Quick Facts

6,076 ft

Price

$29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Stove Prairie
$29.00 - $29.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for camping at Stove Prairie are $29 per night for either standard nonelectric or walk-to tent sites. Fees do not reflect...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$29.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
970-295-6700
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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 147 reviews

61 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomshiking

"Users frequently praise Stove Prairie for its cleanliness, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere. The proximity to the river is a standout feature, along with the well-maintained facilities and friendly camp hosts. Seasonal variations in bathroom maintenance were noted, with summer seeing higher traffic impacts."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

9054 U.S Hwy 285

Stove Prairie

9054 U.S Hwy 285

Driving directionsFrom Fort Collins, take Highway 14 northwest for 26 miles, to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Highway 14, which is paved. No specific mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain conditions.
Nearby places
Fort Collins (26 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies are in Fort Collins (26 miles away) where groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained.

Best Time to Camp at Stove Prairie

Experience the perfect mountain climate at Stove Prairie, where peak season brings blissfully moderate temperatures hovering around 63°F during sun-drenched days and cooling to a crisp 40°F under star-filled nights. Spring awakens the landscape with emerald meadows and wildflower blooms, while summer bathes the canyon in warm sunshine perfect for river adventures. As autumn arrives, the aspens transform into a golden tapestry against the evergreen pines, creating a photographer's paradise in the cooling mountain air.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season offers warm days and lively activity; reviews note more traffic and occasional restroom crowding.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quieter conditions and good wildlife/birding in shoulder season; generally favorable visitor notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring is quieter with manageable river levels early, though late-spring high flows can affect activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 2–Oct 11; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 2 - October 11 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is May 2 to October 11, with reservations starting June 25 of the same year.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather conditions.

About Stove Prairie

Tucked away 26 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado, Stove Prairie Campground beckons adventurers to discover its hidden riverside retreat. This intimate campground hugs the banks of the legendary Cache la Poudre River, where the gentle rush of water creates a natural soundtrack for your wilderness escape. Whether you're seeking the thrill of whitewater rafting, the patience of fly fishing, or simply a peaceful spot to watch eagles soar overhead, this small but mighty campground delivers an authentic Rocky Mountain experience without the crowds.
The Stove Prairie Campground is designed for tent and RV camping. It features 8 accessible sites, 4 of which are walk-to tent sites. RVs and trailers are allowed, with parking lengths ranging from 30 to 55 feet.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is required within 26 hours of the beginning of the reservation.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum during a single visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Stove Prairie offers a rich variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting, fishing for trout, hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding, and wildlife viewing. Notable trails nearby include the Mt. McConnel Trail and Young Gulch Trail, offering opportunities for both leisure and more challenging hikes.
HikingMultiple trails are located nearby, such as the Mt. McConnel Trail and Young Gulch Trail. The latter has been rerouted due to past fire and flood damage and features open views with river crossings.
FishingFishing is available in the Cache la Poudre River, with anglers targeting brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. However, high river levels in late spring may limit fishing opportunities.
BikingBiking trails are available nearby. Specific difficulty levels or trail details are not provided.
BoatingWhitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the Cache la Poudre River.
Wildlife viewingCampers have reported seeing deer and hummingbirds. The natural setting offers ample birding and wildlife observation opportunities.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison ivy near the river and around campsites, high river flow during spring, and wildlife such as bears in the area.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather conditions.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at campsites for safe storage of food and attractants.

Weather at Stove Prairie

Reviews

4.6
147 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Stove Prairie is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users frequently praise Stove Prairie for its cleanliness, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere. The proximity to the river is a standout feature, along with the well-maintained facilities and friendly camp hosts. Seasonal variations in bathroom maintenance were noted, with summer seeing higher traffic impacts.
Review Summaries
Based on 147 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, scenic river views, proximity to hiking trails, and RV-friendly sites. 'The bathrooms were extremely clean,' and 'Lovely river sounds at night' were common praises.
Based on 147 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campers noted issues with crowded bathrooms during late summer and the presence of poison ivy near the riverbank.
Based on 147 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early in the season to avoid crowds and ensure better bathroom conditions. Campsites closest to the river offer the best experience for peace and scenery.
Based on 147 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring sees quieter conditions and manageable river levels, while summer brings more traffic but a lively atmosphere. Late season may have cleanliness challenges.
Based on 147 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms were extremely clean, the campground hosts were very nice.' 2. 'Right on the water. Clean bathrooms. Nice drive around the area.' 3. 'We love site #3, which is mostly in the shade,...
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Based on 147 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #3 is highly recommended for its size and shade. Sites #2 and #8 were favored for RV accessibility and proximity to the river.
Based on 147 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets and campsites are accessible. No specific complaints or issues with accessibility were noted.
Based on 147 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but must be leashed. No significant issues or standout features for pet owners were mentioned.
Based on 147 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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