The best camping near The Cove Palisades State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next The Cove Palisades State Park adventure.

Hiking and paddling opportunities abound at this park between rivers.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near The Cove Palisades State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near The Cove Palisades State Park

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Picnik Place

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Bend, OR

Hi and welcome to Picnik Place! This is a 20 acre farm, so there is plenty of land to roam free and explore, as well as having your privacy from the primary residents. With this spot, you are nestled under a juniper tree with a lava rock backdrop and can watch the sun dip below the volcanos in the distance. This spot is very simple and tucked away. There is an off-grid solar power hook-up that you can use, but it will not be enough power to run the AC and toaster oven at the same time! While feeling remote and removed from the Bend tourism, it only takes 15 minutes to get downtown, where there are ample restaurants, shops, coffehouses, etc. It takes 7 minutes to get to Trader Joe's and Home Depot, and 10 minutes to get to St. Charles Hospital.

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Big Rock Ranch

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Terrebonne, OR

Nathaniel and Raina Potter purchased this 30-acre ranch in 2016 and aptly named it "Big Rock Ranch." The modest ranch layout with the wildly immodest views of a giant rock outcropping jutting out of coyote butte was the immediate draw and continual wonder to Nathaniel, Raina, and all who visit. Big Rock Ranch runs cattle in the irrigated pastures and chickens for meat and eggs. Stay at Big Rock Ranch...Stay in a 12x14 ft canvas tent on a working regenerative family farm in the high desert. Enjoy views of a 300+ ft Tuff rock formation, Cascade Mountains, and irrigated pasture views all from the tent. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, outfitted with propane burners and a sink. Eat meals from the tent deck or the picnic table under native junipers surrounded by sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native grasses and tuff boulders. Collect farm fresh eggs and greens seasonally with the opportunity to enjoy meat raised at the ranch. One queen bed in a canvas tent, one folding cot, and access to a 2-person tent if needed to accommodate a family or two couples. Bedding is NOT supplied beyond the queen bed. Recreation Activities: Limited hiking available onsite but only 8 minutes from Smith Rock State Park for hiking and climbing. Only 25 minutes from Lake Billy Chinook for water recreating. Just 15 minutes from mountain biking at Skull Hollow. A 10-minute drive to swimming in the Deschutes River at Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve. Bend and Sisters are both 30-minutes away. Night rates are offerings to our family and ranch.

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Desert Rose Private Campground

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Prineville, OR

Welcome to our family's Private Campground - The Desert Rose. A boondocking site for you and your family to enjoy! We have a Yurt, a cabin, 3 RV/Travel trailer pads and 2 tent sites created here and plenty of room for everyone to have their own space yet be all together. You can book the entire campground, or just one of the units. Whether it's just you, or you're bringing a crew, we know you'll love it here! Our favorite hikes in the Central Oregon area is Smith Rocks and Chimney Rock. The Prineville reservoir is roughly a 12 minute drive and the starry nights here are something to behold. Up the road is the most unique petting zoo that we recently found! Find it and you might just be able to hold a baby kangaroo! Boondocking site means there is no hook-ups or running water so you'll want to bring in your own water and heat if you're here in the colder months. Your four legged furry family members are welcomed! They must be accompanied at all times and not left on the property alone. The dog run is for you to keep closer tabs on them while relaxing, not for leaving them while going into town or enjoying the area. The dirt is very soft and it wouldn't take very long for them to dig under to get out and go looking for you. The cabin or yurt is also not a pet storage area - with no power or AC, pets are not allowed to be left alone in the dwellings.

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Harmony Farm Sanctuary

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Bend, OR

Absolutely breathtaking mountain views from the tiny house and all over the property. Located on an active farm sanctuary. You will wake up to the sights, sounds and smells of our rescued farm animal friends. Learn more about this land: Tiny house with stunning mountain views located on a farm animal sanctuary, Harmony Farm Sanctuary. You will wake up in the morning to the sound of roosters crowing and our crew of friendly animal residents. It can be noisy at times but we find it delightful! The tiny house has huge, direct views of the Three Sisters mountains and Broken Top and plenty of outdoor sitting space to enjoy it and a little propane fire pit to enjoy the sunsets. The tiny house offers an amazing "glamping" experience and a unique opportunity to learn more about what we do at our animal sanctuary and even take a tour! The Space: Our hand made tiny house offers a double sized mattress (bedding included) in the upstairs area (access via an attached ladder!). Room for an additional person across from double bed also in upstairs area or put provided mat on the floor. Please note: the space is small for 3 people. The Kitchen: Tiny house kitchen area has a small refrigerator, small counter space for meal prep, a tea kettle for hot water, water jug for fresh water, french press coffee pot and coffee/tea, hot plate for cooking, popcorn maker and popcorn, pots and pans, silverware, napkins, bottle openers, etc. We now have a new small outdoor kitchen with a two burner propane stove! The Facilities: The tiny house offers a composting toilet for night time pee pee needs and offers a port-a-potty for all other uses please! If you want to know a secret river dipping spot or where to go to find showers please let me know! The Location: Aside from the farm sanctuary we are conveniently located between beautiful Bend, Oregon and Sisters, Oregon. We have hiking and biking trails within .3 of a mile! We also have books to recommend 100's of other hiking, biking, nordic skiing and alpine skiing nearby! And, since we are outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we are happy to recommend places to ski, hike, mountain bike, float or paddle!

