Summit County manages Cow Creek South Campground along the shoreline of Green Mountain Reservoir, where sites sit directly adjacent to the water when reservoir levels are high. The campground provides large, well-spaced sites that accommodate multiple vehicles and camping setups without feeling cramped.
Sites offer unobstructed views across the reservoir toward the Gore Range and Eagles Nest Wilderness areas. "Best views in the area for sure," notes Katie H., though she also mentions the campground has "virtually zero shade." The exposed setting means campers experience high winds at times, particularly during spring and fall when weather can shift rapidly to include snow.
Fishing draws many visitors to the reservoir, with several campers reporting good success from shore. The water also supports kayaking and swimming during warmer months, though spring and fall temperatures make water activities less appealing. Bears frequent the area, so proper food storage remains essential. Clean restroom facilities serve the campground, and a camp host provides assistance to visitors.
For campers wanting more tree cover, Cow Creek North Campground sits less than a mile northwest with additional site options.
Description
Overview
Cow Creek South Campground is located on the northeast shore of Green Mountain Reservoir in White River National Forest, offering an ideal setting for visitors seeking a multitude of recreational activities both on water and on land. fast
Recreation
Encompassing a landscape of rivers, mountains, trails and forest roads, the White River National Forest is one of the top recreation forests in the nation. Located on the shores of Green Mountain reservoir, Cow Creek Campground is a popular spot for boating, canoeing, fishing, water skiing and windsurfing. Anglers will find populations of rainbow and brown trout, as well as kokanee salmon when casting their lines out into the water. Spring Creek is a popular off-roading area located at the northern end of the Gore Mountain Range. A network of roads open to off-road vehicle use meanders through lodgepole pine and spruce/fir forests. Viewpoints of surrounding mountains open up along these roads.
Facilities
Cow Creek South Campground has 44 standard sites suitable for tents, trailers and RVs. Vault toilets are provided. All motorized watercraft must be inspected for Aquatic Nuisance Species and must launch from a monitored launch ramp. The Heeney Marina below the Town of Heeney on the west shore is open during daylight hours throughout the season. Other ramps are available as reservoir water levels allow.
Natural Features
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million-acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting eight wilderness areas, four defined seasons and ten peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. The White River National Forest was established in 1891 as the White River Plateau Timber Reserve; the second such reserve to be named in the United States. In 1905, the newly formed Forest Service was given authority of the reserve. Long before this designation, the area was home to the Ute Indians who followed herds of elk and bison on their seasonal migrations. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Nearby Attractions
Take some time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. In the summer visitors may want to traverse Trail Ridge Road from one side of the park to the other, reaching alpine vistas boasting elevations of more than 12,000 feet.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Reservation Info
Reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov. Reservations must be made 7 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance.
All day use of the area is free but day users cannot park in campsites. Please use the provided Day-Use parking area. All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless a reservation is posted on the numbered site post. No drinking water available at this campground. Off-road vehicles are allowed on established roads only Site access is difficult when road is wet
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCow Creek South Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From 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.
Coordinates
39.8794444 N
106.2772222 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/17/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 3/17/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/17/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 3/17/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 44 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 16 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 20 min from Fort Collins, CO
