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Dispersed Camping

Cow Creek Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cow Creek Dispersed is located near varied terrain with open spaces and wooded areas. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the scenic Flat Tops Wilderness Area and the White River National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

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Location

Cow Creek Dispersed is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.72866352279701 N
108.00271046002106 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets
  • Fires

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.

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General Info


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2025

Tight Valley

Nothing spectacular, but nice and cool in the evenings. You better be ok with camping in cow grazing lands and all that comes with that. We were completely alone outside a deer and a few birds.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2025

Nice place

It was a nice place to spend some quite time until 4 semi trucks loaded with over 10k sheep showed up haha! They said the let the sheep on their own for the entire summer time, so glad I was leaving the next day because they did left me a present of their particular smell 🤭 I did fund some trash and glass in the are. I tried to clean the most I could. It is about 30 min from town and the morrow bumpy road didn’t make to easy for me and my 21’TT but 2WD will do ok. I didn’t want to go all the way down to the creek so I stayed on the info round around.

SiteInformation round around
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cow Creek Dispersed by Karla L., June 16, 2025
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  • Review photo of Cow Creek Dispersed by Karla L., June 16, 2025
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Reviewed May. 4, 2024

Nice. Easy. Great water access

Here on a Friday in early May and it’s absolutely gorgeous. The public land area is ginormous and there’s only one other group camping here that I know of. Upon arrival, I drove about 3 miles down the creek just to check it all out. It was beautiful but very remote and the roads definitely require 4wd. Found a spot about 2 miles down the stream that I liked a lot but found animal bones, a ripped down barbwire fence, and bear tracks. Took that as a sign to go back towards the entrance a bit before setting up. Campgrounds are well maintained and close to creek. Very spacious. Nice and flat. Great one night spot if you’re headed to Moab from Denver.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cow Creek Dispersed by Charlie S., May 4, 2024
Reviewed May. 24, 2023

Out of the way camp

The Cow Creek Information Kiosk has two or three nice camping/parking spots. 

No bathrooms, water, etc.  Just pure dispersed camping. 

Cow Creek does offer fresh water if it's running.  There is a water crossing to get to the kiosk area, so during spring runoff, it may be inaccessible without a high-clearance vehicle.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cow Creek Dispersed by Eric B., May 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Cow Creek Dispersed by Eric B., May 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Cow Creek Dispersed by Eric B., May 24, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any specific rules or regulations for dispersed camping at Cow Creek?

Cow Creek follows standard dispersed camping regulations for public lands. The area is used for seasonal cattle and sheep grazing, so campers should expect to share the land with livestock during summer months. Pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles, as some littering has been reported. There are no designated sites beyond the kiosk area, allowing campers to select their own spots along the creek. Be prepared for remote conditions and bring everything you need, as there are no services available. Always check for any fire restrictions before your visit.

What activities can you do near Cow Creek Dispersed Camping?

Cow Creek Dispersed Camping offers opportunities for solitude and nature appreciation in a quiet setting. The creek provides access to fishing when water levels permit. Wildlife viewing is possible with deer and various bird species inhabiting the area. The expansive public land allows for hiking and exploration along the creek and surrounding terrain. Photography enthusiasts can capture the natural beauty of the area, particularly during spring when the landscape is verdant. For more developed recreational activities, visitors can travel to nearby Rifle and surrounding areas.

What amenities or facilities are available at Cow Creek Dispersed Camping?

Cow Creek Dispersed Camping is primitive with no developed amenities. There are no bathrooms, potable water sources, trash services, or hookups available. The area offers pure dispersed camping in its most basic form. Cow Creek itself can provide a natural water source when flowing, but all water should be properly filtered or treated before use. The information kiosk area has two to three defined camping/parking spots, while the rest of the area allows for dispersed camping without designated sites.

Where is Cow Creek Dispersed Camping located near Rifle, Colorado?

Cow Creek Dispersed Camping is located in the public lands area near Rifle, Colorado. The site features a Cow Creek Information Kiosk area with several camping spots. To reach this dispersed camping area, you'll need to cross Cow Creek itself, which may be impassable during spring runoff periods. The area is quite remote, extending several miles along the creek, with various spots suitable for camping. Four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the more remote sections of this expansive public land area.