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STEEP DREAMS

2 sites · Lodging17 acres · Sisters, OR

RELAX!!.... Or hike, or bike, or swim or simply recharge your batteries! Stay the night in our tipi or cabin while taking in the peaceful views of mountains and the treetops. Camps are located on the top of a canyon where you can see for days on this one of a kind central Oregon property. Camps are located next to county and BLM land if you want to hike, bike or take a dip in the pond. 20 minutes to Bend, 15 minutes to Redmond and only 10 minutes to Downtown Sisters.

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Camp Blakeley

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Redmond, OR

Centrally located to Central Oregon's favorite destinations and attractions, our campsite offers the perfect blend of convenience and serenity. Situated on a privately owned 4-acre homestead, you'll enjoy proximity to grocery stores, gas stations, and retail outlets, all while surrounded by the tranquility of nature. Campsite Features: Campsite 1: Offers a 50 amp electric hookup and a shared water source. (Please note: No bathroom or showers provided.) Campsite 2: Features a deck with a BBQ and a shared water source. (Again, no bathroom or showers provided.) Both campsites boast a shaded grassy area adorned with old-growth trees, providing a peaceful retreat. Additionally, Campsite 2 includes a deck where you can bask in the sunshine while grilling up a delicious meal on the gas BBQ. As evening falls, gather around the small fire pit under the stars, surrounded by comfortable seating. Bring along some friends and experience all that Central Oregon has to offer. Nearby attractions include: Grocery stores, gas stations, and retail outlets just 5 minutes away Smith Rock State Park a mere 10-minute drive RDM Airport accessible in 11 minutes Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center a short 12-minute drive Bend, Oregon, a vibrant city, reachable in just 28 minutes Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the wonders of Central Oregon while enjoying the comforts of our serene campsite. Book your stay today and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

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The Camp Campground

28 sites · RVs13 acres · Bend, OR

Welcome to The Camp, Bend's premier RV park where adventure meets comfort in the heart of Oregon. Situated less than a mile from downtown Bend and just off Highway 97, we offer fully renovated sites with stunning mountain views, modern amenities, and easy access to the city's top attractions. Join us for a unique camp-cation experience that promises relaxation and adventure for the whole family, pets included. At The Camp, we cater to all adventurers with a variety of back-in RV sites tailored for everything from vans to larger RVs, offering dimensions to suit every need. Each site boasts full hookups, gravel pads with concrete and artificial grass lounging areas, and access to top-tier amenities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay amidst Bend's natural beauty. The Camp offers an array of amenities to enhance your experience, including a spacious community area with a fire pit and BBQ grills, clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. We prioritize your comfort with WiFi access, family-friendly spaces, and a dedicated onsite dog area, ensuring a welcoming environment for all our guests. Bend, Oregon, uniquely merges urban appeal with the thrill of the outdoors, boasting a vibrant mix of cultural sites, like the Deschutes Historical Museum, and top-notch dining, including the acclaimed Ariana Restaurant. Adventurers can scale Smith Rock, kayak the Deschutes River, or explore the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, offering endless exploration opportunities. The culinary scene is equally diverse, from the innovative dishes of Ariana Restaurant to the craft brews of Deschutes Brewery, highlighting Bend's dedication to quality, creativity, and local tastes, appealing to both food lovers and casual diners.

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Mountain view escape

1 site · RV5 acres · Redmond, OR

A beautiful peaceful 5 acres in a quiet country neighborhood, with views of Mt Bachelor, the Three Sisters, and Mt Washington, Mt. Jefferson Learn more about this land: A 16’x30’ relatively level gravel site with 30-amp hookup (Plenty for air conditioning) with stunning mountain views in our quiet campground country neighborhood. Delicious well water available and wifi. This is for Class C motorhomes and vans (short trailers are fine but no fifth wheels or long trailers). As we don't provide bathrooms, we are not hosting tents or parties that need a bathroom. 9 miles to Smith Rock State Park, 15 miles to charming town of Sisters, 19 miles to adventurous Bend. Short walk to the Deschutes River where you can picnic, swim, fish, or hike on trails. Watch deer graze under the Three Sisters mountains as you relax in the quite, peaceful setting you will be staying at. Fill your RV with our incredible tasting well water (May- Sept we have water) and watch the birds swoop over the valley underneath the gaze of the Cascade Range.

