Crow Valley

4.15

274 reviews

PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLAND PO BOX 386, AULT, CO, 80610, USA

Stargazing

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$17 - $339/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 2 to Novemb...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$17 - $339/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 2 to Novemb...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Crow Valley

$17.00 - $339.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range based on the type of sites: Individual sites range from $17 to $25 per night. Group picnic areas are $84 for 1-50 people, $169 for 51-100...

Standard Site Fee$17.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$77.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(970) 834-9270

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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 274 reviews

125 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanrestroomsspacious

Some mention

noisebugs

"User reviews for Crow Valley are generally positive, emphasizing cleanliness, spacious campsites, and the area's suitability for bird watching and star gazing. However, the lack of water and occasional issues with privacy and noise are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLAND PO BOX 386, AULT, CO, 80610, USA

Crow Valley

PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLAND PO BOX 386, AULT, CO, 80610, USA

Driving directionsFrom Ault, Colorado, at the intersection of US Hwy 85 and Colorado State Hwy 14, take Colorado State Hwy 14 east for 22.7 miles, then take Weld County Road 77 north for 0.3 mile.

The campground is accessible via paved roads (US Hwy 14 and Weld County Road 77). Certain roads, such as Weld County Road 77, may be closed due to construction; check local road conditions before traveling. Some user reviews mention difficulty navigating rocky roads and unclear signage when approaching the site.

Nearby places

Briggsdale (approximately 1 mile away), Grover (approximately 10 miles away)

Nearby supplies

Nearest camping supplies and fuel are available in Briggsdale, located about 1 mile away. Supplies may be limited—campers are advised to bring essentials in advance.

Best Time to Camp at Crow Valley

The high plains climate here dances between extremes, offering visitors a true taste of prairie life. Days can warm your soul while nights remind you to pack that extra layer – a characteristic rhythm of these wide-open spaces. Spring arrives with dramatic flair, occasionally punctuated by hail and refreshing rains that awaken the grasslands. Summer blazes across the landscape with intense sunshine and dry conditions that turn the grasses golden. Throughout it all, the prairie wind serves as a constant companion, particularly vigorous during spring months, carrying the songs of meadowlarks and the scent of sage.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Warm days, cool nights; summer works for birding and stargazing but can be hot daytime.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised for cooler temps and fewer bugs; good season for visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 16% in CO

Spring recommended for peak birding; review signal strong for spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 2–Nov 8; little winter data.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 2 - November 8. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 2 to November 8 (peak season). Reservation period starts June 25 in peak seasons.
Current Alerts: Road closures and seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Check local conditions before traveling.

About Crow Valley

Welcome to Crow Valley Recreation Area, where the endless Colorado plains transform into a vibrant tapestry of life. Here, more than 200 bird species paint the sky with their presence, making this hidden gem in the Pawnee National Grassland a mecca for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. As daylight fades, the absence of city lights reveals a celestial theater overhead, while well-maintained hiking trails invite exploration through prairie landscapes. Each family campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, creating perfect gathering spots for evening stories and stargazing. Group sites and educational areas expand the possibilities for larger gatherings and learning adventures.

Crow Valley Recreation Area offers a mix of camping options including family campsites, group sites, and an educational site.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the Lee and Dorothy Rhoads Farm Implement Museum, where weathered tools tell the stories of pioneers who transformed these wild grasslands into productive homesteads. These artifacts serve as tangible links to the determination and ingenuity of early settlers. Throughout the recreation area, interpretive signage weaves together the ecological and cultural narratives of this land, while guided birding tours connect visitors with both the natural heritage and the ongoing conservation story of the Pawnee National Grassland.

Weather and SeasonsThe high plains climate here dances between extremes, offering visitors a true taste of prairie life. Days can warm your soul while nights remind you to pack that extra layer – a characteristic rhythm of these wide-open spaces. Spring arrives with dramatic flair, occasionally punctuated by hail and refreshing rains that awaken the grasslands. Summer blazes across the landscape with intense sunshine and dry conditions that turn the grasses golden. Throughout it all, the prairie wind serves as a constant companion, particularly vigorous during spring months, carrying the songs of meadowlarks and the scent of sage.

ElevationPerched at 4,800 feet above sea level, Crow Valley occupies a sweet spot where the high plains meet the sky. This elevation creates a fascinating convergence of ecosystems, where prairie grasses mingle with riparian corridors, offering diverse habitats that support the area's remarkable biodiversity. The thin air here adds a crispness to morning adventures and enhances the clarity of those famous prairie sunsets.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine a sea of native shortgrass prairie stretching to the horizon, punctuated by graceful cottonwoods and stately elms that provide welcome shade and shelter. This rare ecosystem showcases the subtle beauty of the American plains – from the delicate wildflowers that dot the landscape to the ribbon of green that marks Crow Creek's passage through the terrain. In the distance, the iconic Pawnee Buttes rise like ancient sentinels, their distinctive profiles serving as landmarks for generations of travelers. The interplay of light and shadow across these vast open spaces creates an ever-changing canvas that photographers and artists find irresistible.

