About BUFFALO SPRINGS
Overview Buffalo Springs Campground sits on a rolling hillside in the San Isabel National Forest, providing an ideal setting for biking, hiking, horseback riding and rock climbing. Recreation Picnicking and wildlife watching are also great activities. Look out for sightings of mule deer, bald eagles and chipmunks. Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are also provided on-site. Facilities Campsites are widely spaced. Parking aprons are dirt and rocky and fit a maximum trailer length of 30 feet. Amenities include campfire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, drinking water and parking for up to two vehicles. Natural Features Tucked in a stand of aspen, spruce and other mixed conifers, Buffalo Springs offers private, secluded campsites. At 9,000 feet altitude, the campground maintains a glowing reputation as a place for excellent mountain views. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420. Nearby Attractions The nearest large fishing and boating lake is Antero Reservoir, the first man-made lake to be built on the South Platte River. The lake produces trophy class fish, including rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout. The nearest town is Fairplay, Colorado, a historic gold mining settlement of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. The town has an open air museum that sets that helps recreate the life and times of the 19th century gold rush era.Charges & Cancellations Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after t
How to Get There
From 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BUFFALO SPRINGS
Heading to BUFFALO SPRINGS? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BUFFALO SPRINGS?
No central reservation system listed for BUFFALO SPRINGS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233709) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BUFFALO SPRINGS?
From 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.
How do I contact BUFFALO SPRINGS?
You can reach the park at email: tbolton@goexplorus.com.
References & Official Resources