Best Campgrounds near Cowdrey, CO

Northern Colorado's Cowdrey area features diverse camping options within the high plains and mountain transition zone. Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop provides full hookups and amenities for RV travelers right in Cowdrey, while Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area offers more rustic camping with basic toilet facilities. Within a short drive, campers can access free dispersed camping at Walden Reservoir and in Routt National Forest, or stay at the highly-rated BLM North Sand Hills Campground, which remains open year-round. The region sits at the intersection of several ecosystems, creating varied camping experiences from lakeside sites to forest settings, with the Wyoming border just minutes away.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in this high-elevation area. Big Creek Lakes Campground, about 30 miles west of Cowdrey, operates only from June through mid-September due to its 9,000-foot elevation. As one camper noted, "Camping here requires you to be extra prepared for snow even in summer months, bears, mountain lions, mosquitos, aggressive horse flies, strong winds, thunderstorms and altitude sickness." Many roads to dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after spring snowmelt or summer thunderstorms. Cell service is limited throughout the region, and nighttime temperatures can drop dramatically even in summer, often falling into the 30s at higher elevations.

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank among the top experiences reported by campers in the Cowdrey area. State Forest State Park, nicknamed "Moose Country," offers some of Colorado's best opportunities to spot these massive mammals. Visitors frequently report seeing elk, deer, and various bird species from their campsites. Fishing access is another highlight, with several campgrounds situated near lakes and streams. The North Sand Hills area provides a unique landscape of shifting sand dunes surrounded by sagebrush plains. Campers seeking solitude appreciate the region's relative remoteness compared to more heavily visited areas of Colorado, though summer weekends can bring increased traffic, especially at established campgrounds with amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Cowdrey, Colorado (244)

    1. Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Walden, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 826-5000

    "Sites aren’t really marked/but are right next to the reservoir. No fires/water pumps."

    2. Dispersed Camping in Routt National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Cowdrey, CO
    7 miles
    Website

    "After deciding to take a weekend rafting trip along the Wyoming/Colorado section of the Platte River, we planned to just find dispersed camping options within the surrounding National Forest area."

    3. BLM North Sand Hills Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cowdrey, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 724-3000

    "It’s clearly an area for off-roaders and people with ATVs. Since I got in so late I didn’t make it to the actual coordinates this provides."

    "Sites are fairly close together but no one was around on a Sunday and Monday night. We ended up camping not in the campground but in dispersed camping located all around the dunes."

    4. Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Cowdrey, CO
    1 mile

    "Colorado has lots of SWA camping, Good Verizon service!

    We camped in  a 22ft travel trailer"

    5. Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop

    1 Review
    Cowdrey, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-4212

    $45 - $50 / night

    "We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and needed a place to dump, do laundry and take on fresh water after a week of boondocking in the mountains outside of Steamboat Springs"

    6. Big Creek Lakes Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cowdrey, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-2700

    $20 / night

    "Great spot for car camping in Colorado except its distance from Denver. It’s a trek! Takes at least 4 hours (that’s if you’re lucky). Lots to do."

    "Big Creek Lakes Campground, Colorado (close to Wyoming border): camping here is only open for 3 months out of the year: June, July & August."

    7. Six Mile Campground

    4 Reviews
    Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 326-5258

    "...on six mile road near the CO/WY border. We did the float on the North Platte River. This is a minimal campground near the river with nothing more than a vault toilet."

    "Potable water a walk aways...may need 3 hands to operate. Excellent hiking opportunities."

    8. Sage Campground

    1 Review
    Cowdrey, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 724-3000

    10. Whitewoods Outdoor Adventures

    1 Review
    Walden, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 442-0878

    $25 - $45 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 244 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cowdrey, CO

834 Reviews of 244 Cowdrey Campgrounds



Guide to Cowdrey

Camping near Cowdrey, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities that make it a great getaway. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just soaking up nature, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The lakes around Cowdrey are perfect for fishing. One camper mentioned, "The lake is full even in early September. Amazing and refreshing," highlighting the great fishing opportunities.
  • Hiking: There are plenty of trails to explore. A visitor at North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park said, "Many great camping options and access to literally every summer and winter activity."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at The Crags Campground — State Forest State Park noted, "Your neighbors will be moose at this campground," making it a unique experience.

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Weather Changes: Be prepared for sudden weather shifts. A camper at Dutch Hill Campground warned, "We had thunderstorms blow through most every day with 30+ mph winds possible."
  • Limited Services: Some campgrounds are remote. A visitor at Tunnel Campground noted, "About 13 miles from the nearest services, which are limited."
  • Reservations: Many sites are first-come, first-served. A camper at Buffalo Pass Dispersed mentioned, "You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension + high clearance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities. A reviewer at State Forest State Park said, "Great place to camp and relax. Highly recommended!"
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A camper at Chambers Lake Campground shared, "We fished. We hiked. We were inspired by everyone there to buy our own blow-up kayaks."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra layers for chilly nights. One camper at Dumont Campground advised, "Beautiful views; not on the lake but has a trail to it."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough. A visitor at Buffalo Pass Dispersed mentioned, "The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH."
  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Not all campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Sunrise Vista Campground noted, "Big rig friendly, drinking water, electric hookups."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where to dump your tanks. A reviewer at Dutch Hill Campground mentioned, "Dumpsters were in a few places but not bear proof at all."

Camping near Cowdrey, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cowdrey, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cowdrey, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 244 campgrounds and RV parks near Cowdrey, CO and 85 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cowdrey, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cowdrey, CO is Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cowdrey, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 85 free dispersed camping spots near Cowdrey, CO.

What parks are near Cowdrey, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Cowdrey, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.