The best camping near The Cove Palisades State Park

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.

• 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Availability opens at 6am PST, six months in advance. It's a good idea to be online and prepared to secure your spot.
4. 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.

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.

• 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.