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Crow Valley Recreation Area
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. This oasis on the prairie has cottonwoods which provide some shade and small meadows, and is surrounded by northeastern Colorado's short-grass prairie. There are ample opportunities for sports and recreation for the whole family.
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 4,900 feet on the prairie to 9,500 feet at the summit of the Pawnee Buttes.
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.
View a recreation area map.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | Make your reservations at www.recreation.gov |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Interpretive Site,Accessible,Tent camping,Camping trailer,Picnic tables,Toilets,Parking |
| Usage: | Light-Medium |
| Closest Towns: | Briggsdale, CO; Ault, CO; Grover, CO |
| Water: | No water. |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet (wheelchair accessible) |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:Located 32 miles northeast of Greeley or 14 miles east of Ault, just off State Highway 14, turn north on Weld County Road 77, travel 1/4 mile to the campground entrance on the west side of the road.
Activities
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:Crow Valley Recreation Area offers a variety of campsites depending on group size. All sites are wheelchair accessible.
RV camping is available at some campsites, however, there are no electrical or water hookups. While there is electricity available at the Steward J. Adams Education Site in the shelter, it is not for RV hookups. There is no dump station available at the campground.
There are three types of sites at the campground:
- Family Campsites for up to 16 people
- Group Campsites for groups 1 – 30
- Steward J. Adams Education Site for groups up to 100
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Interpretive Areas
Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:A 30-table picnic area beckons travelers on hot summer days, during bird migration and throughout the spring and fall. Large groups, up to 200, may reserve the picnic area, which comes with a cooking shelter and electrical outlets. Wheelchair accessible vault toilets are located next to the picnic area parking lot.
Amenities
| Interpretive Site: | |
|---|---|
| Camping trailer: | |
| Picnic tables: | At Crow Valley Rec Area; will accommodate up to 200 people. |
| Tent camping: | Campsites available at the Crow Valley Recreation Area. Alternatively, dispersed camping is permitted on the Grassland. |
| Toilets: | Wheelchair accessible vault toilets. |
| Parking: | |
| Accessible: | All campsites are wheelchair accessible. |