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Casa di Beccaccino

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Bend, OR

Quiet property in the heart of Central Oregon. Near the meandering Deschutes River, 6 miles south of the Sunriver Resort. Enjoy the quiet natural wooded area. There are numerous golf courses, lakes, and recreational areas nearby. Deer, elk, blue heron, bald eagles and other wildlife are abundant. Numerous recreational options all around. Learn more about this land:Central Oregon Recreation property, full Rv Hookups on flat gravel pad, in a quiet setting. 30/50 amp, fresh water, sewer, all included.VERY SAFE REGION. Deschutes County has very low COVID-19 incident. Get outside and enjoy the SUN!Longer Stay? All Seasons! Larger group? Please inquire.You are welcome to pitch a tent but we require that at least one RV for toilet access on the property. Kids camp free. Propane campfires are a must. Wood fire bans are in effect summer. Deer, squirrels, rabbits, birds are very common visitors to our area as wellSet up your RV and you are in the middle of countless recreation options. Stay and Play. All Seasons!Venture out to hikes, lakes, fishing or skiing. If you have a larger group you are welcome to pitch a tent but we require that at least one person in the party have an RV as we do not have toilet access on the property. Kids can camp free. If you are bringing your kids please contact me or include this in your booking request. Propane campfires are a must. Wood fire bans are in effect summer months.Deer, squirrels, rabbits and many birds are very common visitors to our area as well, enjoy. Propane fire and propane heat only. Electrical heaters in short term RV not allowed.

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Horse Ranch on the Rim

2 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Culver, OR

Come enjoy the scenic views. They are breathtaking. Room to set up camp and go for a hike. Owners live on the property and can assist you in finding the perfect spot for your family. Horses all around. Pets welcomed on leash. Smith Rock only 10 minutes away. Cove Palisades State Park is only 9 miles away.

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Cascadia Farm Sanctuary

5 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Pronghorn, OR

Learn more about this land: Enjoy a small working hay farm and animal sanctuary outside beautiful Bend, Oregon. We have amazing sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing on this 40-acre property. We have 11 goats and 2 Llamas, and we plan to enlarge our herd this year and take in other unwanted farm animals as needed. Note: This is an adults-only location. No children or dogs are allowed on the property. We have recently added two open-air A-Frames to the two campsites for your enjoyment. Both come with Gas firepits, lofts, and hammocks. We also have a new wood-burning sauna as an added feature and costs $20 per person for the duration of your stay.

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Justesen Ranches

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres · Tygh Valley, OR

Justesen Ranches is family owned working cattle, wheat and recreation ranch. Our properties are located in the Columbia River Plateau in North Central Oregon. Enjoy wide open spaces, reservoirs for wildlife watching and clear night skies for star gazing. This is a leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out camping area. The property is located in Tygh Valley and is only a few minutes from the general store and the stunning White River Falls State Park. The Deschutes River whitewater rafting hub of Maupin is just a 10 minute drive away. The lodge two hours from Portland and 30 min from The Dalles.

The best camping near The Cove Palisades State Park guide

Overview

About

Situated between the Deschutes River and its Crooked River tributary, The Cove Palisades State Park offers camping, cabins, and lots of outdoor activities. Hiking is popular here, and trails range from the quarter-mile Wetland Nature Trail Loop to the seven-mile-long Tam-a-láu Trail, which rewards those who climb it with fantastic views of the Cascade Mountains. For paddlers, the park offers easy access to both the Deschutes River and the Crooked River, the latter of which is beginner-friendly. There are also three day-use areas with boat launches and swim beaches, and the nearby Cove Palisades Resort and Marina rents out boats, water sports equipment, and moorages.

Notable campgrounds

Best for camping with dogs: Crooked River Campground (aka E loop) has a pet exercise area.
Best for families: Deschutes River Campground features horseshoes, a playground, and a basketball court.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Camping reservations are available to book from six months in advance up to a day in advance. Reservations can be made on the Oregon State Parks website or over the phone.
The two campgrounds here are separate from one another. Crooked River is also referred to as E Loop, while loops A-C are in the Deschutes River Campground.
Availability opens at 6am PST, six months in advance. It's a good idea to be online and prepared to secure your spot.
Same-day reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but only in person. Arrive early for the best chances of getting a spot.

When to go

The Cove Palisades State Park is open for day use throughout the year and for camping from March through October. The park and its campgrounds are busiest in summer, particularly from June until September before kids go back to school. Weekdays in late May or early September are good alternatives if you want warm weather without the crowds.

Know before you go

Basic supplies and fuel are available for purchase at the nearby Cove Palisades Resort and Marina. If you need a more extensive range of groceries or supplies, you can head to the nearby city of Madras, about a 20-minute drive from the park.
Both campgrounds have accessible campsites and restrooms. The Upper Deschutes and Crooked River day-use areas have accessible kayak launches.
Fire bans are common due to wildfire risk, especially in the hot and dry summer months. In times of extreme danger, portable cooking devices that run on fuel or propane may be prohibited.