Geological RegionCrow Valley lies nestled within the remarkable Pawnee National Grassland, where millennia of wind and water have sculpted a landscape of surprising diversity. The shortgrass prairie dominates the scene, adapted to survive in this semi-arid environment, while erosion has carved dramatic creek drainages that add texture to the terrain. From the campground's base elevation of 4,800 feet, the surrounding landscape rises to heights of 5,685 feet, creating subtle but important variations in habitat. The family campground benefits from established groves of cottonwood and elm trees that offer cooling shade, while the group sites embrace the authentic prairie experience with their open, sun-drenched settings that connect visitors directly with the vast Colorado sky.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Campers must occupy sites within 26 hours of reservation start. Official check-in time not specified.

Check-out

Check-out time not specified.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates a camper and tent, or double sites allow multiple campers.

Groups

Group sites include Hawk, Plover, and Lark, which can be reserved separately or together. These sites feature picnic tables and fire pits in a common area. Sites can accommodate up to 200 people and include tent pads arranged around shared spaces.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features 10 individual campsites and three large group sites. Sites are spaced relatively far apart but lack privacy due to minimal vegetation.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling their contact center at 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis outside the peak reservation season. Availability patterns suggest sites are commonly filled by late afternoon.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified or canceled via Recreation.gov. A $10 fee applies for date changes. Cancellation penalties include a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee if canceled late.

AccessibilityThe Steward J. Adams Educational Site is accessible and can accommodate up to 100 people for day-use or overnight stays. Accessible vault toilets are available, and trails offer options for bird watching and hiking.

Site SizeCampsites are generally spacious with room for vehicles and tents, as noted in user reviews: "Spacious camp sites" and "Sites are far apart.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across sites. While some offer shade and spacing, others are described as more open: "Sites are spaced well but not overly private" and "Sites not real close together, some have shade, some have lots of sun.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site 8 in summer due to exposure and dust. Site 7 is better for privacy and shade.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Crow Valley Recreation Area offers a rich variety of activities suitable for nature enthusiasts. Bird watching is a signature activity, with over 200 species reported in the area: "The birding was fantastic" and "Lots of bird watching in the trees, and out in the grassland." Star gazing is another popular pastime due to the area's remote location and minimal light pollution: "Beautiful stars at night." Hiking trails provide opportunities to explore the grassland and nearby attractions, like the Pawnee Buttes.

HikingHiking opportunities include short trails within the campground and nearby scenic routes. User reviews often mention birding trails and informal paths: "The trails are great for an evening walk" and "Several birding trails going out from the campground."

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is highlighted, with mentions of antelope, coyotes, and diverse bird species: "Saw antelope, western meadowlarks, mourning doves, and blue jays." Birding trails are excellent for observing wildlife.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Lee and Dorothy Rhoads Farm Implement Museum offers insights into pioneer life, as described: "The collection of tools donated by descendants of homesteaders can help one imagine what life was like in pioneer days." Educational programs are also run at the Steward J. Adams site.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal fire bans may limit campfire usage. Wildlife such as rattlesnakes and coyotes are occasionally sighted in the area. User reviews mention bugs, particularly flies, as a common nuisance.

Active AlertsRoad closures and seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Check local conditions before traveling.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions are common during hot, dry weather. Charcoal fires and campfires may be prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not strictly enforced, according to user reviews, with occasional noise disturbances from neighboring campers and road traffic.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Briggsdale (about 1 mile away), which includes local water pumps, convenience stores, and a gas station. For more serious emergencies, Ault has a small health facility.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the campground, but recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Some users reported improper disposal of trash by other campers: "Some previous campers left their trash in the bathrooms rather than the dumpsters."

Water FeaturesNo running water is available at the campground. Seasonal creek flows may occur depending on upstream dam releases.

Camp HostMixed reviews on campground hosts. Some users found hosts helpful and diligent, while others reported negative interactions.

Weather at Crow Valley

Reviews

4.2

274 reviews

Satisfactory

Crow Valley is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Crow Valley are generally positive, emphasizing cleanliness, spacious campsites, and the area's suitability for bird watching and star gazing. However, the lack of water and occasional issues with privacy and noise are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 274 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, well-maintained campsites, birding opportunities, star gazing, spacious sites, and peaceful environment were highly praised.

Based on 274 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of water, occasional noise from roads, limited privacy between sites, and issues with the camp host's behavior.

Based on 274 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing water due to its unavailability, bug spray for flies, and earplugs to address road noise. Several reviews also suggest booking reservations in advance and opting for shaded...

Based on 274 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer seasons are preferred for bird watching and star gazing, while fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer bugs. Winter camping is less reviewed but might appeal to those seeking...

Based on 274 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Lovely campground with beautiful stars, birdsong, and sunrises." "Vault toilets were immaculate." "The sites are well maintained, chemical toilets are cleaned daily." "Bring bug spray."

Based on 274 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 9 is noted for its shade and openness. Site 8 is described as exposed and dusty, particularly during summer. Site 7 offers better conditions compared to site 8.

Based on 274 reviews