Pawnee National Grasslands offers primitive camping near Fort Morgan, Colorado across approximately 193,000 acres of shortgrass prairie at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 5,500 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations with summer highs often exceeding 90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Several dispersed sites can be found throughout the grasslands, most lacking dedicated facilities beyond established fire rings.
What to do
Wildlife photography opportunities: Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping provides excellent viewing points for native species. "Multiple dispersed campsites approaching the Pawnee Buttes trailhead from the west and southwest. Spectacular view of the Pawnee Buttes to the east. Perfect spot to catch sunrise and sunset," notes visitor J A.
Stargazing sessions: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "This area is also a 'dark site,' so on clear, moonless nights the stars / Milky Way are phenomenal," according to campers at Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping. Another visitor, Kat B., confirms: "Flat spots, great views, felt safe, nice and quiet. Great place to star gaze on clear nights. Bugs not bad."
Butte exploration hikes: Several marked trails lead to the distinctive rock formations. A visitor at Pawnee Butte View shared: "Didn't get to hike out to The Buttes because the trail was closed to protect bird nests." Wild Berries B. adds detail: "Stayed couple of nights and did the hikes to both of the 'buttes'. From the second one you can get nice aerial views if you climb a bit. It took us 3h in a very easy pace, lots of photo and views stops."
What campers like
Panoramic views: Many sites sit atop ridges or plateaus providing expansive grassland vistas. "I camped (rooftop tent) on the bluff overlooking the trailhead parking lot, approached from the south. Chilly at night (10 degrees) but no wind," reports one visitor to Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping.
Solitude and quiet: Backcountry camping near Fort Morgan offers exceptional privacy, particularly midweek. "We came at the tail end of January to test out our new Airstream. It was very nice and secluded but REALLY windy. Not drop dead gorgeous but a great scene to stay at for a day or two," notes Taylor B. at Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping.
Accessibility: Despite the remote feeling, many sites remain reachable without specialized vehicles. Kerry K. at Pawnee Butte View shares: "It's a bit of a drive out here over some iffy gravel and dirt roads. Was worried about bringing my 25 foot Jayco out here as it's a standard unit. Pulled it with a one ton Ford 2 wheel van. Some steep inclines in, but did just fine."
What you should know
Wind conditions: The grasslands experience near-constant wind, especially problematic for tent camping. "Very windy area but nice enough for a quick stop driving through," reports Lydia N. Kris M. elaborates: "The only negative was wind. It was very windy, especially at night (the wind rocked the car most of the night). It wasn't an issue for us sleeping in the car, but I wouldn't tent camping."
Limited facilities: Free dispersed camping in this area means minimal amenities. "Long way to anything including gas, so fill up and bring your own water," advises Kerry K. at Pawnee Butte View.
Seasonal considerations: Winter brings additional challenges but fewer crowds. "During winter snow often drifts onto the roads. If snowy, 4-wheel drive / high clearance helpful for accessing some of the dispersed sites," notes J A.
Tips for camping with families
Obstacle preparation: The terrain contains natural hazards requiring caution. Micaela A. warns: "Nice views, but a lot of cactus." Consider closed-toe shoes and careful site selection for children.
Wildlife encounters: The grassland ecosystem supports numerous visible species. Larry H. at Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping notes: "This is an unexpected gem very close to our house where you can't see a tree for miles. It's peaceful and not crowded." Another camper mentions: "Between the serenity, lack of bears, ease of access to water activities at the local State Park. This has been my favorite find so far!"
Weather monitoring: Conditions change rapidly in open grassland. "Be sure to check the forecast because it can get very windy at times," advises Larry H.
Tips from RVers
Road assessment: Access roads present challenges requiring preparation. "You have to drive for several miles on some bumpy roads, but my Ford transit handled it fine," shares Kelda C. Another RVer adds: "The roads coming in are well maintained due to all of the oil rigs that are coming in and out."
Site selection strategy: Finding level, protected spots improves comfort. "Very windy place (hence the windmills in far distance) but we were lucky to get some breaks in between and set up the trailer to shield us against the wind," suggests Wild Berries B.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies by location. "My AT-T service was better than in Longmont at 3 bars. No problem there," reports Kerry K. Another camper confirms impressive speeds: "Consistent 3 bars 5G (AT&T). 200 Mbps down / 16 Mbps up."
