Established Camping
Cow Creek South Campground
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
BLM Upper Colorado River District and most of White River National Forest remaining in stage 2 restrictions, Dillon Ranger District lowering to stage 1GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 27, 2025) Beginning Friday, fire restrictions in the Dillon Ranger District will be reduced to stage 1. All other lands managed by the White River National Forest as well as all lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District will remain stage 2 fire restrictions.Under stage 2 fire restrictions, no campfires or charcoal are allowed anywhere, including in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, among other restrictions. Under stage 1, fires are allowed in the metal rings provided in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, but not outside those areas, among other restrictions.Fully enclosed metal stoves common in hunting tents are allowed only under stage 1 restrictions, provided the chimney is at least five feet in length and has a spark arrester with a quarter-inch or less screen opening. The area where the stove is used must be barren or cleared of flammable material within 10 feet.The restriction orders detailing the specific prohibitions are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts and https://www.blm.gov/ucr-fire-restrictions.While recent rainfall has helped reduce fire danger in some areas, fire managers are continuing to monitor conditions. County, state and federal officials coordinate and consider many factors when determining the need to implement fire restrictions; these include current and anticipated fire danger, availability of firefighting resources, and concerns of neighboring jurisdictions.
Heeney Road to be closed for rockfall mitigation. Project starts August 4, expected to last 6-8 weeks.
- The road will be closed in the work zone Monday through Friday, including overnight, and will be open on the weekends as conditions allow.
- The road closure will most heavily impact travelers coming to Heeney from the north, requiring a 20-30 minute detour via the south entrance of Heeney Road (closer to Silverthorne). Northern access to the Willows Campground and the Big Green Boat Ramp should not be impacted. The Heeney Marina, CR 1812, and other community amenities will be accessible from the south.
ALL of White River will be going into a Stage 2 Fire Restriction starting on 8/8/25. Only propane fires will be allowed in all campgrounds or other Forest Service land. No firewood sales will be available to the public. The device must be able to turn on or off the fuel and fire source. No charcoal or wood fires.
Cow Creek South Campground, near Silverthorne, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to soak in some stunning mountain views while enjoying the great outdoors. Nestled right next to the Green Mountain Reservoir, this campground offers spacious sites that provide a sense of privacy, making it perfect for families or groups.
Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery, with many noting that the views are among the best in the area. The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-kept restrooms, which add to the overall pleasant experience. As one camper put it, “The campgrounds are spacious, with plenty of room between campsites,” allowing for a comfortable stay.
For outdoor activities, you’re in luck! The area is great for fishing, kayaking, and hiking, with trails nearby that lead to beautiful spots like Cataract Lake. Just be prepared for the lack of shade; some campers mentioned that while the views are incredible, the sun can be relentless during the day.
With a friendly camp host and a welcoming atmosphere, Cow Creek South is a solid choice for anyone looking to escape into nature. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, this campground has everything you need for a memorable stay.
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
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
Location
Cow 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
Detours Nearby
Spring Creek Colorado- Dispersed Camping
45 min away
BLM Cottonwood Campground
1 hr 6 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from Denver
- 1 hr 44 min from Boulder
- 2 hrs 16 min from Greeley
- 2 hrs 20 min from Fort Collins
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
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
