254 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"We ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours."
"Sandy beach but does have a bit of a “lake” smell that you’ll get used to quick. Arrived on a Thursday evening towards the end of July. No one else here."
"Colorado has lots of SWA camping, Good Verizon service! We camped in a 22ft travel trailer"
"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."
"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."
"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"
from $45 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"After driving past the more established Lake John RV Resort we found this spot to park our campervan. Site has a metal tin can fire pit. Very peaceful with private location."
RangerThis is a very neat and clean small campground. It’s right off the Hwy but there is no noise at night except the sound of the coyotes howling and only heard them when I went outside to see the stars. There are lots cottonwood and birch trees for shade. There is a bathroom house/ shower. Very clean and private. The women’s has a washer and dryer. Very convenient.
TravelerWe just got back from 4 nights tent camping here. It was nice clean and quiet Elk frequent the campground
GuideWell managed. Close to La Poudre River. Sites next to river are dry. The other campsites have electricity. Clean showers. The showers cost 50¢ The time 50¢ purchased was enough for us to shower.
TravelerThere’s an upper and lower area. I was able to get an upper spot with a view of the valley next to a fire pit. There’s no services here.
ScoutNice view and clean land.
GuideWe planned to stay at FF campground in National Forest campground East of Laramie. It and all other FS campgrounds were full. Found this campground. Full hookup, back in, reasonably quiet, and well maintained. There is a train. I did not hear it in my trailer at night. We had the AC off. I only noticed it on my walks around the fairgrounds. Friendly neighbors and safe. Stayed here 4 nights. Travel Trailer 34 ft. There is a multi-use (bike) trail at entrance of fairground. This phone number will give you a recorded message regarding a few fairground services one is the campground (307-742-3224.) It is closed late July early August due to county fair. This year it was July 23 to Aug 2. Campsites are FF. There were plenty of open sites when we arrived Thursday 5:30 pm.
ScoutWe have not been to this park since they remodeled it a few years ago. The paved roads and sit3s are nice and clean. I assume the lack of grass relates to the drought.
ScoutDyrt says a mix of reservation and first come first serve sites; this is incorrect. I arrived on a Monday at noon, the campground was full. I talked with the forest service camp host on site - he said Brooklyn Lake is reservation only.
RangerRight on the river. Spaces are close to each other but not too close. There is a day use parking area and a well maintained bathroom. There is 1 pull through site and the others are back in sites.
Dispersed camping near Cowdrey, Colorado sits within a high-elevation transition zone where sagebrush plains meet forest landscapes. The area's elevation ranges from 7,800 to over 9,000 feet, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature fluctuations and weather changes regardless of season. Mosquitoes and biting insects can be particularly problematic during summer months, especially near water sources like Walden Reservoir.
Fishing access points: At Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping, campers can fish for local species while enjoying waterfront camping. "Amazing views but lacks tree coverage. Tons of ants but I nothin bit me. Smells like sage and fresh air. Quiet as can be," notes one camper.
River exploration: The North Platte River provides opportunities for rafting and fishing near Six Mile Campground. "We did the float on the North Platte River. This is a minimal campground near the river with nothing more than a vault toilet. Great views of mountains and plains and even some pronghorns near the camp," reports a visitor.
Off-road vehicle use: The BLM North Sand Hills Campground area caters to ATVs and off-road enthusiasts. "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. I just pulled over in a spot that was clearly camped in before and slept," shares one camper.
Solitude during weekdays: Many campgrounds in the area remain relatively uncrowded on weekdays. At North Sand Hills, one camper noted: "This camping site has amazing views. Sites are fairly close together but no one was around on a Sunday and Monday night."
Stargazing opportunities: The open landscape at Sage Campground creates perfect conditions for astronomy. "The biggest drawback to this campground is it is completely open with no trees... Excellent for stargazing," reports one reviewer.
Diverse wildlife viewing: The region supports numerous wildlife species. At Big Creek Lakes Campground, visitors often spot animals: "We had hundreds of chipmunks visit us each day to clean up the kids' crumbs. We also saw antelope and deer on the drive in and several moose, elk and a coyote off the highway."
Limited camping season: Many higher elevation sites have short seasons. "Big Creek Lakes Campground... camping here is only open for 3 months out of the year: June, July & August. It's camping at over 9,000ft elevation," explains one camper.
Challenging road conditions: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles. "You will have to travel down a gravel/dirt road for ~30 miles to get to the lake and campground. Sections of it are TERRIBLY washboarded. Plan for over an hour to navigate through," warns a Big Creek Lakes visitor.
Insect preparation: Bugs can be problematic throughout the region. At Walden Reservoir, one camper warned: "Easy to get to. Lovely to see. Pelicans and seagulls. Flat, no trees and darned few bushes taller than sage. SO MANY BUGS."
Budget camping option: The Vic & Sigrid Hanson Memorial Park offers free camping with basic facilities. "Call the sheriff on +1 (970) 723-4242 and leave name and number. There are some picnic tables with a bit of shelter... Great restaurant on Main Street. Reasonable grocery store at gas station," advises a camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting the abundant wildlife. "The area is beautiful, we had the greatest time hiking and fishing... Spot 23 is where we stayed and the pull through drive way is on a wicked hill. Made it tricky getting the camper level," shares a visitor to Big Creek Lakes.
Weather preparation: Families should pack for all conditions. "We showed up at night and it was very quiet, no problem finding a spot to camp. However, during the day the gnats, bugs, and ants were everywhere. Literally crawled up our boots and bodies," notes a Walden Reservoir camper.
Hookup availability: For those requiring amenities, Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop offers services. "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... The sites are grassy and all looked fairly level. Ours was only about a 1/3 of a bubble off side-to-side."
Leveling challenges: Many sites require careful positioning. At Whitewoods Outdoor Adventures, a visitor noted: "Dry campground $45 right next to LOTS of BLM (which I didn't realize) campground is dirt road lots and lots of garbage but it does look like they just bought the place and is a work in progress."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Sentinel Mountain RV, a camper reported: "AT&T coverage is a little complicated; on the South side of the RV service ranged from 1-2 Bars of 4G/LTE with service up to 8 MB/s up, but on the North side service ranged from no service to 4 bars of 3G."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cowdrey, Colorado located in relation to Rocky Mountain National Park?
Cowdrey is located approximately 65 miles northwest of Rocky Mountain National Park. To reach the park from Cowdrey, you'll drive south through Walden and over Cameron Pass, then continue toward Grand Lake. The western entrance near Grand Lake provides access to Timber Creek Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park, which sits adjacent to the Colorado River. This drive takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, from the NFSR 120 Dispersed Site - Arapaho National Forest near Grand Lake, it's only a 20-minute drive to the park entrance, though this is still about 60 miles from Cowdrey.
What camping options are available in and around Cowdrey, Colorado?
The Cowdrey area offers diverse camping options for all preferences. Big Creek Lakes Campground is a popular spot about 30 minutes west of Cowdrey, featuring fishing, hiking trails, and terrain for off-road vehicles, though it's only open during summer months at its 9,000+ feet elevation. For primitive camping, State Forest State Park offers excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, especially moose. Closer to town, Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area provides convenient drive-in access with basic facilities. Dispersed camping is available in surrounding national forests, while Encampment River Campground offers affordable sites just across the Wyoming border.
What camping is available near Cowdrey, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cowdrey, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 254 campgrounds and RV parks near Cowdrey, CO and 90 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 3.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cowdrey, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 90 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 Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland and Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG.
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