Pawnee Butte View

This dispersed camping area sits on gravel and dirt roads within Pawnee National Grassland, requiring careful navigation for larger RVs. Kerry K. successfully brought a 25-foot trailer despite "some steep inclines in," though the access roads demand attention. The area accommodates big rigs with proper planning and vehicle capability.

Campers find spots scattered across hilltops with direct views of the prominent buttes. Fire rings mark established sites, though visitors must bring their own firewood and water since no facilities exist beyond a single outhouse near the trailhead parking area. Cell service reaches three bars for AT&T users, and the constant prairie wind keeps mosquitoes minimal while providing natural cooling.

The grassland setting includes industrial elements like oil rigs and windmills alongside the natural landscape. Wildlife sightings include pronghorn antelope and cattle grazing in surrounding areas. A water source at the trailhead serves non-drinking purposes, and several walking trails extend from the camping zone. Seasonal trail closures protect nesting birds during summer months.

Stock up on fuel and supplies before arriving, as services require a significant drive from this remote location. The area works well for camping near Pawnee National Grassland and serves road-trippers seeking free overnight stops with expansive sky views.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsPawnee Butte View is located in Colorado near Grover

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

40.80739546 N
103.9900316 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 16 users
    Last on 6/9/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 6/9/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 6/9/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 16 users
    Last on 6/9/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 6/9/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 6/9/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Pawnee Butte View needs a permit.

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Pawnee Butte View

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many visitors appreciated the peaceful hilltop sites with stunning butte views and excellent cell service. Facilities are minimal with limited amenities, requiring campers to bring water and supplies for this remote but free camping experience.

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2024

My Favorite

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!

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2023

Epic overnight

The roads coming in are well maintained due to all of the oil rigs that are coming in and out. Spent the night overlooking the Buttes and had a summer storm roll in. Didn't get to hike out to The Buttes because the trail was closed to protect bird nests.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Pawnee Butte View by Chris W., July 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Pawnee Butte View by Chris W., July 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Pawnee Butte View by Chris W., July 19, 2023
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2023

A few dozen camping spots

Overall, the site presents a tranquil retreat, offering peace and quietude. The constant wind is a blessing, keeping the area free of mosquitoes. 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. However, the landscape is interspersed with man-made elements like windmills and oil rigs, which might detract from the natural beauty for some. The trailhead offers a water source - while not recommended for drinking, it could serve other purposes. The area includes a few trails for leisurely walks. This place serves as an excellent overnight stop for road-trippers, especially considering that it's free of charge.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Pawnee Butte View by Arian K., July 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Pawnee Butte View by Arian K., July 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Pawnee Butte View by Arian K., July 2, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 27, 2023

Great holiday retreat from the crowds

It’s a bit of a drive out here over some iffy gravel and dirt roads. 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.. very peaceful and quiet. 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. Love it.. cows in the distance and saw pronghorns on the way in. No facilities here, only have seen the one outhouse here by the parking lot to the trails. Long way to anything including gas, so fill up and bring your own water.. even thru the tornado warnings, I’ve enjoyed my stay. Bugs are minimal probably due to the ever present wind. My AT-T service was better than in Longmont at 3 bars. No problem there. 👍

Siteno designated sites. pick any open spot
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Pawnee Butte View by Kerry K., May 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Pawnee Butte View by Kerry K., May 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Pawnee Butte View by Kerry K., May 27, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Pawnee Butte View?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Pawnee Butte View, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Pawnee Butte View have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Pawnee Butte View does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Pawnee Butte View?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.