Camping near Ault, Colorado offers several options within a 30-mile radius. This northeastern Colorado prairie region sits at approximately 4,600 feet elevation with relatively flat terrain punctuated by occasional buttes and river valleys. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s, while winter camping requires preparation for overnight lows that can drop well below freezing.
What to do
Bird watching opportunities: Crow Valley Recreation Area provides access to the Pawnee National Grasslands birding circuit. "We enjoyed exploring this part of the state, complete with pronghorn antelopes, deer, birds, burrowing owls, sunsets, crazy thunderstorms, buttes, and rolling hills," notes a visitor at Crow Valley.
Lake activities: Horsetooth Reservoir offers multiple water recreation options across several campground locations. "The lake was great for catch and release. Grounds are well maintained no observed litter on the property. Walking path around the lake keeps our puppies very happy for exploring," reports one camper at Fort Collins Lakeside KOA.
Fishing access: Many campgrounds provide immediate water access for anglers. A visitor at South Bay Campground shares: "We stayed two nights and loved it! Electric hookups (we used 50amp at our site) but no water hook up. Drinkable water close by at various locations within the campground. The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking."
What campers like
Riverfront sites: Big Thompson River provides a soothing backdrop at select campgrounds. "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 Saturday night and laundry," notes a camper at Riverview RV Park & Campground.
Proximity to towns: Many sites offer convenient access to Fort Collins and other Front Range cities. "Central to Fort Collins and the Northern Denver Area... The campground is about 35 minutes from Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Forest, two excellent destinations for anyone coming for a vacation," reports a visitor.
Kid-friendly amenities: Recreational facilities keep families entertained. "This is a KOA you come to stay a while. There's LOADS of stuff to do for kids... Bounce house, jumping pillow, inflatable slide, basketball, shuffle board, pickleball, fishing, paddleboats in the shape of a swan/dragon/flamingo, a pool AND splashpad," explains a camper at Fort Collins Lakeside KOA.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Prepare for sudden wind events and seasonal temperature shifts. "It can be suddenly and very windy here, so most campers did not use awnings," cautions a camper at Riverview RV Park.
Reservation requirements: Many county and state park campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A visitor at Inlet Bay Campground advises: "January of 2019 the park, like many in the state moved to a reservation only system... though they had open sites I could not reserve them without using the booking system, which consequently charges a service charge for booking."
Road noise levels: Several campgrounds experience varying levels of traffic noise. "Located on a the four way intersection stop sign of hwy 14 and hwy 392, Briggsdale, CO. There is too much road noise to sleep in a tent," notes a Crow Valley visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds near Ault include dedicated children's play areas. "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 (including the dump station), close enough to town for a quick adventures and a nice playground for the kids," shares a camper at Cottonwood Campground.
Safety precautions: Tree conditions at some sites require attention. "Tree stumps are left protruding inches above the soil level leading to a tripping hazard on the way to the restrooms and shower house. We had exposed roots in our site," cautions a camper at Riverview RV Park.
Water activities: Several sites offer swim-friendly water access. At South Bay Campground, a visitor reports: "Very nice park with some pull through and back in spots. The lake was great for paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on shade requirements and traffic patterns. "Look for a spot with a tree to park in shade. Nice path along lake. We like it while visiting Loveland with good cell coverage and close to town," recommends a visitor to Cottonwood Campground.
Dump station availability: Public dump facilities exist outside some campgrounds. "The dump station is outside the campground, but is a good one. Good water pressure and potable water. There also is a potable water spicket in the loop. Electricity was stable," notes an Inlet Bay Campground visitor.
Extended stay options: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Ault offer weekly and monthly rates. Evans RV Park provides "Great extended stay pricing! Great sites with lots of amenities and friendly hosts. Laundry machines are the best I've seen at any campground and the staff even raises chickens so you can get free farm fresh eggs whenever stopping by the leasing office!"
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