827

Driving directionsFrom Fairplay, take Highway 285 south for about 12.5 miles, just 3 miles past County Road 22 turnoff. Turn right onto Forest Road 431 and continue one mile to campground.
The campground is located approximately one mile off the paved Highway 285 and accessed via Forest Road 431, which is a dirt road. Seasonal closures of nearby highways can make access challenging. Highway 285 has experienced closures during bridge repairs, requiring detours up to 30 miles.
Nearby places
Fairplay, Colorado - approximately 12.5 miles, Buena Vista, Colorado - distance null
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Fairplay, Colorado. Options include grocery stores, camping supply shops, and facilities such as Western Inn offering potable water ($5), showers ($5), and waste dumping services ($10, cash only).

Best Time to Camp at Buffalo Springs

At this elevation, Mother Nature paints each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Summer brings crystalline blue skies and pleasantly cool days that make outdoor exploration a joy, while autumn transforms the aspen groves into a golden spectacle accompanied by crisp mountain air. Winter and fall visitors should pack layers for chilly temperatures, as snow flurries and mountain winds can sweep through without warning, adding an element of wild beauty to your camping experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers cool, clear days and good access; reviews generally positive for summer use.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 16% in CO

Fall highly praised for beautiful aspens; scenic peak season though colder temps noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring access can be variable with possible closures and muddy conditions near opening dates.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 16–Oct 12 window, so winter camping at the site is not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - October 12 (2025).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 16, 2025 - October 12, 2025; reservable starting June 25, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal highway closures and detours have been reported. Water pump functionality issues persist, with brown water encountered intermittently.

About Buffalo Springs

Perched high in the San Isabel National Forest at a breathtaking 9,000 feet, Buffalo Springs Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Rocky Mountain escape. Here, where aspen leaves whisper secrets to towering spruce trees, you'll discover secluded campsites that feel worlds away from civilization. Whether you're drawn to challenging rock faces, scenic mountain bike trails, or peaceful horseback rides through alpine meadows, this tranquil haven serves as your perfect basecamp for Colorado mountain adventures.
Buffalo Springs Campground accommodates tent camping and offers facilities for RVs, though without hookups. Group camping sites are not described as available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Buffalo Springs Campground is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Wildlife watching is also a popular activity, with sightings of mule deer, bald eagles, and chipmunks reported. Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are available but may have been affected by a nearby burn scar.
HikingHiking trails are accessible nearby, though some reviewers caution about burn scar areas that may affect trail visibility and safety. "This is a burn scar area, so I would only recommend hiking if you are experienced," one user stated.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at the nearby Antero Reservoir, known for trophy-class fish such as rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout.
BikingThe campground features miles of dirt roads that are behind a closed gate most of the year, typically open July through September. "Great for biking without worrying about vehicle traffic," one reviewer noted.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with reviewers mentioning mule deer, bald eagles, chipmunks, and other species. "I felt like I had stepped into a North American Safari," said a reviewer.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh elevation can affect visitors unaccustomed to altitude. Wildlife presence, including bears and coyotes, requires precautions. Vault toilets can emit strong odors. Area directly outside campground includes burn scar from a major forest fire.
Active AlertsSeasonal highway closures and detours have been reported. Water pump functionality issues persist, with brown water encountered intermittently.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Buffalo Springs

Reviews

4.0
144 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Buffalo Springs is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere, spacious campsites, and proximity to nature. However, complaints about vault toilet odors, water pump issues, and the behavior of some campground hosts are common.
Review Summaries
Based on 144 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious and secluded campsites, clean facilities, friendly hosts (in some cases), and opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Huge campsites all well spread out in a stand of...
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Based on 144 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include vault toilet odors, issues with the water pump, road noise from nearby Highway 285, and inconsistent behavior from campground hosts. "The gases from waste fermentation are...
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Based on 144 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, as the pump may not work or the water may appear brown. Check road conditions before traveling, as closures can cause long detours. Use hummingbird feeders for bird-watching and...
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Based on 144 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highly praised for its beautiful aspens but might be colder. Summer experiences vary, with some visitors enjoying clear skies while others report issues like road closures or heavy vault...
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Based on 144 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet hours were observed, the grounds were kept neat, and the scenery was just divine!" "Vault toilets were smelly. My partner said they were the worst he had seen." "Beautiful sites." "No...
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Based on 144 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 18 is described as the largest and most secluded but prone to flooding during rain and far from amenities like dumpsters and restrooms. Site 7 is noted as uneven and the worst in the campground....
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Based on 144 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly discussed in reviews.
Based on 144 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviewers note that strict leash rules are enforced. "Camp host approached my camp in an aggressive manner about the dog leash rule," said one reviewer.
Based on 144 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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