About CROW VALLEY
Overview Crow Valley Recreation Area is set in the Pawnee National Grassland, a very popular site with bird enthusiasts. Over 200 species can be found in the area. Hiking and star gazing are favorite activities in this remotely located campground.Recreation Birding, exploring nature trails, viewing wildlife and star gazing are popular activities at Crow Valley. A volleyball court, horseshoe pit and ball field are available. The Lee and Dorothy Rhoads Farm Implement Museum is located within the recreation area. The collection of tools, donated by the descendants of homesteaders, can help one imagine what life was like in pioneer days.Facilities Crow Valley Recreation Area contains four types of sites: a family campground, group overnight sites (Hawk, Plover and Lark), a group picnic area and an educational site (EDU). Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Each family site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. The group overnight sites can be reserved separately or together. Picnic tables and a campfire circle form a common area at each site. Tent pads are arranged around each common area. Parking is adjacent to each site. These sites have very little shade. The group picnic area can accommodate up to 200 people for day-use. It includes a lighted, covered shelter with several electrical outlets, 31 tables and a large barbeque grill. The Steward J. Adams Educational Site is accessible and can accommodate up to 100 people for overnight or day-use. It includes a three-sided covered shelter with electrical outlets and tables.Natural Features Crow Valley sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet. Cottonwood and elm trees dot the landscape, providing pleasant shade in the family campground. However, the group campsites have little to no shade. Short grass prairie surrounds the recreation area.The Pawnee National Grassland sits east of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Eroding creek drainages crisscross the area. Elevations range from 4,375 feet on the prairie
How to Get There
From 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to CROW VALLEY
Heading to CROW VALLEY? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for CROW VALLEY?
No central reservation system listed for CROW VALLEY. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233845) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CROW VALLEY?
From 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.
How do I contact CROW VALLEY?
You can reach the park at phone: (970) 834-9270.
References & Official Resources
