BUFFALO SPRINGS

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.

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.

Nearby: 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.