Buffalo Pass Campground

4.59

25 reviews

46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Colorado

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Saguache Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Saguache Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Buffalo Pass Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight stay or day use fee is $10. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites physically occupied by...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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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USFS

Provider

719-655-2547

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 25 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanspacious

"User reviews highlight Buffalo Pass Campground as a peaceful, secluded, and clean camping site with affordable fees. The clean vault toilets and spacious sites are recurring positive themes, while the lack of water and pack-it-in pack-it-out policy are commonly mentioned drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149

Buffalo Pass Campground

46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149

Driving directionsIn Saguache, CO, at intersection of State Rt. 114 and US Rt. 285, take Rt. 114 west 26.7 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto a single lane dirt road and go 0.6 miles to the campground.

The campground is conveniently situated off paved Highway 114, making access easy for an overnight stay. "The campground is an easy on and off of paved Highway 114."

Nearby places

Saguache (26.7 miles, approximately 30 minutes travel time)

Nearby supplies

Saguache is the closest town with availability for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, located 26.7 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Buffalo Pass Campground

At Buffalo Pass, Mother Nature paints each season with dramatic flair. Summer brings blissful days hovering between a crisp 47°F at dawn and pleasant 74°F afternoons—perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plummet to a teeth-chattering 10°F, demanding warm sleeping bags and hearty souls. Spring and fall arrive with their own surprises, often dusting the pines with unexpected snowfall that creates magical morning scenes. This high-altitude climate stays refreshingly dry year-round, making those campfire nights all the more inviting.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer temps ~47–74°F; peak season and ideal for hiking and stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into late Nov; scenic fall conditions but colder nights and more hunters.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 20; late spring usable but short season and variable weather at 9,000 ft.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 24–May 20, so winter season not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is mid-May to mid-November.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 20 through November 24.

About Buffalo Pass Campground

Tucked away in a serene grass meadow, Buffalo Pass Campground offers an intimate escape where 19 thoughtfully spaced sites create your own private wilderness retreat. This hidden gem strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion—while the road is nearby, the only sounds you'll hear are rustling pines and birdsong. The generous spacing between sites ensures your camping neighbors remain distant memories, not close encounters. Four convenient pull-through sites accommodate larger rigs, though adventurous campers should note that sites #16, #17, and #18 nestle at the end of a peaceful spur road where backing skills come in handy.

Buffalo Pass Campground offers options for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping, with some sites designed for pull-through RVs.

Weather and SeasonsAt Buffalo Pass, Mother Nature paints each season with dramatic flair. Summer brings blissful days hovering between a crisp 47°F at dawn and pleasant 74°F afternoons—perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plummet to a teeth-chattering 10°F, demanding warm sleeping bags and hearty souls. Spring and fall arrive with their own surprises, often dusting the pines with unexpected snowfall that creates magical morning scenes. This high-altitude climate stays refreshingly dry year-round, making those campfire nights all the more inviting.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,000 feet above sea level, Buffalo Pass Campground places you firmly in the thin-air territory where the sky feels closer and the stars shine brighter. This lofty elevation delivers natural air conditioning even on summer's warmest days, though first-time high-altitude visitors should pace themselves while their bodies adjust to the mountain air. The reward? Crisp, pine-scented breezes and temperatures that make afternoon naps in your tent absolutely irresistible.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a natural amphitheater where towering Ponderosa Pines stand like ancient sentinels around an emerald meadow. This enchanting grove creates a living cathedral where sunlight filters through branches to dance across carpets of native grasses. Come summer, the meadow erupts in a painter's palette of wildflowers—splashes of purple lupine, golden sunflowers, and crimson paintbrush transform the landscape into nature's own impressionist masterpiece. It's the kind of scene that makes you reach for your camera before your morning coffee.

Geological RegionBuffalo Pass Campground claims its spectacular spot within the vast Rio Grande National Forest, where ancient geological forces sculpted a perfect pocket of paradise. Here, in this protected grove of stately Ponderosa Pines, the forest opens to reveal sun-drenched meadows that showcase the region's botanical diversity. This unique ecosystem, where mountain meadow meets pine forest, creates a microhabitat that supports an ever-changing tapestry of wildflowers and wildlife, making every visit a new discovery in this corner of Colorado's magnificent high country.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay allowed is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum two vehicles per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is laid out in a single large loop, with sites #16, #17, and #18 located on a dead-end spur.

Reservation PlatformsNot reservable; cabin reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst come, first served availability. "First come, first serve - we showed up around 6 on a Saturday and there were plenty of spots available.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations; first come, first serve.

AccessibilityThere is no specific information regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeLarge sites suitable for both tents and RVs, with 4 pull-through sites included.

PrivacyThe campsites are well-spaced, offering privacy among campers. Some sites, like #16, 17, and 18, are located on a dead-end spur with no turnaround, adding to their seclusion.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #7 mentioned in a review for leftover firewood availability. Sites #16, #17, and #18 offer privacy as they are located on a dead-end spur.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Buffalo Pass Campground offers opportunities for day hikes, backpacking, fishing in nearby streams, viewing scenery, and picnicking. It also allows for horseback riding and hunting as additional outdoor activities.

HikingDay hikes and backpacking opportunities are available. Specific trails and their difficulty levels are not detailed.

FishingFishing is permitted in nearby rivers or streams. No specific details about fish species or fishing quality are provided.

Wildlife viewingScenic views and potential opportunities for wildlife viewing are noted. Specific species are not described.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, so proper food storage techniques are required to ensure safety. "Remain 'Bear Aware' and store food properly while camping."

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFires allowed only in designated fire rings. Ensure they are dead out and cold to the touch before departing.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are available through the Saguache Ranger District, located at 46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149, contactable at 719-655-2547.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a pack it in, pack it out campground. There are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site.

Water FeaturesNo nearby water features.

Weather at Buffalo Pass Campground

Reviews

4.6

25 reviews

Top-Rated

Buffalo Pass Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Buffalo Pass Campground as a peaceful, secluded, and clean camping site with affordable fees. The clean vault toilets and spacious sites are recurring positive themes, while the lack of water and pack-it-in pack-it-out policy are commonly mentioned drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean vault toilets, spacious and well-spaced campsites, affordable price of $5 per night, and the peaceful, secluded setting. Many find it ideal for an overnight stay or a quiet...

Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water and trash facilities, as well as the absence of cell phone reception and some modern amenities like showers. Some users also note the cold...

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water as there is no potable water on-site. Ensure you have adequate supplies due to the lack of a camp store. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially during weekends or hunting...

Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from mid-May to mid-November. Reviews indicate warmer months are more popular, while November nights can be cold. Hunting season sees an increase in visitors.

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms are clean, and the price of $5 dollars is almost a gift, totally recommended." - Pedro Estevan-Hernandez. "Quite, secluded area. Very peaceful and beautiful." - K J. "We were there for...

Based on 25 reviews