Cow Creek Campground And Picnic Area
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Cow Creek Campground And Picnic Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No recreation use fee mentioned for this campground. The campground operates on a first-come-first-serve basis, without reservation fees.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged expanse of the Ashland Ranger District, Cow Creek Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This intimate wilderness retreat features four primitive campsites and a peaceful picnic area, perfect for those seeking solitude and simplicity. Despite its remote setting, the campground provides essential amenities including accessible restroom facilities, making it an ideal basecamp for hunters, hikers, and anyone drawn to Montana's untamed landscapes.
Cow Creek Campground And Picnic Area is a small, primitive campground with four campsites. It is geared towards a backcountry experience with minimal amenities.
Historical SignificanceWhile Cow Creek may not boast documented historical landmarks, its significance lies in preserving the authentic backcountry experience that has drawn adventurers to Montana's wilderness for generations. This unspoiled corner of the Custer Gallatin National Forest continues to serve as a traditional hunting camp and wilderness gateway, maintaining the rugged character that defines the American West.
Weather and SeasonsCow Creek reveals its many moods throughout the seasons, each offering its own wilderness adventure. Summer brings warm, dry days with brilliant blue skies and low humidity – perfect for stargazing and early morning wildlife watching. As autumn approaches, the air grows crisp and clear, creating ideal conditions for backcountry exploration. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, with light dustings of snow and freezing temperatures that appeal to the hardiest outdoor enthusiasts. Spring's moderate conditions and minimal precipitation make it an excellent time to experience the forest's awakening.
ElevationNestled within the rolling terrain of the Ashland Ranger District, Cow Creek Campground sits at an elevation that offers comfortable camping conditions while providing access to the surrounding backcountry wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryCow Creek epitomizes the raw beauty of Montana's backcountry, where expansive plains meet pristine forest in a landscape unchanged by modern development. The campground's level terrain provides practical camping spots while maintaining the wild character that defines true wilderness camping. Without the distraction of running water or modern conveniences, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural rhythms of the forest – from the whisper of wind through pines to the distant calls of native wildlife. This is camping as it was meant to be: simple, authentic, and deeply connected to the land.
Geological RegionSet within the distinctive landscape of the Ashland Ranger District, Cow Creek Campground showcases the unique geology of southeastern Montana where the Custer Gallatin National Forest transitions from forested ridges to open plains. This fascinating ecological crossroads creates diverse habitats and terrain, from pine-covered slopes to sweeping grasslands, offering visitors a chance to experience the varied character of Montana's backcountry wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides an accessible toilet facility; additional accessibility features are not mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground offers flat ground suitable for backcountry camping.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels between campsites are not detailed, but the small number of sites (4) suggests a relatively quiet and less crowded environment.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early in the afternoon during summer weekends and holidays to secure a site, as the campground tends to fill up.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite is mentioned as being popular or highly rated.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
10-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The source does not mention the specific guest limit per campsite.
Groups
- There is no information about group sites
- the campground has only 4 general sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 4 campsites and 1 picnic site. It is small and basic in layout.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific seasonal closures or openings are indicated.
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made for this campground; it operates on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is entirely walk-up, as no reservation system is in place. "Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night."
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable, as the campground operates on a first-come-first-serve basis without reservations.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is suited for backcountry hunting and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a basic camping experience. Specific recreational activities are not extensively detailed in the materials.
Winter Activities
The campground’s winter usability or recreational opportunities during the season are not discussed.Water Sports
There is no mention of water sports at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Specific fire policies are not detailed.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours are explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include lack of running water and trash removal facilities. Campers should be self-sufficient and prepared for backcountry conditions.
Active alertsNo active alerts or advisories are mentioned in the source materials.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ashland District Office, Emergency contact: Box 168, Hwy 212, Ashland, MT 59003, Phone: (406) 784-2344.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is likely summer months, as weekends and holidays during this season see higher occupancy.
Trash and recyclingTrash pickup is explicitly not available. Campers must pack out all trash and plan for proper waste disposal off-site.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features are mentioned nearby the campground.
Common complaintsNo specific complaints are cited in reviews, though the limited amenities like no running water and no trash pickup are notable.
HostNo host information is provided.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Ashland, MT go 4 miles east on US 212. Turn right on Otter Creek Road (County Road 485) and travel 20 miles south. Turn right on Cow Creek Road (Forest Road 4095) and travel 5 miles to campground on left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads (US 212) followed by unpaved roads (Otter Creek Road and Cow Creek Road). The final stretch to the campground (Forest Road 4095) is unpaved, requiring careful driving.Nearby places
Ashland, MT (approximately 4 miles to US 212 plus additional travel distances as per driving directions).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies likely available in Ashland, MT, which is the nearest population center.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Cow Creek Campground And Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has received minimal user feedback, but the sentiment is generally positive. One reviewer highlighted its suitability for backcountry hunting, appreciating its flat ground and simplicity.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Exactly what I expect from back country hunting camp." Users appreciate the simplicity and flat terrain.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
A lack of running water and amenities like trash pickup and firewood are noted as potential drawbacks, requiring campers to be self-sufficient.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arriving early during weekends and holidays in the summer is crucial to secure a site. Campers are advised to bring all necessary supplies, including water and firewood, as these amenities are not...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is more likely to fill up during summer weekends and holidays due to its first-come, first-served policy. Reviews do not provide detailed feedback on other seasons.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Exactly what I expect from back country hunting camp. Flat ground, no running water, one outhouse."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
There are no specific reviews mentioning individual sites by number.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
The accessible toilet facility is mentioned, but no further accessibility-related reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There is no mention of pet policies or user experiences with pets.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025