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Crook Campground - FWS - Browns Park NWR

2 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Crook Campground at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is near Maybell, Colorado. The area features flat terrain with sparse vegetation and is characterized by temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, which offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and hiking.

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Forest Service Road 217 Dispersed

2 hrs 24 min away

Little Mountain Dispersed Camp

2 hrs 27 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

3 hrs 57 min from Grand Junction, CO
4 hrs 23 min from Ogden, UT
4 hrs 31 min from Salt Lake City, UT
4 hrs 52 min from Provo, UT

Location

Crook Campground - FWS - Browns Park NWR is located in Colorado

Coordinates

40.80953827 N
108.92344836 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

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General Info

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Hayley K.

Legend

Reviewed May. 18, 2021

Hit or Miss on spaces available and loud crowds

We have camped here multiple times. Read the whole review. The pictures attached are from our first trip. The second trip was packed with people so we didn't want to take pictures with them in them.

The first time we were here we were one of 3 campers and the trees were amazing shade. This spot is beautiful. It is coated with cottonwood trees and has great water access to be able to wander up and down the river bed. The spots are well maintained and spaced apart. They are perfect for RV’s or tents.

The bathroom is set up in the middle of the 8 sites on the road. It is clean and well maintained. There is no trash service so pack out what you brought in. It was a really clean campground and seemed to be barely used.

After the first night we figured out why we were basically solo the entire time...the mosquitos. Being a riparian zone and in a wildlife refuge, there are TONS of mosquitos at the campground.

We typically use the natural stuff but this time we brought out the big guns of deet and picaridin. I would suggest citronella candles or some sort of perimeter repellant. Even with all the bug spray we brought, we were eaten alive. The only time we felt pretty safe was when we were on the water. Even then, try not to stay on or too close to the shore. The water was absolutely stunning and crystal clear.

Our dogs were insanely happy to play in the water being that it was shallow enough for them to swim and still safely get to shore. I set up a chair in the middle of the river and lounged with my dogs swimming next to me. We did a paddleboard float trip from Swinging Bridge to Crook campground and it took about 3 hours for us to go from one campground to the other.

The second time we came here was Easter weekend and it was PACKED! There were way less mosquitos but there were insanely loud and obnoxious ATV groups rolled in and blasted music past midnight. Since it is a free campground we couldn't go to a ranger or anything. This trip we only stayed one night and moved on to a different spot instead of staying the full long weekend in this space.

Month of VisitMarch

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Heather M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2020

Nice spot

My husband and I didn’t like our campsite at the Gorge because it was too windy that day. With our destination being Rocky Mountain National Park, we decided to head out on the unbeaten path. We used the app to locates a few options but once we got out of service we lost track on the app. Maybe we should have gone pro. But we passed the sign and tuned around because we felt like we were not having much luck if campsites. We pulled in after a short drive down the road and found our spot near the bathroom. It serves it’s purpose for the night. We wish it wasn’t as windy and would have started a campfire if it wasn’t. Nice place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Crook Campground located in Browns Park?

Crook Campground is located within Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge in northwestern Colorado. It's situated off the beaten path in a remote area, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter camping experience. The campground is nestled among trees that provide natural shade for campers. Its secluded location requires some navigation away from main routes, so having directions prepared before losing cell service is advisable.

What facilities are available at Crook Campground in Browns Park?

Crook Campground offers basic facilities for campers. The campground features shade trees that provide welcome relief from the sun, particularly valuable in this open landscape. While specific amenities are limited, the natural setting compensates for the lack of developed facilities. The campground provides a rustic experience, so visitors should come prepared with all necessary camping supplies, including water. Contact the Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge office for the most current information about available facilities.

Is Crook Campground suitable for RVs?

Crook Campground can accommodate RVs, though it's best suited for smaller to medium-sized rigs. The campground has hosted multiple campers with various setups. The remote location means access roads may not be ideal for very large RVs or trailers. There are no hookups available, so RV campers should be prepared for dry camping. Be sure to arrive with full water tanks, charged batteries, and empty waste tanks. Check with the refuge office regarding current road conditions if planning to bring a larger RV.

Can you camp at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge?

Yes, camping is permitted at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. Crook Campground serves as the designated camping area within the refuge. The campground accommodates multiple visitors, though it can get busy during peak seasons. Camping here offers a chance to experience the unique wildlife habitat that the refuge was established to protect. For the most peaceful experience, consider visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons when fewer people are present.

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