A gravel road circles most of Prewitt Reservoir's 2,431-acre surface, and campers simply pull off wherever they find a fire ring and enough flat ground. There are no assigned sites. Dispersed camping is the format here, with spots running along the high-water line from the dam around to the southwest end, where late-season water levels expose a wide sand flat. Vault toilets and dumpsters are provided, but there is no potable water on-site, so campers need to arrive with everything they plan to drink.
The reservoir draws anglers working for walleye, saugeye, rainbow trout, cuttbow, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Shore fishing is possible but most reviewers suggest a boat, kayak, or canoe for better results, with early morning around 6 a.m. and late afternoon around 4 p.m. noted as the most productive windows. Robert C. describes birding as "good here most of the year," with herons, grebes, white pelicans, and ducks common sightings. Waterfowl hunting also draws visitors during appropriate seasons.
Crowd patterns shift noticeably by season and day of week. On summer weekends, RVs line much of the perimeter road and generators can run through the night. Arriving on a weekday or in early spring typically means far fewer neighbors. Sites have little natural screening from one another, so privacy is limited regardless of timing. Bugs, particularly no-see-ums near the sandy areas, are worth preparing for from late spring through summer. A campground host has been noted making rounds by golf cart, which reviewers have appreciated.
Access requires a valid Colorado hunting or fishing license, or an Annual Jumbo SWA/Prewitt SWA permit for visitors between ages 19 and 64. The access road has some washboard character but is generally manageable. Campers who want a roof and full hookups can find alternatives at Sterling RV Park - The Landing or browse campgrounds around Sterling for additional options in the region. Prewitt suits campers who come prepared and are comfortable with a no-frills setup beside open water.
Description
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.
Fee Info
This campground is only free if you have a Colorado state wildlife permit OR Colorado state hunting and fishing license.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPrewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area is located in Colorado near Sterling
Directions
From I-76 at the Merino exit (Exit 102), go 1 mile north to U.S. 6, then 3 1/2 miles northeast (right) to the entrance and follow signs to the boat ramp. There is parking below the dam for fishing the dam or hunting the sloughs to the east.
Coordinates
40.42114168 N
103.38893767 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/18/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/18/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 25 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 41 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 48 min from Cheyenne, WY










































