Cow Creek Campground And Picnic Area

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. Access is weather dependent; winter snow may limit road accessibility. No reservations accepted.

About

Cow Creek Campground is a small, primitive campground located in the remote Ashland Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in southeastern Montana. Situated approximately 25 miles south of Ashland in Powder River County, this free campground offers 4 campsites and 1 picnic site for visitors seeking a quiet backcountry experience. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system and enforces a 10-day stay limit. Facilities at Cow Creek are basic, featuring an accessible vault toilet and picnic tables, but no potable water, trash pickup, or firewood sales. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. Access is via Otter Creek Road and Forest Road 4095, and road conditions are weather dependent, particularly during winter months when snow may limit accessibility. The campground is open year-round when road conditions permit, though access during winter can be challenging. During summer months, particularly on weekends and holidays, the campground may fill up, and visitors are advised to arrive in the early afternoon to ensure availability. The area offers opportunities for fishing in nearby ponds and picnicking in a remote forest setting.

Directions

From 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.

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