Buffalo Pass Campground
4.507 reviews46525 State Highway 114 Saguache, CO 81149
Quick Facts
9,000 ftPrice
$5 - $10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
19 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
9,000 ftPrice
$5 - $10/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
19 campsites
Season
Open seasonally from...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBuffalo 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...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
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USFS
Provider719-655-2547
What Campers Say
4.50
Recommended
Based on 7 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."
Fees & Passes at Buffalo Pass Campground
$5 - $10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay allowed is 14 days.
Cancellation: No reservations; first come, first serve.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Saguache Ranger District website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeLarge sites suitable for both tents and RVs, with 4 pull-through sites included.
Sites 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 CampsitesSite #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.
Best Campsites
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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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 20 through November 24.
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.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
Day hikes and backpacking opportunities are available. Specific trails and their difficulty levels are not detailed.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in nearby rivers or streams. No specific details about fish species or fishing quality are provided.Wildlife viewing
Scenic views and potential opportunities for wildlife viewing are noted. Specific species are not described.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned in the provided source materials.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are supported.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in designated fire rings. Ensure they are dead out and cold to the touch before departing.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, so proper food storage techniques are required to ensure safety. "Remain 'Bear Aware' and store food properly while camping."
Weather at Buffalo Pass Campground
33
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 26.1 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are available through the Saguache Ranger District, located at 46525 State Highway 114, Saguache, CO 81149, contactable at 719-655-2547.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is mid-May to mid-November.
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack it in, pack it out campground. There are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby water features.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of water and trash facilities. "No nearby water however," "No trash or water."
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
7 reviews
Buffalo Pass Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 7 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 7 reviewsShow more
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 7 reviewsShow more
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 7 reviewsShow more
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 7 reviewsCamper 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 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific information includes the mention of sites #16, 17, and 18 being on a dead-end spur with no turnaround, offering additional privacy.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews are available regarding accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash not longer than six feet. User reviews do not elaborate on pet-specific experiences or facilities.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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