Dispersed camping sites near Sterling, Colorado concentrate in the Pawnee National Grasslands, characterized by native shortgrass prairie that typically receives less than 15 inches of annual precipitation. The landscape supports both cattle grazing and primitive camping opportunities across an area spanning approximately 193,000 acres. Camping areas feature prairie dog colonies, native grasses, and terrain that ranges from flat grasslands to elevated buttes with elevation changes of 300-500 feet.
What to do
Hiking to view geological formations: The trail to the Pawnee Buttes offers an opportunity to observe unique rock formations up close. "Took advantage of this past warmer weekend to camp here. It's about 2 hours from Denver... Pawnee Buttes Trail was a great way to start the day the next morning and it was nice to have use of the bathrooms," notes a visitor to Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping.
Stargazing at designated dark sites: The remote location allows for exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Pawnee Butte View mentions, "Have heard the sky watching is great, but so far have had clouds and storms. I have a spot on top of a hill facing the buttes." Another camper confirms, "Great place to star gaze on clear nights. Bugs not bad."
Wildlife observation: The grasslands support diverse wildlife including pronghorn antelope. "Cows in the distance and saw pronghorns on the way in," reports one visitor. Bird watching opportunities exist throughout the area, though seasonal closures protect nesting birds as one camper noted: "Didn't get to hike out to The Buttes because the trail was closed to protect bird nests."
What campers like
Sunrise and sunset views: The elevated terrain provides panoramic viewing opportunities. A camper at Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping shares, "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." These vantage points offer perspective across the expansive grasslands.
Cell service for remote work: Despite the remote location, connectivity remains reliable in many spots. "Consistent 3 bars 5G (AT&T). 200 Mbps down / 16 Mbps up," reports one visitor to Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping. Another camper confirms, "My AT-T service was better than in Longmont at 3 bars. No problem there."
Flat camping spots: The terrain provides naturally level areas for setting up camp. "Flat spots, great views, felt safe, nice and quiet," notes a camper. Another visitor mentions, "Easy 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)."
What you should know
Wind conditions: Consistent wind affects the camping experience throughout the year. A visitor to Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping explains, "Really beautiful but verrrry windy. My van rocked me to sleep every night." The wind intensity often increases at night, with another camper noting, "It was very windy, especially at night."
Limited facilities and supplies: The remote location requires thorough preparation. "Long way to anything including gas, so fill up and bring your own water," advises one camper. Water sources at trailheads are limited and typically not potable, with one visitor noting the trailhead "offers a water source - while not recommended for drinking, it could serve other purposes."
Road access considerations: Access roads vary in condition based on season and maintenance schedules. "It's a bit of a drive out here over some iffy gravel and dirt roads," shares one visitor. Another reports, "There were a couple spots on the road you might want higher clearance, but mostly smooth and all easily passable in a stock Outback."
Tips for camping with families
Cactus awareness: Ground cover includes prickly vegetation requiring caution. One visitor to Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping simply notes, "Nice views, but a lot of cactus." Families should bring sturdy footwear and teach children to watch their step.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations and wind can create challenging conditions. "Chilly at night (10 degrees) but no wind," reports one winter camper at Pawnee Buttes - Dispersed Camping. Bring layers regardless of season, as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
Educational opportunities: The landscape offers learning experiences about prairie ecosystems. "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!" shares a visitor to Pawnee Butte View. The absence of large predators makes this area less intimidating for families new to primitive camping.
Tips from RVers
Rig size considerations: Most roads accommodate various RV sizes despite the remote setting. "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," shares a visitor to Pawnee Butte View.
Wind protection strategies: Position vehicles to block prevailing winds. One camper notes, "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." This technique creates more comfortable outdoor living spaces.
Winter accessibility: Snow can create access challenges during colder months. "During winter snow often drifts onto the roads. If snowy, 4-wheel drive / high clearance helpful for accessing some of the dispersed sites," advises a winter visitor. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling with larger vehicles.
