The best camping in Cow Creek Recreation Area, SD
Discover Cow Creek Recreation Area's natural splendor.
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cow Creek Recreation Area adventure.
Top-rated campgrounds in Cow Creek Recreation Area
Cow Creek Campground
1. Cow Creek Campground
Adventure until the, ahem, cows come home, and when you do deem it time to retreat, pretty amazing campsites are waiting for you at Cow Creek Campground
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Top-rated campsites near Cow Creek Recreation Area
American Prairie Antelope Creek Campground
1. American Prairie Antelope Creek Campground
10mi from Cow Creek Recreation Area · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Antelope Creek Campground sits just off Highway 191 between mile markers 96 and 97.
While it is more accessible than other remote properties—you can reach us in a standard passenger car and park right by the bathhouse—the wilderness feels just as close. You can watch the local prairie dogs right from your lawn chair.
This is also one of the premier stargazing locations in Montana. With minimal light pollution and wide-open horizons, the Milky Way is brilliantly visible on clear nights, and meteor showers put on a spectacular show.
Wildlife & Exploration
In the spring, sage grouse leks come alive within a short walk of the camp. Our permanent residents, the prairie dogs, provide a constant soundtrack to the plains. For those looking to explore, the Antelope Creek Wilderness Study Area is accessible through a pedestrian gate just west of the walk-in tent sites, offering coulees, ponderosa pines, and total solitude in every direction.
The Surrounding Area
Our "Mars Vista" point sits near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, offering views toward the towns of Hays and Lodgepole, as well as Mission Canyon in the Little Rocky Mountains. If you need supplies, the town of Malta is just 20 minutes away and has everything you might have forgotten to pack.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
American Prairie Lewis And Clark Hut
2. American Prairie Lewis And Clark Hut
100%
(1)
35mi from Cow Creek Recreation Area · 1 site
For generations, this stretch of land where the Judith River empties into the Missouri has been a gathering place — for Indigenous peoples, for the Corps of Discovery, for ranchers and explorers who followed. It still draws people to it in a way that's hard to explain until you're standing at the confluence looking upstream.
American Prairie has built three small huts here — each distinct, each anchored to a chapter of this place's story. They're comfortable without being fancy. The design keeps your attention outside, where it belongs.
The surrounding landscape rewards curiosity: the Big Sag, a vast open depression visible from the property; miles of biking and hiking roads; Judith Landing State Park downstream; and the White Cliffs section of the Wild and Scenic Missouri River Breaks — one of the most dramatic landscapes in Montana — accessible by river float.
In September and October, bull elk gather in the river bottoms. Their bugles carry at dawn. Cows move through the cottonwood corridors. It's one of the best elk viewing opportunities in the region.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
American Prairie Founders Hut
3. American Prairie Founders Hut
100%
(2)
35mi from Cow Creek Recreation Area · 1 site
For generations, this stretch of land where the Judith River empties into the Missouri has been a gathering place—for Indigenous peoples, for the Corps of Discovery, and for the ranchers and explorers who followed. It still draws people to it in a way that is hard to explain until you are standing at the confluence, looking upstream.
American Prairie has built three small huts here—each distinct, each anchored to a chapter of this place's story. They are comfortable without being fancy; the design intentionally keeps your attention outside, where it belongs.
The surrounding landscape rewards curiosity: the Big Sag, a vast open depression visible from the property; miles of biking and hiking roads; Judith Landing State Park downstream; and the White Cliffs section of the Wild and Scenic Missouri River Breaks—one of the most dramatic landscapes in Montana—accessible by river float.
In September and October, bull elk gather in the river bottoms and their bugles carry through the dawn. As cows move through the golden cottonwood corridors, it provides one of the best elk-viewing opportunities in the region.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
American Prairie Craighead Hut
4. American Prairie Craighead Hut
100%
(3)
36mi from Cow Creek Recreation Area · 1 site
For generations, this stretch of land where the Judith River empties into the Missouri has been a gathering place—for Indigenous peoples, for the Corps of Discovery, and for the ranchers and explorers who followed. It still draws people in a way that’s difficult to explain until you are standing at the confluence, looking upstream.
