Crow Valley Campground

We stayed here in mid-September after an sudden snow storm chased us out of one of our favorite spots in the Medicine Bow National Forest.

This is a very small campground with only 10 sites, half of which are first-come-first-serve. A quick note though that a few of the non-reservable sites are actually double sites, meaning they cost $18/night instead of $13. Not a huge difference, but good to know in advance.

No hook-ups are available at the campground - we didn't even see a water spigot - so be sure to arrive prepared. There are pit toilets on-site, though we didn't use them so we can't comment on the condition. Camp host was pleasant.

This spot is about 40 miles from Greeley, CO where you can get your fill of shopping & supplies, though the campground itself feels pretty remote. There is a creek that runs along the backside of several sites, and ample shade throughout (a rarity for the grasslands). Other than a short walking trail leading from the campground and a small farm museum, there isn't much to do here. Fine for us as we just needed a quiet/ cheap place to work for a few days.

Our Verizon signal vacillated between 1 and 2 bars of 4G, but was usable throughout our stay.

We've stayed here multiple times when it's too cold to be in the Colorado and Wyoming high country. In the spring, it's the place to enjoy birds as there are many (and many birders as well), though it tends to fill quickly on the weekends (we never make reservations). It can be very hot here in the summer.

We camp in a pop-up and found the vault toilets to be clean an almost odorless. They do have water on in the summer, but was off when we were there in mid-October (hence the $10 fee instead of the usual $13). You can hear the highway from the campground, but it's not bad. The sites are nicely spaced apart with some in full sun and some well-shaded.

Other options in the area are a bird-viewing drive (they usually have brochures telling you where to go and what to look for at various spots) and for a little bit of a drive to the east, you can hike out to the Pawnee Buttes.

The small town of Briggsdale is just across the highway and has a small general store with limited hours (based on a prior visit).

Bring bug spray and an umbrella for shade, other than that, the energy at this site is excellent.

Very buggy!! Bring water as there isn't any water. No dump station. Pit toilets fire ring each site picnic table each site. Over priced @ $22 for what you get.

Abandoned campground, no hosts, no pay box, I assume no one uses the grounds anymore since they are around farming equipment and historical housing. Very windy for tent camping, one of the few I have stayed at with good cell! Little to no car traffic, pretty far off main roads but worth it. Very quiet, in the wind metal from equipment rattles a bit but that’s about the only thing to encounter here :) also wonderful views of the thunderstorms surrounding Denver without the worry

This park was easy to find and a short deviation from our route to NE. We arrived early on a Friday (10:30 am) to find a few open sites, only 3 that were not reserved for the following night. Lesson to others. First come does not mean one person gets there early and uses there tow vehicle and chairs to block the only other open spots for friends who will arrive 8+ hours later. Not cool.

We ended up parking next to the picnic area in overflow, which served the purpose, but was far more dusty since every car going in and out drove by us. It was quiet at night and we spent the day hiking elsewhere. If it hadn’t been for “that guy” and his entourage, it likely would have been a pleasant experience.

The park was pretty quiet, though there is some road noise. The pit privies were kept clean and stocked (even had cushioned toilet seats…luxury livin’). The actual camping spots seemed to have nice picnic tables and fire rings and a good amount of separation between them.

Contrary to what the previous post said, there was a park manager on site and there were fee boxes (two) within the park. If you don’t have reservations, you park in your spot, go to the pay station, fill out the envelope and permit and deposit the fee.

We would definitely stop by again if in the neighborhood, but not something to go far out of your way for. There is some decent hiking in Pawnee National Grasslands about 35 minutes away. Hopefully “that guy” doesn’t block all the available spots if we/you decide to stay there.

I spent 2wks here (6/27 to 7/10) With my Americas Beautiful pass it was only $7.50/night for one of the single sites (no discount on double sites). Too many flies, but clean and well maintained. Camp host was very nice and helpful. Beautiful area with trails starting at the campground, and lots of birds, bunnies, etc near my spot. Easy drive to civilization, with a gas station nearby. Cheyenne WY was a fast 60 miles away (worth the trip). I was sorry to leave but it was time to continue my trip.

A very peaceful location bring a book, a fishing rod, your bike and hiking boots. Bring what you need for supplies as there are no stores close by. Extra fuel probably wouldn't hurt if you plan on heading out for an adventure. Definitely bring your camera and binoculars. I'll be back!

Small 10 space campground run by the USFS. Plenty of room between sites but you may want to get a double site if you have a larger rig. Most of the single sites would be tight with a larger rig. You can get some shade here in the heat of the summer. Pretty buggy. No water right now at the campground or dump station. All sites have fire ring, picnic table. Vault toilets. But pricey at $22 for site with no more than what you get. Spaces 1-4 & 9 are reservable rest are 1st come 1st serve.