Cow Creek South

Star4.36
127 reviews
MILE MARKER 124 HWY 9 NORTH, HEENEY, CO 80498, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,064 ft

Price

$21 - $42/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

44 campsites

Season

Open May 20, 2025; r...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cow Creek South
$21.00 - $42.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates range from $21-$42 per night, depending on site type and season. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles, reservation changes, or...
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Standard Site Fee$21.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
801-226-3564
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 127 reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

"User reviews for Cow Creek South Campground are mixed, with sentiments ranging from highly positive experiences to significant complaints about hosts, site conditions, and noise. Many users praise the cleanliness, spaciousness of sites, and scenic views, while issues such as wind, water levels, and host behavior are noted."

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Campground Map

MILE MARKER 124 HWY 9 NORTH, HEENEY, CO 80498, USA

Cow Creek South

MILE MARKER 124 HWY 9 NORTH, HEENEY, CO 80498, USA

Driving directionsFrom Silverthorne, Colorado on Interstate 70 take exit 205 and go 22.4 miles north on Colorado Highway 9. The campground is near the mid-point of Green Mountain Reservoir. The entrance is on the left just before mile marker 124. From Kremmling, Colorado, turn off Highway 40 onto Colorado Highway 9 South and go 15.1 miles. The campground is near the mid-point of Green Mountain Reservoir. The entrance is on the right, just beyond mile marker 124.
Access via Colorado Highway 9 is straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading to the campground. However, site access can be challenging when roads are wet, as mentioned in the official details.
Nearby places
Silverthorne (22.4 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Kremmling (15.1 miles, approximately 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are accessible in Silverthorne (22.4 miles away) or Kremmling (15.1 miles). Firewood is available onsite for $8 cash or cashier’s check.

Best Time to Camp at Cow Creek South

Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and hiking, though afternoon winds often sweep across the reservoir as dramatic storm clouds gather over distant peaks. These mountain tempests arrive swiftly, transforming blue skies into theatrical displays of nature's power. When winter descends, the landscape transforms into a crystalline wonderland blanketed in deep snow, with temperatures that remind visitors of the raw beauty of high-altitude wilderness.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for boating, swimming and fishing; warm days but frequent afternoon winds.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall colors, hiking and scenic vistas are highlights in autumn reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring reviews cite low water levels and wind; less reliable water access before peak season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for winter months (season ends Oct 1).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 20 - October 1, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 20, 2025; reservable June 24, 2025; closes October 1, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Active alerts include seasonal water level changes and potential fire restrictions.

About Cow Creek South

Nestled along the pristine northeast shore of Green Mountain Reservoir, Cow Creek South Campground beckons adventurers to discover the heart of White River National Forest. This mountain sanctuary seamlessly blends waterfront serenity with backcountry exploration, where morning mists rise from the reservoir to reveal endless opportunities for both aquatic adventures and mountain trail discoveries.
Cow Creek South Campground accommodates tents, RVs, and trailers with 44 standard sites available. Group camping and cabin lodging are not offered.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit and per month.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cow Creek South Campground caters to diverse recreational interests. Popular activities include boating, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, hiking, and off-road vehicle exploration. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight, with opportunities to observe bighorn sheep, elk, and other species.
HikingHiking trails are available near the campground, including picturesque routes like Lower Cataract Lake that offer views of fall colors and aspen groves.
FishingFishing options include rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon, and cutthroat trout. Users noted challenges due to pike populations affecting smaller fish.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Green Mountain Reservoir, but users recommend shoes due to rocky conditions or broken glass.
BoatingBoating is a major attraction, with motorized watercraft requiring inspections for aquatic nuisance species. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular.
Wildlife viewingWildlife abounds in the area, including bighorn sheep, elk, pika, and ptarmigan. Scenic rivers sustain trout populations.
Beach activitiesBeach-related activities are available, but the water level changes seasonally. Some sites offer private beaches.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWindstorms are common, and the reservoir water levels fluctuate significantly. Wildlife such as bears necessitates the use of bear-proof lockers.
Active AlertsActive alerts include seasonal water level changes and potential fire restrictions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at each site for safe food storage.

Weather at Cow Creek South

Reviews

4.4
127 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cow Creek South is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Cow Creek South Campground are mixed, with sentiments ranging from highly positive experiences to significant complaints about hosts, site conditions, and noise. Many users praise the cleanliness, spaciousness of sites, and scenic views, while issues such as wind, water levels, and host behavior are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 127 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive mentions include clean vault toilets, spacious campsites, proximity to the lake, and helpful staff. Views of stars and wildlife are frequently praised. "The camp host was very friendly and...
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Based on 127 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include rude or confrontational hosts, low water levels making shore access difficult, noise from generators and parties, wind disrupting tents, and unclear site map information. "The...
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Based on 127 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing shoes for water activities due to rocky beaches, confirming site proximity to water beforehand, and preparing for windy conditions. "If going in the water, make sure to wear...
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Based on 127 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are noted for high water levels and peak activities, while windy conditions and low water are mentioned in spring. Fall reviews highlight beautiful colors and hiking opportunities.
Based on 127 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets are the cleanest I've seen at a campsite." "We booked site 4 and had the most amazing 360 view of mountains." "The camp host was very friendly and helpful." "The reservoir was very low...
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Based on 127 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #44 is described as spacious with two picnic tables and a large fire pit. Site #4 offers stunning views of the reservoir and mountains. Site #11 is right on the water but buggy. Site #22 and #21...
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Based on 127 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features for disabilities.
Based on 127 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are generally respected at the campground, with users noting that dogs on leashes were common and noise levels due to pets were manageable.
Based on 127 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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