Best Campgrounds near Ault, CO

Camping areas around Ault, Colorado range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public lands. The region includes Boyd Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground near Loveland, offering full hookups for RVs and tent camping with lake views. Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA provides cabin accommodations approximately 15 miles northwest of Ault. Weld Road 49 offers free dispersed camping options for those seeking more primitive experiences. Crow Valley Recreation Area in the Pawnee National Grassland provides developed sites with basic amenities about 20 miles east of Ault.

Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer months when temperatures typically range from 75-90°F. "Loved this spot! Stopped on my way east through NE Colorado for the night and watched the sun set over the buttes. Absolutely lovely," noted one camper about dispersed camping in the Pawnee Buttes area. Road conditions vary significantly, with paved access to established campgrounds like Boyd Lake State Park, while dispersed camping areas often require high-clearance vehicles. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing. Cell service is generally reliable near established campgrounds but becomes spotty in more remote dispersed camping areas.

Campers consistently mention the mountain views as a highlight of staying in the region. Several visitors appreciate the proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, which is accessible within a 1-2 hour drive from most campgrounds near Ault. The mixed-use campgrounds provide various amenities depending on location - from basic vault toilets at Crow Valley to full hookups with showers at the KOA and Boyd Lake State Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with one visitor noting, "The park has nice trees in most of the loops and fishing ponds scattered around the grounds." Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with highway proximity affecting some sites at Boyd Lake, while dispersed camping areas offer more solitude. Water access is limited in the grassland areas but abundant at reservoir campgrounds, making the region suitable for diverse camping preferences.

Best Camping Sites Near Ault, Colorado (149)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    45 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 669-1739

    $36 - $41 / night

    "All sites have great access and close to the ponds. Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe."

    "Boyd Lake State Park is situated near the city of Fort Collins with distant views of the mountains. It has a large lake that is used by boaters, fishermen and sandcastle builders all summer."

    2. Fort Collins Lakeside KOA

    23 Reviews
    Laporte, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 484-9880

    "It’s not your run of the mill KOA by a highway. The lake is beautiful with a walking path all of the way around and paddle boats. The pool is nice. The miniature golf is pretty with mature trees."

    "Lake, boats, water cannon boats, fishing, bikes, peewee golf, jumping thing. Walking path around lake."

    3. South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 - $45 / night

    "We have camped in Colorado for over 15 years. By far the campsites with the best views! And you can rent cabins too. Just love this place. Lake gets busy In the summer."

    "The sites are picked up but not manicured by any means and there is road noise due to the proximity of the roads around the region."

    4. Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA

    8 Reviews
    Wellington, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 568-7486

    $20 / night

    "We needed a stop on the way out of Colorado and grabbed a quick night here in a tent site. Water was off for weather but stoves made much needed coffee in the cold."

    "This is a KOA journey, meaning it’s great for a stopover, and it is located next to a horse farm. If you are used to smelling farm life, then the smell won’t be a problem."

    5. Loveland RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Loveland, CO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-1204

    "Plenty of shops and restaurants that are within walking distance. Only negative is that we were extremely close to our neighbors.  We would stay here again."

    "We only stayed one night while traveling through Colorado. It was convenient and easy. The grounds were nice and clean, very pretty, they had good amenities."

    6. Inlet Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    12 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 619-4570

    $25 / night

    "Sites are fairly close together strung out along the lake edge. In September, lake level is purposefully lowered about 20 feet from summer levels."

    "Vault toilets with electric lights and a shower facility at each location. Located close to marina/boat ramp."

    8. Crow Valley

    9 Reviews
    Grover, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 834-9270

    $17 - $339 / night

    "When you think Colorado you think endless mountains, but a good chunk of CO is prairie and grasslands."

    "Shaded spots next to a wildlife walk. Tons of birds! Campsites were clean, nice big fire pit and bbq. Lots of room to spread out. Large picnic area if you have a lot of people. Clean bathrooms."

    9. Riverview RV Park & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Masonville, CO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 667-9910

    "Campground is situated along the Big Thompson River. Big cottonwood trees. Easy accessibility for big rigs. Some items … water valves leak in lakes around entire park and many are leaking."

    "Right next to the river. Close to some easy MTB trails. Would definitely stay here again."

    10. Evans RV Park

    1 Review
    Greeley, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 616-5501

    $50 - $750 / night

    "Evans was a huge change from being in the rockies, but its still near estes park and fort collins which have great offerings, and downtown greeley is good if you look around for some fun things to do!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 149 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Ault, CO

1228 Reviews of 149 Ault Campgrounds


  • L
    Oct. 16, 2025

    LaVern M. Johnson Park

    Downtown Lyons

    Nice campground downtown Lyons and on the river. Full hookups. Tents sites right next to the river. Slow and not reliable wifi but 5G. Showers nearby closed and further showers you need to pay for. Very nice camp host. I will return.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Cheyenne RV Resort by RJourney

    Nice clean campground

    Really liked this campground. Had all the amenities needed. Very, very clean. The only 2 negatives are, you are between hwy 25 and train tracks and there are no fire pits for the RV section. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Last Chance Camp, Cheyenne

    Quick, easy, and beautiful

    I was coming in late and only staying the night before hitting the road again in the morn. I called ahead and she gave me a quick rundown—find an empty space with a picnic table and I’m good to go. It was so simple! Also owners have a very sweet black and white pup that comes around to say good morning. Might’ve been the best part, aside from the Wyoming sunrise.

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    Great spot, quiet

    Good spot, this is my second time staying here. You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left. Once you go left down be hill you’ll go back up a hill and go around the curve to the right. There’s a creek on the left and great spots.

