Pawnee National Grasslands campsites near Grover, Colorado cover 193,000 acres of eastern Colorado prairie land ranging from 4,500-5,500 feet in elevation. The terrain consists primarily of short-grass prairie with isolated buttes and occasional wooded areas near waterways. Temperature swings can exceed 40°F between day and night, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Wildlife photography opportunities: At Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping, visitors can photograph pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and numerous bird species. "Multiple dispersed campsites approaching the Pawnee Buttes trailhead from the west and southwest. I camped (rooftop tent) on the bluff overlooking the trailhead parking lot, approached from the south," notes one camper who enjoyed wildlife watching from their elevated position.
Dark sky stargazing: The open prairie provides excellent night sky viewing conditions with minimal light pollution. A visitor at Pawnee Buttes mentioned, "This area is also a 'dark site,' so on clear, moonless nights the stars / Milky Way are phenomenal." Another camper confirmed, "Really beautiful but verrrry windy. My van rocked me to sleep every night. Overall peaceful and pretty."
Birdwatching excursions: The Crow Valley Campground serves as the starting point for the Pawnee birding driving tour. "This is the beginning and end of the Pawnee birding driving tour and less than an hour from the Buttes themselves," states a reviewer who observed numerous species. Another camper noted, "Nice quiet campground. Really nice host. Shaded spots next to a wildlife walk. Tons of birds!"
What campers like
Solitude and space: Many dispersed camping areas provide ample distance between sites. One visitor at Pawnee Butte View observed, "The campsite features fire rings, though you will need to bring your own wood. The surroundings are characterized by lush grasslands, and the camping spots situated atop hills provide stunning views."
Panoramic prairie views: The elevated camping areas offer views across miles of grassland. "We camped on an overlook a quarter mile or so from the Pawnee Buttes trailhead which had beautiful, clear views of the sunrise and sunset. We only saw one other site in use and some folks camped at the trailhead parking lot, but neither were visible from our site," noted a camper at Pawnee Buttes.
Connectivity for remote work: Despite the rural setting, many campsites maintain decent cellular coverage. "Consistent 3 bars 5G (AT&T). 200 Mbps down / 16 Mbps up," reported one camper at Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping, making it viable for digital nomads needing to stay connected while enjoying the prairie.
What you should know
Wind conditions are intense: Nearly every review mentions significant wind, especially at exposed sites. "Very windy area but nice enough for a quick stop driving though," notes one camper at Pawnee Buttes. Another adds, "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 camp."
Road access varies by season: Winter conditions can limit access to some areas. A camper reported, "During winter snow often drifts onto the roads. If snowy, 4-wheel drive / high clearance helpful for accessing some of the dispersed sites." Most dispersed sites have dirt or gravel access roads.
Limited shade availability: The prairie environment offers minimal natural shade. A visitor at Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area (about 60 miles northeast of Grover) noted, "Huge old trees provide shade," making it a contrast to the mostly shade-free grasslands camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Prepare for extreme weather swings: The grasslands experience rapid temperature changes between day and night. "Chilly at night (10 degrees) but no wind," reported one winter camper. Summer days can reach 95°F while dropping to 50°F overnight.
Beware of hazardous plants: Some areas have dense cactus patches. "Nice views, but a lot of cactus," warns a camper at Pawnee Buttes, suggesting families with young children should carefully select their tent placement and walking paths.
Consider recreational water access: During hot summer months, Jackson Lake State Park Campground (40 miles southeast of Grover) provides swimming opportunities not available in the grasslands. "Great for families. Wind can be an issue, so always put down awnings/canopies and secure belongings before leaving site," advises a family camper.
Tips from RVers
Secure loose items: The persistent prairie winds require extra precautions. "Be sure to check the forecast because it can get very windy at times," warns an RVer at Pawnee Buttes. Awnings, chairs, and other outdoor equipment should be properly staked or stored overnight.
Self-containment essential: Most dispersed sites lack services. "Spaces are a tad bit narrow for big slide outs but long enough to stay hooked up," notes a camper at WYO Campground near the Wyoming border, one of the few areas with hookups within reasonable driving distance of Grover.
Level site selection critical: Many dispersed areas have uneven terrain. "You have to drive for several miles on some bumpy roads, but my Ford transit handled it fine. There are a couple spots with fire rings before the main trailhead, and then many options if you keep driving," advises a van camper who found suitable parking at Pawnee Buttes.
