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.