  • Marty R.
    Oct. 2, 2025

    WYO Campground

    Very expensive

    Prices are high and it right next to the lowd interstate

  • Lani R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Curt Gowdy State Park Campground

    10/10 State Park camping

    We loved this place so much we stayed two extra nights! The sites themselves are level and nice, no campground shower facilities but beautiful and well maintained quarter operated showers at the visitor center. The trails are beautiful, fun and abundant. We couldn't have had a better time hiking and wildlife watching.


Guide to Ault

The northeast Colorado plains surrounding Ault average 4,800 feet in elevation with summer temperatures often reaching 95°F during July and August. The region's continental climate results in dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, typically dropping 30 degrees after sunset. Dispersed camping sites near Ault, Colorado typically offer minimal or no facilities but provide wide-open spaces for those seeking solitude on the high plains.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Boyd Lake State Park's Cottonwood Campground offers multiple fishing options. "All sites have great access and close to the ponds. Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe," notes Frank O. in his review of the Cottonwood Campground.

Prairie bird watching: The grasslands east of Ault provide habitat for numerous bird species. "Nice quiet campground. Really nice host. Shaded spots next to a wildlife walk. Tons of birds! Campsites were clean, nice big fire pit and bbq," shares Megan M. about the Crow Valley Campground.

River activities: Camping along the Big Thompson River provides water recreation options 35 minutes from Ault. "My husband enjoyed the catch & release fishing. Fishing was good according to him. I liked the hiking trail around the pond," reports Cynthia K. about her stay at Fort Collins North/Wellington KOA.

Lake recreation: Horsetooth Reservoir accommodates various water sports. "The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking," writes Deanne B. about her experience at South Bay Campground.

What campers like

Riverside camping atmosphere: Many campers value sites adjacent to flowing water. "We spent 4 days in a spot right next to the river. Close to Rocky Mountain National Park. Really enjoyed the river, dog park, live music on sat. night and laundry," reports Tyler D. from his stay at Riverview RV Park.

Proximity to urban amenities: Campgrounds near Ault provide access to nearby cities. "Clean, well-kept campground with full outdoor kitchen, pool and play areas. The staff were extremely kind. One of the best KOA's we have stayed at," reports Megan E. about Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained campground infrastructure matters to visitors. "The bathroom facilities are spectacular. Super clean, flushable toilets. Spaces are very close in proximity but everyone was very friendly," notes Nathan P. about his stay at Cottonwood Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Many campers report animal sightings during their stays. "Nearly every day a deer would come munch on the greenery right behind our rig," shares Glen C. about his experience at Riverview RV Park.

What you should know

Livestock odors: Several campgrounds sit near agricultural operations. "We were extremely happy to find a site on Labor Day wkend with full hookups. The workers are very helpful. But NO fault of KOA campground but there is a very large feedlot just down the road & if wind is in the wrong direction you will have odor & flies," advises Steve G. about Fort Collins North-Wellington KOA.

Reservation requirements: Many campsites near Ault require advance booking. "Great location, was able to reserve a spot the day we needed it with no issues. The park was nice and clean," notes Stephanie W. about Cottonwood Campground.

Road noise: Highway proximity affects some camping areas. "January of 2019 the park, like many in the state moved to a reservation only system. I was unaware of this when pulling up to the park, so though they had open sites I could not reserve them without using the booking system," explains Crystal C. about her experience at Cottonwood Campground.

Seasonal closures: Some dispersed camping areas have limited access periods. "Site is $11.25/night. No water or service hookups. There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site. Bathrooms are plenty close to all sites," reports David H. about Crow Valley.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Great family campground near the water and a nice walking/biking path to the beach. Perfect for families," recommends Jacque U. about her experience at Cottonwood Campground.

Kid-friendly water features: Seek out campgrounds with safe water access for children. "We took our maiden voyage here (just in case things went sour) had a great time. Friendly neighborhood of easy to pull through camp sites. Great facilities, close enough to town for a quick adventures and a nice playground for the kids," shares Cody J. about his stay at Cottonwood Campground.

Educational opportunities: The grasslands provide learning experiences. "The park has a ton of activities for families to do on site. A nice store and everything you need right there. A great place to hang out," explains Laura K. about her visit to Fort Collins Lakeside KOA.

Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide organized activities. "This KOA is like summer camp for the whole family. The lake is beautiful with a walking path all of the way around and paddle boats. The pool is nice. The miniature golf is pretty with mature trees," reports Colorado C. about Fort Collins Lakeside KOA.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary in proximity to neighbors. "All sites have great access and close to the ponds. Variety of fish in the ponds. They allow ice fishing as long as the ice is safe. Some traffic noise if you are on the east side of the park due to proximity to I 25," advises Frank O. about Cottonwood Campground.

Tree clearance issues: Low branches can damage taller vehicles. "Careful with large RV as some of the tree branches are very low," warns David H. about Crow Valley.

Utility accessibility: Water access points vary between campgrounds. "Electric hookups worked, but no water at the site, and 'public water' in the area was a broken water fountain. We filled up at the dump station," explains Timothy N. about his experience at Inlet Bay Campground.

Long-term options: Extended stays available at select locations. "Evans was a huge change from being in the rockies, but its still near estes park and fort collins which have great offerings, and downtown greeley is good if you look around for some fun things to do! Great sites with lots of amenities and friendly hosts," shares Reames C. about his experience at Evans RV Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ault, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ault, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Ault, CO and 29 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ault, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ault, CO is Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 45 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ault, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Ault, CO.