Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Orchard, CO is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Colorado camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Orchard and user-submitted reviews.
$20 / night
Dispersed camping is also allowed on the Pawnee National Grassland, year-round. This provides an alternative to campground camping for those who want to experience the grassland the way people did in the past. No fee required. A Motor Vehicle Use Map will help you determine if you are on private or public land.
$10 - $180 / night
Crow Valley Recreation Area is set in the Pawnee National Grassland, a very popular site with bird enthusiasts. Over 200 species can be found in the area. Hiking and star gazing are favorite activities in this remotely located campground.
Birding, exploring nature trails, viewing wildlife and star gazing are popular activities at Crow Valley. A volleyball court, horseshoe pit and ball field are available. The Lee and Dorothy Rhoads Farm Implement Museum is located within the recreation area. The collection of tools, donated by the descendants of homesteaders, can help one imagine what life was like in pioneer days.
Crow Valley sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet. Cottonwood and elm trees dot the landscape, providing pleasant shade in the family campground. However, the group campsites have little to no shade. Short grass prairie surrounds the recreation area.The Pawnee National Grassland sits east of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Eroding creek drainages crisscross the area. Elevations range from 4,375 feet on the prairie to 5,685 feet.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
The campground is within driving distance from both the east and west units of Pawnee National Grassland and the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic Byway, a 128-mile route through wide-open terrain studded by the towering Pawnee Buttes.
$17 - $339 / night
St. Vrain contains a total of 87 campsites in eight campgrounds located on or near the banks of seven ponds at the east end of the park. Your campsite will be an easy walk away from fishing, kayaking, or simply birdwatching on the trails that circle the ponds.
Site 1-41 have electric hookups at each site with water hydrants available to fill tanks and a dump station at the exit of the campground. Sites 42-87 have water, sewer, and electric hookups at each site.
The addition to the park include several new fishing ponds and two additional hiking trails.
https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Maps/PrewittReservoirSWA_geo.pdf
A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older accessing this state wildlife area. For more information, read the frequently asked questions.
These can be purchased through CPW authorized sales agents, by phone (1-800-244-5613) or online at CPWShop.
Guide
Not a lot of options on I 70 east of Denver for overnight parking so opted for a KOA last minute. Easy last minute check in process. Served great for a quick in and out.
Ranger
I stayed out here for a dove hunt, and it was nice enough. Typical state park setup. Nice big fire ring in the group sites. Bathrooms are functional though definitely a little dated. Kind of odd so close to a trailer park, but it was quiet during my stay.
Guide
Busy and right off highway
Ranger
Calm during week. Busy on weekend. Sites are level. Few tents. Some sites better than others for tent on grass. Electricity to help keep camper cool. T-Mobile 5G. Very good coverage. Free showers and clean restrooms make this a good place to hang out near Loveland. Bike path runs past camp. Lake launch ramp and swim beach in season. Playgrounds. Could use more shade.
GuideOur spot was close to the lake. The beaches had good sand and the water was cold. Our pad had a nice fire ring and table, and electrical hookup. The park has a free to use waste dump on the way out.
RangerHave to take off 1 star for the freeway noise and the lack of trees. However, the sites are nicely spaced, with many of them facing a few different ponds. The full hook-up sites are much more open than the electric only ones. Also, no showers on the full side, but what looks like a nice building on the electric side. It’s an hour to Estes Park, and it’s nice not to have to drag your rig up the mountain. Plus it’s close to Longmont where we found a couple cute breweries/cideries.
Guide
The road in essentially circles the reservoir, and you just pull off where can/want to. The gravel road is well maintained. And there is plenty of room between you and your neighbor. We pulled up around 6 on a Saturday evening and found a great spot.
Scout
I don't like to write negative reviews and this is my 1st but sadly this place went from just a dirty dusty RV park to a total nightmare. We are full-time RVers so we have stayed in a park or 2- Without boring you with too much detail... After staying there 4 months I experienced needing the help of the owner/manager(Kelsi). Help that came with a hefty price tag. I was told that her husband had turned off my water and forgotten to turn it back on and their solution was that I go outside(in the dark) and turn it on or wait until they came back to town. Being alone, almost 80, and not too firm on my feet, was unimportance to her. I went without water for 16 hours and she was incensed that I dared to be frustrated with the lack of help and I was told we were not a good fit for the park and we should leave. They are absentee managers and don't want to help their residents. I know I'm not the 1st or even the 2nd to experience Kelsi’s wrath and leaving was a bonus for us. Sadly, this child has no management/customer service skills. So to end with a word, of warning be aware and don't cross her.
ScoutWe called in the early evening, booked over the phone, & had a map with directions to our site waiting for us. The site was easily accessible & the restrooms were clean & well stocked. It’s close to the interstate, but just fine for one night.
LegendEasy in and out from I-25. Large sites. Some trees for shade. Site are fairly level. Appears loop A is being renovated with updated roads and concrete pads; will be very nice in the future.
RangerNot really much of a camping area and when you arrive there’s a large sign that says “NO OHV USE APRIL-NOVEMBER”
TravelerPlease don’t go here. We love it tons! There is always a place to pull in and set up.
Guide
It's a new RV park. It was very well kept up and clean. The downtown Sterling was nice. Jane was very helpful with directions and things to do and see. Jane was wonderful in helping us to stay for 2 nights. You're the bomb, Jane, as my kids would say.
Guide
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. Really beautiful but verrrry windy. My van rocked me to sleep every night. Overall peaceful and pretty. Also there was an adorably stubborn cow blocking the road on my way out. Really added to the ambiance :-)
Scout
This is one of my favorite places. 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!
