Himes Peak Campground
4.557 reviewsHimes Peak Campground, near Buford, CO
Himes Peak Campground
$20.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceHimes Peak Campground stands as a cherished gateway to the legendary Flat Tops Wilderness, a landscape that has captivated outdoor enthusiasts for generations. This protected wilderness represents one of Colorado's most ecologically vital regions, where ancient forests meet alpine meadows in a testament to the enduring beauty of the American West. The campground continues a long tradition of providing access to these pristine lands while preserving their wild character for future adventurers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 9,500 feet above sea level, Himes Peak Campground offers a true alpine experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool. This lofty elevation creates a natural retreat from sweltering valley heat, though visitors should prepare for the thin mountain air by staying hydrated and taking it easy on their first day as their bodies adjust to the altitude.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living canvas where quaking aspens dance in the mountain breeze and sturdy conifers stand sentinel over your campsite. The forest floor erupts in a painter's palette of wildflowers each summer, with Colorado's iconic columbines adding splashes of purple and white to the verdant understory. While the North Fork of the White River remains hidden from view, its melodic rushing creates a natural soundtrack that lulls campers to sleep each night, a constant reminder of the wild waters that have carved this remarkable landscape.
Geological RegionWelcome to the extraordinary Flat Tops Wilderness region, where ancient volcanic plateaus have created a unique ecosystem unlike anywhere else in Colorado. This geological wonderland nurtures dense aspen groves that shimmer like gold coins in autumn, while evergreen forests provide year-round shelter for abundant wildlife. The nearby North Fork of the White River has sculpted deep valleys through the landscape, creating a diverse habitat that supports everything from delicate alpine wildflowers to fighting trout in crystal-clear mountain lakes. This remarkable convergence of geological forces has produced one of the most ecologically rich and visually stunning camping destinations in the Rocky Mountains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are available, but the campground lacks other explicit accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe parking aprons measure 11' x 53', accommodating medium-sized RVs.
Sites Privacy"Sites are away from each other," providing a sense of privacy. Site 10 is highly rated for its secluded corner location.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose site #10 for privacy and access to the river. Sites are well-spaced for solitude.
Best CampsitesSite #10 is frequently mentioned as being tucked away in a corner, providing privacy and proximity to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 10 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Variable, depending on site configuration.
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop layout with 10 campsites. All sites have picnic tables and grills.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 185 to October 22.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites appear to be walk-up/first-come-first-served given that reservations are not accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNo official cancellation policy is noted. Reservations are not available for this campground.
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.Fishing
Fishing is described as good in nearby Rainbow Lake and Big Fish Lake, with Rainbow and Brook trout being the predominant catches.Wildlife viewing
Elk hunting is highlighted as being very good during the season, and the area offers opportunities for viewing wildflowers and local fauna.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in fire rings available at each site.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Meeker, CO, approximately 46 miles away. Meeker has a hospital and police station.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpecific peak season dates are not provided.
Trash and recyclingA trash dumpster is located at the entrance of the campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Big Fish Lake and Rainbow Lake for fishing and offers a short walk to the North Fork of the White River.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include: lack of potable water, absence of cell service, and no RV waste station.
HostHosts Matt and Jess are noted for being friendly and keeping the campground clean. Bathrooms are described as immaculate.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.6
7 reviews
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 7 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 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
No potable water available; "Hidden treasure, but no water." - Drew. No cell service; "NO cell signal in the area."
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and prepare for no cell service. Site 10 is noted for its privacy.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the beautiful wildflowers, while fall is recommended for vibrant colors. Winter camping is not supported.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
"Site 10, tucked away in a corner, offers excellent privacy." - Patty Harbert.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly toilets are appreciated, but no other details on accessibility are provided.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025