American Prairie has built three small huts here, each distinct and anchored to a chapter of this landscape's story. They are designed to be comfortable without being ornate; the architecture intentionally keeps your attention focused outside, where it belongs.
The surrounding landscape rewards curiosity:
• The Big Sag: A vast, ancient geological depression visible from the property.
• Exploration: Miles of roads ideal for backcountry biking and hiking.
• The Water: Judith Landing State Park sits just downstream, serving as a gateway to the White Cliffs section of the Wild and Scenic Missouri River Breaks—one of the most dramatic landscapes in Montana, best experienced by river float.
In September and October, the river bottoms come alive as bull elk gather for the rut. Their haunting bugles carry through the crisp dawn air as cows move through the golden cottonwood corridors. It remains one of the premier elk-viewing opportunities in the entire region.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Antelope Creek Campground
5. Antelope Creek Campground
10mi from Cow Creek Recreation Area
The Antelope Creek Campground at Mars Vista stands out as a unique lodging option due to its picturesque setting on rolling sage and shortgrass prairie, making it an ideal retreat for nature enthusiasts. Conveniently located just seven miles north of the Missouri River along US 191, this campground offers easy access to a variety of outdoor adventures.
Guests can explore an interpretive hiking trail that winds through the stunning landscape, while a nearby prairie dog town provides a fascinating glimpse into local wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in the wetlands that surround the area, perfect for observing a diverse range of bird species.
The campground features a variety of accommodations, including tent spaces, RV sites equipped with power, and cozy small cabins available for reservation. Visitors will also appreciate the convenience of a bathhouse with showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. Whether you're seeking solitude or a family getaway, Antelope Creek Campground offers a memorable experience in the heart of nature.
Beaver Creek County Park
6. Beaver Creek County Park
48mi from Cow Creek Recreation Area
Beaver Creek Park stands out as a unique destination because it operates independently of county tax funding, relying instead on park usage fees such as permits, campground reservations, haying, and cattle grazing after Labor Day. This self-sustaining model allows for a well-maintained park experience, overseen by the dedicated Hill County Park Board, which meets monthly and encourages public involvement.
The park staff is limited but efficient, consisting of the Park Superintendent/Warden, a Park Assistant/Office personnel, and a seasonal crew of 3-4 members during the summer months. To ensure a clean and enjoyable environment for all visitors, we kindly ask that you take responsibility for your litter by following the ‘Pack In/Pack Out’ principle. If you notice any issues within the park, please report them so we can address them promptly.
Beaver Creek Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, with office hours that vary by season. For the most current hours, please contact the park office at (406) 395-4565. A Beaver Creek Park Permit is required for all park activities, which can be conveniently purchased online or at local businesses such as Stromberg's Sinclair, Bing N' Bobs, Bear Paw Meats, and North 40 Outfitters.
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Mary
May 2026
With pets
The place is amazing! Great location to go check out all that part of American Prairie has to offer! Super clean, great accommodations!
See moreCow Creek Recreation Area camping guide
Overview
About
Lewis and Clark were among the first modern-day explorers to stumble upon this area, and now you can follow in their footsteps. The main show over at the Cow Creek Recreation Area is undoubtedly the Oahe Reservoir, where tons of fun awaits. With more than 2,000 miles of shoreline, you know it’s gonna be a fantastic time. The waters are clear and inviting, and they beckon you in for boating, sailing, fishing, water sports, and even diving. Back at camp, you can even snag a shoreline site with a surprising amount of privacy. Plus, the sunsets are unreal, so get that camera ready.
When to go
The ideal time to visit Cow Creek Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer months can be quite warm, making early morning or late evening the best times for outdoor activities. Winters are quieter but can be cold, so ensure you're prepared if visiting during this season.
Know before you go
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the season to ensure a comfortable visit.
- Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your trip accordingly.
- Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit for a safe and enjoyable day.
- Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions that may be in effect during your visit.
- Accessibility varies across the park, so inquire ahead if you require special accommodations.
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