This is the HEADLINE

Western

$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**GRAND PRIZE**
$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**4 RUNNERS UP WIN**
[The Dyrt PRO](https://thedyrt.com/pro): 6-Month Membershp


nearby

Looking for the best dispersed campgrounds in Colorado? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from technology. These scenic and easy to access Colorado campsites are perfect for dispersed campers.

Colorado

The Best Dispersed Camping in Colorado

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Heeney? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Heeney

The Best Dispersed Camping Near Heeney, Colorado

## 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.

Cow Creek South Campground

Green Mountain/Heeney Area

Pine valley ranch

Williams Fork Reservoir

There are many dispersed camping opportunities on the forest ranging from backpacking to car-camping along designated Forest Roads. Visitors are encouraged to minimize resource impacts by utilizing established sites rather than creating new ones. Dispersed camping sites along Forest Roads are shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which are available free of charge at ranger district offices.

Visitors are permitted to drive vehicles up to 300 feet from designated routes for purposes of dispersed camping as long as no resource damage is incurred in the process. Dispersed camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams, and forest system trails is prohibited unless otherwise designated. Campers may stay for a maximum of 14 days. Some areas may have additional special restrictions.

This dirt road begins at the paved Red Sandstone Road near Vail and ends at either Piney Lake or Hwy 131 north of Wolcott: This road gets heavy vehicle traffic and also a fair number of mountain bike riders, so please share the road. The climb is gradual and steady, and all but the very lowest of passenger cars can handle this relatively easy dirt road. The road winds its way up along Red Sandstone Creek and then Indian Creek with occasional views south over Vail Mountain, before reaching its high point near the trailhead for Lost Lake Trail. Here you can choose to head west toward Muddy Pass and Hwy 131, or head toward Piney Lake as your destination. Enjoy the peace and beauty here or take a hike up the Upper Piney River Trail, but remember that the lake is surrounded by the Eagles Nest Wilderness and is closed to bikes.

Red Sandstone - Primitive Dispersed

Rock Creek Trailhead 

BLM Cottonwood Campground

This campground is one of the pleasant locations to camp here in the Park Range.
 Some of the things you can do here at Piney Crossing Campground are whitewater paddling, swimming, hiking, playing golf, and fishing, so you won’t run out of things to do.



Piney Crossing Primitive Campground - CLOSED

Blue River Campground

The Lost Lake trail begins at Red Sandstone Road #700, passes Lost Lake, and ends at Lost Lake Road #786: From the west trailhead, the trail follows a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone drainages while traveling though lodgepole pine and aspen groves. The trail gradually climbs 600 feet to the trail's high point then drops slightly to Lost Lake. Continue .75 mile on the trail to reach the east trailhead. This portion of the trail passes through forest and meadows and crosses Red Sandstone Creek.

Due to the relative ease of this trail, it gets heavy use from hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Please remember to pack out what you pack in. If camping in this area, use low impact camping techniques and camp at least 200 feet from the lake and trail. This trail passes through an area that was logged in 1987-88. This demonstrates that National Forest land is used for a large variety of activities and resources

* There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail which is complete with directions, a map, details, and other information about this trail. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5186369.pdf

Lost Lake

Are you in need of a campground near Denver, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Denver and user-submitted reviews.

Denver

The Best Camping Near Denver | Colorado Campgrounds

While all Colorado towns are outdoor-friendly, Colorado Springs is up there with the best of them. If you’re looking to visit Colorado, but Boulder and Denver just aren’t for you, the Springs is where you want to be.

With a wealth of US Forest Service and BLM land, the best camping near Colorado Springs is all free. If you’re looking for the best hiking around, you have solid options between Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Unfortunately, there are no campsites for tents or RVs in either of those places. Point yourself towards Florissant, CO, and see the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument if you want to keep driving. There are no campgrounds available at the national monument either, though you, again, have a host of free camping opportunities nearby.

Colorado Springs

Looking for the best campgrounds near Colorado Springs, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Colorado Springs and user-submitted reviews.

The Best Colorado Springs Camping | CO Camping

Looking for the best campgrounds near Aurora, CO? Aurora is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Aurora and user-submitted reviews.

Aurora

The Best Camping Near Aurora, Colorado

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Fort Collins. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Fort Collins, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Fort Collins

The Best Camping Near Fort Collins, Colorado

Are you in need of a campground near Lakewood, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Lakewood

The Best Camping Near Lakewood, Colorado

Searching for the best camping near Thornton, CO? Thornton is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Thornton, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Thornton

The Best Camping Near Thornton, Colorado

Thornton is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Thornton. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Pueblo is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Pueblo is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Pueblo, reviewed by campers like you.

Pueblo

The Best Camping Near Pueblo, Colorado

Are you in need of a campground near Arvada, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Arvada camping trip.

Arvada

The Best Camping Near Arvada, Colorado

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Westminster, CO has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Westminster. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Westminster

The Best Camping Near Westminster, Colorado

Rio Grande National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Rio Grande National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rio Grande National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Rio Grande National Forest

The Best Camping Near Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, San Juan National Forest, CO has a lot to offer. San Juan National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near San Juan National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

San Juan National Forest

The Best Camping Near San Juan National Forest, Colorado

Are you in need of a campground near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, CO? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests camping trip.

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests

The Best Camping Near Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, Colorado

White River National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of White River National Forest. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near White River National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

White River National Forest

The Best Camping Near White River National Forest, Colorado

Searching for the best camping near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, CO? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, CO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

The Best Camping Near Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, CO has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Colorado camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, CO. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

The Best Camping Near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, Colorado

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Curecanti National Recreation Area. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Curecanti National Recreation Area, reviewed by campers like you.

Curecanti National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado

Surrounded by a steep gorge lies Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, near the small city of Montrose, NV. RVers and campers will want to stop and stock up on supplies before heading toward the campgrounds by the Gunnison River. Offering some of the best camping in Nevada, campers can wander the trails catching stunning views of the striated Painted Wall cliff. Some of the wildlife you can expect to see include deer, elk, mule, and majestic golden eagles. Pitch a tent at one of the campsites by the river for a day of fishing or get a group together and stay in a cabin.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The Best Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park embodies the Colorado spirit perfectly. If you want to get out into nature with other avid outdoors types, few parks are more suited for you. Though the altitude can be tricky, the views are worth the effort.

Currently, there are three campgrounds available during the summer season, with two on TBD status. Rocky Mountain campsites open at the end of May and close around late September. The three available campsites are all on a reservation system. Longs Peak, which is still TBD, is the only first-come, first-served camping option. You can RV camp in Rocky Mountain, though there are no RV-specific sites. If you can’t get a spot in the park during peak season, the best camping near Rocky Mountain National Park is in Estes Park, CO, or any US Forest Service land to the east.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Rocky Mountain National Park is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Rocky Mountain National Park. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

The Best Camping Near Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Are you in need of a campground near Dinosaur National Monument, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Dinosaur National Monument camping trip.

THE BEST Dispersed CAMPING NEARHeeney, Colorado

About Heeney Dispersed Camping

Top Heeney Dispersed Campgrounds