Fort Morgan sits on Colorado's eastern plains at approximately 4,350 feet elevation, experiencing hot summers and cold winters typical of high plains environments. The area features open grasslands punctuated by cottonwood trees along rivers and creeks, with the South Platte River flowing nearby. RV camping options spread across several small towns within a 45-mile radius, offering varying levels of amenities and access to local recreation.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Memorial Park in Brush features a disc golf course along with other recreational amenities. "There's a city park, pool and a very cool little museum adjacent to the campground," notes one visitor to Brush Memorial Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Prewitt Reservoir offers extensive fishing options about 30 miles from Fort Morgan. "Warm-water reservoir stocked with walleye, saugeye, rainbow and cuttbow trout. Other fill include bluegill, crappie and channel catfish," explains a camper at Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area. The reservoir covers 2,431 acres and permits wakeless boating.
Birding excursions: The wetlands surrounding Prewitt Reservoir create excellent bird watching opportunities. "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)," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Convenient highway access: Many RV parks in the region provide easy access to Interstate 76 for travelers passing through. "Easy access on and off I-76. Sites are level with what appears to be full-hookups at all sites. Front desk was very helpful and check in was easy," writes one visitor to Emerald RV Park.
Heated bathrooms: For camping during cooler seasons, Brush Memorial Park offers comfort with "heated restrooms and showers, picnic shelters, playground, and disc golf," according to camper feedback. This makes shoulder season camping more comfortable when plains temperatures drop at night.
Quiet dispersed options: For those seeking more solitude than RV parks provide, Prewitt Reservoir offers dispersed camping along its shoreline. "2,400 Acre shallow lake with beaches... There are no campgrounds, however, dispersed camping is permitted around most of the lake. Just look for pre-existing fire rings," explains one camper.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. Brush Memorial Park Campground operates "April 1 to October 15," according to their listing information, making seasonal planning important.
Payment systems: Some municipal campgrounds use automated payment systems. "The city is using a new automated system and it is located at the entrance to the campground," notes a visitor to Brush Memorial Park. Credit cards are required for these systems.
Beach camping availability: Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area offers a unique plains camping experience with beach access. "Late season creates a wide sand flat on the southwest end of the reservoir that is pleasant to let the dogs romp on," mentions one camper. The reservoir requires either a valid hunting/fishing license or a specific access permit for visitors aged 19-64.
Wildlife area requirements: For camping at state wildlife areas, permits are necessary. "Visitors age 19 through 64 must possess an Annual Jumbo SWA/Prewitt SWA access permit, or a valid hunting or fishing license," notes a reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
City park amenities: Families appreciate campgrounds adjacent to municipal parks with recreational facilities. "There is a city pool next door and a pond across the street that is stocked," writes a visitor to Brush Memorial Park. The playground equipment provides additional entertainment for children.
Budget considerations: Some campgrounds offer economical options for families. "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," shares a camper about Buffalo Hills Campground & RV Park.
Weather preparation: Eastern Colorado plains can experience rapid weather changes. "Driving through CO and was hit with a snow storm. We stopped at Brush Memorial RV Campground for the night... Heated bathrooms and shower," explains one camper whose unplanned stop provided shelter from sudden weather.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: RV campers report different experiences with site leveling across regional parks. "Sites are level with what appears to be full-hookups at all sites," notes one RVer about Emerald RV Park, while others mention needing leveling blocks at other facilities.
Long-term vs. overnight stays: Some RV parks cater more to permanent residents than overnight guests. "About 75% are full timers and a couple have dogs that don't know what leashes are," mentions a visitor to Emerald RV Park, suggesting overnight guests may want to research the campground culture before booking.
Utility connection positioning: Some RVers note the importance of having extension cords and hoses when camping at area RV parks. "Connections are a little far for some RV models, so make sure you have extensions for cords and hoses just in case," advises a camper at Denver East-Strasburg KOA, a pattern that may extend to other regional campgrounds as well.
