How much does camping cost at Cow Meadow Campground?

Camping fees at Cow Meadow Campground range from $21-$23/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cow Meadow Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cow Meadow Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cow Meadow Campground before I book?

Yes! Cow Meadow Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cow Meadow Campground?

Cow Meadow Campground is open May 08 to October 16. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cow Meadow Campground?

Cow Meadow Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cow Meadow Campground have?

Cow Meadow Campground has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cow Meadow Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Cow Meadow Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cow Meadow Campground?

Cow Meadow Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Cow Meadow Campground

3.40

61 reviews

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD

Top 9% in ORFall

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,459 ft

Price

$21 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Hoodoo Recreation Services Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,459 ft

Price

$21 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Hoodoo Recreation Services Official Website

Get Directions

Cow Meadow Campground

$21.00 - $23.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $21.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746Jen@Hoodoo.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD

Cow Meadow Campground

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD

Nearby places

Bend, OR (45 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)

Weather at Cow Meadow Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cow Meadow Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, lower bugs, and outstanding wildlife viewing—especially migrating sandhill cranes around Crane Prairie—making it ideal for fishing, paddling, and quiet hiking. Expect crisp daytime highs roughly 50–70°F and cool nights dropping into the 20s–40s°F (especially late September into October), which concentrates fish activity and reduces mosquito pressure. Crowds thin after Labor Day, so you’ll get more solitude than in summer while still having Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in OR

Fall noted as best season: comfortable temps, lower bug pressure, excellent wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to October 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to October 18 for reservations; closed for booking out of season.

About Cow Meadow Campground

Cow Meadow Campground sits in Deschutes National Forest near Bend, managed by Hoodoo Recreation Services. This small, quiet campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reviewers appreciate the spacious sites and excellent fishing and wildlife viewing, though mosquitoes can be heavy and there's no potable water on-site.

Cow Meadow Campground caters to a range of campers with options for tent camping, RVs, and trailers. However, the lack of hookups and other amenities makes it more suitable for self-sufficient or primitive camping enthusiasts.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, lower bugs, and outstanding wildlife viewing—especially migrating sandhill cranes around Crane Prairie—making it ideal for fishing, paddling, and quiet hiking. Expect crisp daytime highs roughly 50–70°F and cool nights dropping into the 20s–40s°F (especially late September into October), which concentrates fish activity and reduces mosquito pressure. Crowds thin after Labor Day, so you’ll get more solitude than in summer while still having Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4459 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits where wetlands meet coniferous forest, creating a productive edge habitat. Crane Prairie Reservoir, a flooded meadow system, draws sandhill cranes, bald eagles, osprey, and geese. The surrounding pine and fir forests grow in volcanic soil left by ancient eruptions. Deer, squirrels, beavers, and occasional black bears move through the area. The nearby Newberry National Volcanic Monument features obsidian flows, cinder cones, and crater lakes that illustrate Central Oregon's volcanic past.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or other accommodations are provided beyond campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNearby Osprey Point offers educational opportunities about local fauna and osprey nesting platforms. The Newberry National Volcanic Monument provides interpretive exhibits and ranger talks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit
28 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests unknown
specific data not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeSites vary in size significantly. Some are large and spacious, while others are small and may not accommodate trailers despite being advertised as such.

PrivacyThe campground is described as quiet and not overcrowded, but there are concerns about noise from generators and campers in central sites.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesSites may not accommodate trailers as described due to inaccurate site length measurements. Better suited for tents, vans, or truck campers.

Need help booking Cow Meadow Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Cow Meadow Campground offers a range of basic amenities aimed at campers seeking a more primitive experience. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill, and there is a vault toilet for shared use. Notably, no potable water is available, so campers must bring their own supply. A boat ramp is on-site but described as being shallow and suitable only for kayaks or small boats. There are no electrical or water hookups available for RVs and no Wi-Fi or cell phone service. Several reviewers highlighted the remote, quiet atmosphere but noted the lack of amenities such as water spigots and firewood on-site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Crane Prairie Reservoir offers opportunities for anglers to catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and other species. Bird watchers can observe a diverse array of birds, including osprey and bald eagles. Hiking trails and access to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway provide additional avenues for exploration. However, mosquitoes are a major deterrent for many visitors.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.4

61 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cow Meadow Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed, with users appreciating the natural beauty and quiet atmosphere but complaining about mosquitoes, the lack of water, and limited restroom facilities. Some reviewers also mentioned safety concerns during extreme fire warnings.

Review Summaries

Based on 61 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 61 reviews.

Site 015Mentioned
Site 015: Concerns about theft.
Site 010Issues noted
Site 010: Complaints about illegal fires and noise.
Site 011Issues noted
Site 011: Described as unsuitable for trailers due to short length and tight bollard placement.
Site 013Issues noted
Site 013: Positive comments on space and proximity to the river, but mosquito issues.

What Campers Love

Users praised the quiet setting, large campsites, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. One reviewer noted, "The campground is a little off the beaten path which added to its charm and...

Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

The biggest complaints include the overwhelming number of mosquitoes, lack of potable water, inadequate restroom facilities, and safety concerns such as illegal fires during fire bans. As one...

Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many users recommend bringing plenty of mosquito repellent, potable water, and being prepared for the lack of on-site amenities. One reviewer suggested, "Bring a Thermacell if without a pet and soak...

Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews consistently highlight the mosquito problem, especially in July and August, as well as the 100-degree temperatures during this period. Fall seems to have fewer mosquitoes and more...

Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The mosquitoes ate us alive regardless of the millions of mosquito repellent used." "The campground and area is beautiful. We saw some deer during our stay at our site and kayaked with the geese."...

Based on 61 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pet-related experiences, though one reviewer warned about the dangers of toxic algae in the reservoir for pets.

Based on 61 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path base for fishing and wildlife watching and can bring your own water.

Skip if

You need potable water on-site or want to avoid heavy mosquito activity during peak season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

3.9

(217)

Crane Prairie Campground

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OR, 97701, USA

Crane Prairie Campground sits on the shore of Crane Prairie Reservoir in Deschutes National Forest, a large mid-elevation facility operated by the Forest Service near Bend. Spacious sites offer mountain views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mt. Bachelor, with direct access to the reservoir for anglers and boaters. The campground operates seasonally during peak months and includes tent sites, RV sites, and group options with vault toilets, potable water, and a camp store.