Cow Coulee is a primitive boat-in campsite located 22.8 miles downstream from Camp Baker along the Smith River in Meagher County, Montana. It is managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as part of the Smith River State Park corridor. Three separate camping areas are available at this location: the upper camp occupies an open field with scattered trees, the middle camp sits on a river bend with greater tree cover, and the lower camp rests on a bench further downstream. All three areas face small limestone cliffs across the river, and a large stillwater pool nearby offers fishing opportunities. No restroom facilities or potable water are provided; campers must pack out all human waste using an agency-approved portable hard-sided toilet system. A permit is required to float and camp on the Smith River, issued through an annual lottery administered by Montana FWP. The float season typically runs from mid-April through mid-July.
Open Apr through Jul
Official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks page for Smith River State Park, which manages the Cow Coulee boat-in campsites along the 59-mile river corridor.
Cow Coulee at 22.8 miles: Upper campsite is a wide open field with a few trees; middle camp sits on a river bend with enhanced tree coverage; lower campground occupies a bench downstream. All three sites face several small limestone cliffs across the river. A large stillwater pool exists near these campsites.
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