Fort Morgan sits at around 4,324 feet elevation on Colorado's eastern plains where campers experience temperature swings from below freezing in winter to 90°F+ in summer. The area's open grassland terrain creates consistent wind conditions that affect campsite selection and equipment setup. Most campgrounds near Fort Morgan remain accessible year-round with varying levels of service during off-season months.
What to do
Stargazing at night: The open plains around Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping offer exceptional dark sky viewing opportunities. "We enjoyed exploring this part of the state, complete with pronghorn antelopes, deer, birds, burrowing owls, sunsets, crazy thunderstorms, buttes, and rolling hills," shares one visitor. The lack of light pollution makes this area ideal for night photography.
Fish for warm-water species: The reservoir at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area supports multiple fish species. "2,400 Acre shallow lake with beaches. Warm-water reservoir stocked with walleye, saugeye, rainbow and cuttbow trout. Other fill include bluegill, crappie and channel catfish," notes a camper. Morning and evening fishing prove most productive according to reviews.
Bird watching: The diverse ecosystem supports considerable bird populations. "Birding paradise for the price of a fishing license," writes one reviewer about Prewitt Reservoir. "Birding is good here most of the year even during goose season which opens the first Saturday in October (Herons, grebes, white pelicans, ducks and peeps)."
What campers like
Level, accessible sites: Most campgrounds in the area feature relatively flat terrain. At Jackson Lake State Park Campground, campers appreciate the practical layout. "Sites are good sized. Campground kept relatively clean. Great for fishing and boating," mentions one visitor who frequently camps there.
Family activities: Several campgrounds offer recreational options beyond camping. "Great for taking kids, fishing is awesome the swim beach is lots of fun too. The amphitheater always has fun family type activities which is cool," shares a Jackson Lake visitor. This makes the area particularly suitable for families with varied interests.
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable rates at several locations. At Brush Memorial Park Campground, one reviewer notes, "We were excited to find out the first night was free and after that it was $20. It was a good place to spend the night." Others mention similar affordable options throughout the region.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The open plains experience significant wind and temperature fluctuations. "Wind can be an issue, so always put down awnings/canopies and secure belongings before leaving site," advises a camper at Jackson Lake State Park. Another warns about rapid weather changes: "While the campground was just fine for an overnight stop, we would not have stayed more than one night. The bugs were very horrible."
Seasonal insect activity: Several reviewers mention intense insect presence during warmer months. "Very buggy but other than that it's very pretty," notes a reviewer at Prewitt Reservoir. Planning activities around dawn and dusk can help minimize encounters with mosquitoes.
Water level fluctuations: Reservoirs in the area experience significant water level changes. "The lake must be very low, looked about halfway full. Looked a little sad with how little water there was in it," reports one Jackson Lake visitor. Checking recent conditions before planning water activities helps avoid disappointment.
Tips for camping with families
Best kid-friendly amenities: Crow Valley offers features particularly suited for families. "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. Lots of room to spread out. Large picnic area if you have a lot of people," reports one reviewer.
Safety considerations: The open terrain requires vigilance with children. "We needed to stop on the way to the mountains and most places were full but we found a spot in Brush. It had 12 sites with Electric and Water. Memorial Park was pet friendly, heated restrooms and showers, picnic shelters, playground, and disc golf," notes a visitor to Brush Memorial Park.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature learning opportunities for children. "This is the beginning and end of the Pawnee birding driving tour and less than an hour from the Buttes themselves," shares a Crow Valley visitor. These natural features provide enrichment alongside recreation.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: North Sterling State Park Campground offers convenient RV accommodations. "This year the park opened a new section which provides this park with many more excellent pull through spaces. Like all Colorado State Parks there is an entrance fee to pay at the gate. The cost for the park is listed online and at some spaces you will find 50 and 30 amp electricity available," notes a reviewer.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require preparation for uneven sites. "For an overnight stay this suited its purpose just fine. Clean restrooms and sites. Treeless campsites with a shelter for sun and wind protection," reports an RV camper at North Sterling State Park.
Dump station access: Multiple campgrounds provide sanitation facilities. "We stopped overnight and loved the pull-through sites of the inlet grove sites. The dump station was a dream with potable water at the end of the islands and totally separate from the sewage area," shares a North Sterling visitor, highlighting infrastructure that makes pet-friendly camping near Fort Morgan more convenient for RV travelers.
