How much does camping cost at Cow Creek South?

Camping fees at Cow Creek South range from $21-$42/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cow Creek South first-come first-served or reservation?

Cow Creek South accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cow Creek South before I book?

Yes! Cow Creek South has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cow Creek South?

Cow Creek South is open May 20 to October 01. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cow Creek South?

Cow Creek South does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cow Creek South have?

Cow Creek South has 44 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cow Creek South?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cow Creek South. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cow Creek South?

Cow Creek South offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cow Creek South?

Popular activities at Cow Creek South include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cow Creek South

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cow Creek South?

Fire policies at Cow Creek South: Fire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.36

127 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Cow Creek South

$21.00 - $42.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $42.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $21.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-468-7681Help.WhiteRiver.Dillon@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Silverthorne (22.4 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Kremmling (15.1 miles, approximately 20 minutes).

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.

Weather at Cow Creek South

Current alerts(14)

All food, beverages, trash and scented items must be properly stored when not attended. Bear-proof food lockers are provided at each site and bear-proof trash receptacles are provided at the campground.
Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only.
Campers may leave the site for 24 hours and must occupy the site otherwise. This allows a camper to say go for an overnight backpack trip in the woods for one night and come back to their campsite the next day.
Campers must occupy the site the first night at a campsite. This prevents booking the site for Fri-Sun and showing up on Saturday.

Best Time to Camp at Cow Creek South

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, sun-filled days on Green Mountain Reservoir (typical daytime highs around 65–80°F, nights 35–50°F at 8,000 ft) and fully accessible trails and water access, making boating, swimming, and shoreline fishing the main attractions. Most campground services and vehicle access are in place by late May, and reservable sites come online in late June, so you’ll have the option to plan around busy holiday weekends. Expect moderate crowds in July–August and swift, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season for boating, fishing and full services; reviewers note best summer conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 20 to October 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 20, 2025; reservable June 24, 2025; closes October 1, 2025.

About Cow Creek South

Cow Creek South sits on Green Mountain Reservoir in White River National Forest near Heeney, operated by American Land and Leisure. This high-elevation alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers fish, swim, boat, and hike from spacious sites with lake proximity and mountain views.

Cow Creek South Campground accommodates tents, RVs, and trailers with 44 standard sites available. Group camping and cabin lodging are not offered.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, sun-filled days on Green Mountain Reservoir (typical daytime highs around 65–80°F, nights 35–50°F at 8,000 ft) and fully accessible trails and water access, making boating, swimming, and shoreline fishing the main attractions. Most campground services and vehicle access are in place by late May, and reservable sites come online in late June, so you’ll have the option to plan around busy holiday weekends. Expect moderate crowds in July–August and swift, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8064 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested shoreline where lodgepole pine and spruce frame views of Green Mountain Reservoir and the surrounding peaks. Rocky beaches line the water's edge. Wildlife sightings include bighorn sheep on nearby outcrops, elk at dawn, and pikas among the boulders. The reservoir holds native cutthroat trout. Wind is common, particularly in the afternoons when it sweeps across open water. Water levels fluctuate throughout the season, affecting beach access and shoreline appearance.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground is limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit and per month.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with tow per single site or one vehicle per tent site
additional vehicle fees apply.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or the mobile app.

AccessibilityVault toilets and bear-proof food lockers provide accessibility for basic needs. No specific ADA features were mentioned in reviews or official sources.

Site SizeSites are noted as large and spacious, with some sites capable of accommodating multiple tents or vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across sites; some are described as well-spaced, while others lack tree coverage or separation.

Total Campsites44 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with natural wind barriers (e.g., shrubs or brush) for better protection from wind. Avoid sites near construction-grade generator users if noise is a concern.

Best CampsitesSites 5, 6, and 11 get mentioned for water access. Site 36 offers strong views. Confirm your site's proximity to the reservoir beforehand, since water levels change and not all sites sit equally close to the shore.

Need help booking Cow Creek South?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No drinking water available at this campground

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are the only option, which are described as clean and well-maintained.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers provided at each site for safe food storage.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are bear-proof for safety. Proper trash disposal is emphasized through bear-proof receptacles.

Cell CoverageOne user review mentioned spotty but usable service for T-Mobile. No other specific information is available regarding cell phone service.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

127 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 127 reviews.

Site #44Loved
Site #44 is described as spacious with two picnic tables and a large fire pit.
Site #4Mentioned
Site #4 offers stunning views of the reservoir and mountains.
Site #11Mentioned
Site #11 is right on the water but buggy.
Site #22Mentioned
Site #22 and #21 provide ample space for families.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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Nearby Campgrounds

White River National Forest

Cow Creek North sits in White River National Forest near Green Mountain Reservoir, a high-elevation alpine campground operated by American Land and Leisure. The very small site count keeps things intimate, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables serving tent and RV campers alike. Fall brings dramatic aspen and willow color along the reservoir, elk bugling, and lighter crowds, making it a strong choice for anglers and wildlife watchers.