Cow Mountain Questions

[rgs1975]

So we are thinking of taking a long weekend camping trip up there.

From what I can find on the web the closest campsite is Mayacmas Campground. Looks to be about 1 mile as the crow flies from the shooting range or about 2 or 2 1/2 miles by the dirt road.

Here are the questions I couldn't find answers to online...

Do you have to make reservations to camp at the developed campground or is it first come first serve?
How much does it cost to get the campsite?
How large is the campsite and how many actual camp spots does it have?
Do you have to get a permit to have a campfire and if so where do you get it?
The creeks nearby are ok for fishing if you've got a license right?
Since it's BLM land you are allowed to open carry loaded firearms correct?

[Sarkoon]

I've only been there a few times now so I'm no expert, but here are my responses to your queries:

First come, first serve.

There are no fees.

As far as I know there's only one large campsite that has room for tents and also has a picnic table. There's another good size site without a picnic table, and other tiny sites with picnic tables but no room for any tents. (wtf?)

You only need a fire permit if you intend to build a fire outside of the campsite area.

Not sure about fishing - the stream to the north is difficult to get to, and you may find the stream to the south is too small.

Yes, you can openly carry loaded firearms, and you are allowed to shoot them as long as you follow common BLM rules like not shooting in the campsite area or over/towards roads, etc...


Overall it's a really nice spot - well-shaded and very secluded.

[LkPillsburyDude]

I just got back from Cow yesterday. It was a relaxing weekend. Didnt do any shooting. I was on the OHV side. We went night wheeling almost every night, down at the waterfall and up. Went in a cave or mine. Not as pretty as Pillsbury but just as exciting. A couple weekends ago there must have been a couple hundred people over at Red Mountain sites.

[Ugly Dwarf]

Cow Mountain Camping / Shooting

I've only camped at Buckhorn Camp up there, but have always enjoyed myself. At least two (possibly all four) of the sites have a picnic table and space for multiple tents. There is one vault toliet for all four campgrounds. There is NO running water, so you'll need to bring your own.

When we went last June it was a lot more 'buggy' than usual, but it's never a problem when we've gone in November.

We don't go to the established 'shooting range', but usually drive out from camp and find some places off the side roads for shooting (there are many places that offer good back drops and don't shoot over roads or such). Good for plinking and such. Just be sure to clean up after yourself and you should be fine.

Have fun.

[westcoastr]

i have been in that area (the north side of the noth unit) the past two fridays. been pretty dead only a few people.

i usually sleep in my car or bivy somewhere close to road (i hate campgrounds).

there is a good shooting range at the south end of the north unit, please use it and clean up after yourself, least they close it down. there are other less established area, please be very careful, I am usually down in those remote valleys hunting with a blaze orange hat and vest on - dont shoot me. but you will find open ridges coming down to road that offer some plinking opportunites and some bowls where you can chuck clays (not sure if this legal since no way anyone pieces up the millions of shattered pieces).

in fact, pick up trash on your way out, even if it is not yours - consider it karma for when you break your leg in the backcountry and somehow make it out alive.

the weather has been great (ex-rain, snow and freezing rain 2 weeks ago) and the bugs are minimal but ticks are coming out in the lower elevations about 2500 ft in the sage/scrub.

have fun

[rgs1975]

westcoastr, how are the streams for fishing?

[westcoastr]

most are still small on the north side