Himes Peak Campground

Star4.55
14 reviews
Himes Peak Campground, near Buford, CO

Quick Facts

9,500 ft

Price

$20 - $22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens White River National Forest site

Official Website
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Himes Peak Campground
$20.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20-$22 per night depending on the season or pass type. The Senior Interagency Pass offers discounted rates of $11 per night.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews praise the campground for its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and scenic beauty. The lack of potable water and cell service are consistently noted as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Himes Peak Campground, near Buford, CO

Himes Peak Campground

Himes Peak Campground, near Buford, CO

Driving directionsFrom Buford, CO, take County Rt. 8 east 18.6 miles to Trappers Lake and Forest Rt. 205 signs. Turn right onto Rt. 205 and go 4.4 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.3 miles to campground.
County Rt. 8 becomes Forest Rt. 8, transitioning to a dirt road after 10 miles. Rio Blanco County Road 8 is paved for 10 miles before becoming an unpaved dirt road that may require extra caution.
Nearby places
Buford (approx. 18.6 miles, about 30 minutes drive)
Meeker (46 miles, about 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel, are available in Meeker, CO, which is about a 1-hour drive from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Himes Peak Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations that make Himes Peak a year-round wonderland. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow from January through early March, creating a frozen paradise for the hardy souls who venture here. As summer arrives from late June through early September, the mercury hovers around a perfect 70°F, offering ideal conditions for hiking and stargazing. Spring awakens the forest with a symphony of melting snow and emerging wildflowers, while autumn paints the aspens in brilliant gold—though both shoulder seasons demand warm layers for crisp mountain nights.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer reviews highlight beautiful wildflowers and active hiking/fishing seasons.

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

Fall recommended for vibrant aspen colors and scenic views.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from May 18; late-spring access but early spring likely snow and limited access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; winter camping/sports not supported here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Specific peak season dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 185 to October 22.

About Himes Peak Campground

Nestled among towering aspens and evergreens, Himes Peak Campground invites you to experience the serenity of high-country camping with just 10 thoughtfully spaced sites arranged in a peaceful single loop. This hidden gem sits at the doorstep of the magnificent Flat Tops Wilderness, where Boulder Lake sparkles like a sapphire jewel nearby. Adventure beckons from your tent flap, with the Big Fish Trail #1819 and Boulder Lake Trail #2262 serving as your personal gateways to an extensive wilderness trail network that winds through some of Colorado's most breathtaking backcountry.
Himes Peak Campground offers a mix of tent and RV-compatible sites with no specific RV or tent-only sites designated. No group sites or cabin accommodations are available.
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Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 10 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Himes Peak Campground is a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and elk hunting. Visitors can also enjoy the area's natural beauty, including wildflower viewing and the tranquil sound of a nearby creek.
Hiking"Direct access to Big Fish Trail #1819" and Boulder Lake Trail #2262 offers 6.4 and 2 miles of hiking respectively, supporting both foot and horse travel. These trails connect to the extensive network of Flat Tops Wilderness trails.
FishingFishing is described as good in nearby Rainbow Lake and Big Fish Lake, with Rainbow and Brook trout being the predominant catches.
Wildlife viewingElk hunting is highlighted as being very good during the season, and the area offers opportunities for viewing wildflowers and local fauna.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include proximity to wildlife such as bears (bear boxes are available) and exposure to cold temperatures during spring/fall. Dirt roads may pose driving challenges.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are available on-site to securely store food and minimize wildlife encounters.

Weather at Himes Peak Campground

Reviews

4.6
14 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Himes Peak Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground for its cleanliness, friendly hosts, and scenic beauty. The lack of potable water and cell service are consistently noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

"The bathrooms are immaculate." "Campground hosts Matt and Jess are friendly and maintain the site well." "The wildflowers were beautiful." "Sites are private and spacious."
Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

No potable water available; "Hidden treasure, but no water." - Drew. No cell service; "NO cell signal in the area."
Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and prepare for no cell service. Site 10 is noted for its privacy.
Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the beautiful wildflowers, while fall is recommended for vibrant colors. Winter camping is not supported.
Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This has become my favorite campground. The wildflowers were beautiful. So many columbines." - Penny Davis. "Hidden treasure. Although it's primitive camping with no showers, the campground is a...
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

"Site 10, tucked away in a corner, offers excellent privacy." - Patty Harbert.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly toilets are appreciated, but no other details on accessibility are provided.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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