TravelerIt's a decent camp spot. We went on memorial weekend and we were able to find a spot. His Subaru outback made it and we saw sedans get up there just fine.
Cows do use the area and may wander into your site. Cactus are a thing and it can get really windy. Our tent was staked down and we angled it so the side wasn't collapsing on us. Cooking during the wind was nearly impossible but doable with some engineering.
Neighbors were quiet and the terrain made it so that we didn't see who camped in the next spots nearest us.
It's decent if you want to get away for a day or two, wander around at your leisure, and read.
Pit toilet available at the Buttes trailhead.
Verizon service is spotty but I was still able to use maps.
ScoutI have had some good experiences here and some not so good. I’ll start with the bad first. There are insufficient trashcan and dumpsters here so often that the beaches are trashed. Also, there have been times I’ve camped here and the water smelled like cattle manure. My only assumption is the local agriculture dumps into the water that feeds the lake. After driving 40 miles from the nearest city - a smelly lake was not what we had in mind. The good: this is basically what you want it to be. Inexpensive campsites where people are friendly and the amenities are fine. When the water is clean and you can swim on a sunny day it’s a great time.
GuideThere are a lot of spots for RVs so you are a little bit packed. Showers are a little bit cold. The view from campsites are neither beautiful neither ugly.
GuideLots of nice sites with fire pits. There are pit toilets at the trailhead as well. Pretty good Verizon service at most spots. My only complaint is that when I was there it was super windy!
GuideEasy drive to the campground area even towing a trailer. A bit dusty but at the end you can find nice grassy area (after all, it is a National Grasslands). 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. Stayed couple of nights and did the hikes to both of the “buttes”. From the second one you can get nice areal views if you climb a bit. It took us 3h in a very easy pace, lots of photo and views stops. It can probably be done in and 1h to 1.30h.
LegendGetting there: Located out in the plains South of Pawnee National Grassland near and a bit NE of Ft. Morgan off I-76
Check in and staff: We made an online reservation, entered and camped. We were on the far Southern side of the campground, which is much larger than it looks. Later we discovered the Visitor Center as we were leaving. The ranger there was very nice and helpful.
Amenities: Water is available, as are dumpsters. Roads are dirt/gravel and can be uneven in places, but not bad at all. Power available as well.
Bathrooms: clean, well kept. On the southern side near our site there is a single toilet, no shower. Those are located in the area near the visitor center, a long walk from where we were. They were reasonably clean, but we did not use them.
Site: Lakeside, on the Southern end of the campground. Cannot recall the number!
Comments: It was quite windy when we were there. On the other hand, no bugs!
Scout
Unlevel sites. Quarter showers. Mostly long term or permanent residents. Seems like the short term RV sites were an after thought, this whole park needs major work. They will keep your full payment even if you leave early. Their website has a major virus, beware if using a computer. Look elsewhere, this is a cash grab at best.
ScoutThe camp site we had was close to the lake. We left a day early because of tornado warnings. Other than that we had a great time
RangerNeat Boyd lake. Sites are about 100 yards from lake. Nice trail along lake. Sites are level. No tent pads, but likely could set up on gravel or lawn in the site. Only modest site separation with little screening between sites. Some shade trees. Noise level from the city hum is about 45 db, peaking at 50-60 when trains or airplanes go by. Swim beach, playgrounds, close to stores for supplies. Only about half full on a Sunday night in September.
GuideLike to come here to The beaches off of the campground. Public Beach is nice with shaded outdoor tables and small food vender small store and SUP rentals. They close EARLY in the day so be prepared. I think 4:30 or 5:00pm. Easy access Dump Station with fresh water fill located along all the campground loops and marked on map. All asphalt driveway pull through sites with larger gravel set up areas. Picnic tables and fire pit. Multiple Clean flushing toilets bathrooms and nice coin showers. Shade trees mixed around and large common areas in between the loops for your games. Playground and horse shoes. Beach Area access off of the campground loops walking path. Sand is soft and finer consistency. Bring a wagon to haul shade items, inflatables and chairs. Can be a walk depending on water level. Call ranger station to verify the water levels. Patrolled well by CPW Rangers.
GuideWe like coming here to camp and fish. Electric hook ups on North campground and some full hookups on the south one. North side has matured shade trees though out and the large Shower House. South side has no trees. Has clean vault toilets and easy access Dump Station with potable fresh water fill at the ends pay attention to the signs because non-potable water is at the center Dump area. Book 6 months ahead! No Swimming or wading allowed in water only non motorized SUP, kayaks or belly boats. Patrolled very well by CPW staff and Park Rangers. Day use areas and good fishing spots fill up quick with locals so set up early. It is near I-25 highway so there is road traffic noise but becomes background noise after a day or so. But if that bothers you you won’t like it. Beautiful fishing ponds with very healthy aquatic ecosystem. Many species of water fowl and lake animals. Mosquitoes are out at dawn and dusk so wear bug protection. It is very pretty to walk around the paths on the North side areas. Crazy it’s so beautiful and close to all needs like gas and groceries.
Traveler
Good cooking grill, good fire pit, not a lot of extra wood laying around. Spacious campground
Camping near Orchard, Colorado, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Orchard, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Orchard, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Orchard, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 35 campgrounds and RV parks near Orchard, CO and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Orchard, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Orchard, CO is Jackson Lake State Park — Jackson Lake with a 3.7-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Orchard, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Orchard, CO.
What parks are near Orchard, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Orchard, CO that allow camping, notably Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.
Keep Exploring
