How much does camping cost at Cove Palisades State Park?

Camping fees at Cove Palisades State Park range from $5-$7/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cove Palisades State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Cove Palisades State Park 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 Cove Palisades State Park before I book?

Yes! Cove Palisades State Park has 7 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 Cove Palisades State Park?

Cove Palisades State Park is open Peak season typically includes summer months, specific dates not provided.. 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 Cove Palisades State Park?

Yes, Cove Palisades State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Cove Palisades State Park?

Fire policies at Cove Palisades State Park: Campfires are permitted but must align with park rules and fire bans during high-risk periods.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cove Palisades State Park have?

Cove Palisades State Park has 185 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cove Palisades State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cove Palisades State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cove Palisades State Park?

Cove Palisades State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cove Palisades State Park?

Popular activities at Cove Palisades State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cove Palisades State Park

4.50

84 reviews

7300 Jordan Rd, Culver, Oregon, 97734, United States

Top 9% in ORFall

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Oregon#3

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,405 ft

Price

$5 - $7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

185 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Oregon State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,405 ft

Price

$5 - $7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

185 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Oregon State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Cove Palisades State Park

$5.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A $10 per-use fee for dump station access begins March 30, 2026. This fee helps cover the cost of pumping, maintenance, utilities, and required...

No paid fee categories listed.

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5415463412

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Campground Map

7300 Jordan Rd, Culver, Oregon, 97734, United States

Cove Palisades State Park

7300 Jordan Rd, Culver, Oregon, 97734, United States

Nearby places

Madras: 17 miles (~25 mins)

Culver: ~5 miles (~10 mins)

Redmond: ~40 miles (~40 mins).

Nearby supplies

A general store and cafe are available onsite (closed in winter). Additional supplies can be found in Culver (5 miles) or Madras (17 miles).

Driving directionsThe Cove Palisades State Park is located in Culver, approximately 132 miles and about 3 hours from the Willamette Valley. From Portland: Take US26 E through Mt. Hood National Forest to Madras. Upon entering Madras, stay in the right lane and turn right on SE 'D' St (Hwy 361). Stay on Hwy 361 until entering Culver, then follow park signs. Turn right on C St., right on Feather Rd., left on Fisch Rd which turns into Frasier Rd., and left onto Jordan Rd. From Salem: Take OR-22 E/Santiam Hwy SE for approximately 80 miles, then slight left onto US-20 E/OR-126 E. On the east side of Sisters, turn left onto OR-126 E to Redmond. OR-126 E becomes SW Highland Road in Redmond. From Redmond, use left 2 lanes to turn left onto north US-97. Go approximately 17 miles, then turn left onto OR-361 S/SW for 3 miles to Culver, then follow park signs. Turn left on C St., right on Feather Rd., left on Fisch Rd which turns into Frasier Rd., and finally left onto Jordan Rd.

The park is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures apply to some areas—Crooked River campground (E-loop) operates March through October, while Deschutes campground (A, B, C-loops) runs mid-May through mid-September.

Weather at Cove Palisades State Park

Best Time to Camp at Cove Palisades State Park

Fall delivers the best conditions. Early September through mid-October brings daytime temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, cool nights in the 30s-40s, and thinning crowds after Labor Day. The light on the canyon walls is spectacular. Summer means intense desert heat that drives most people to the water. Winter is harsh and quiet. Spring offers wildflowers and comfortable hiking weather, though visitor numbers pick up as the season progresses.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in OR

Fall described as best: cooler days, thinning crowds and excellent conditions Sept–Oct.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season typically includes summer months, specific dates not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Middle and South Loop are open seasonally (March through October). The North Loop is open year-round. Open seasonally (May 9 through mid-Sep)

About Cove Palisades State Park

The Cove Palisades State Park sits at 2,405 feet in Central Oregon's high desert, where the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers carved deep canyons through ancient basalt. The park's 185 sites across multiple loops accommodate tents, RVs up to 60+ feet, and group camping, with full hookups and primitive options. Fees run $5-7/night. Cell service is nonexistent.

This park accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping with full hookups, primitive sites, group camping, and cabins.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Early September through mid-October brings daytime temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, cool nights in the 30s-40s, and thinning crowds after Labor Day. The light on the canyon walls is spectacular. Summer means intense desert heat that drives most people to the water. Winter is harsh and quiet. Spring offers wildflowers and comfortable hiking weather, though visitor numbers pick up as the season progresses.

ElevationThe varying elevations throughout the park create distinct microclimates and viewing opportunities, from water-level activities to rim-top vistas that stretch across the high desert plateau.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Deschutes and Crooked Rivers converge in a dramatic canyon system carved through layers of volcanic basalt and tuff. Towering rock walls rise from the reservoir waters, their stratified faces showing rust, amber, and gray bands that shift with the light. The high desert landscape stretches to the horizon beyond the canyon rim, stark and open. The volcanic geology here is visible everywhere: in the columnar basalt formations, the compressed ash layers, the evidence of ancient lava flows that created this terrain millions of years ago.

Geological RegionCentral Oregon's high desert reveals its volcanic soul at The Cove Palisades, where millennia of geological drama created a masterpiece of stone and water. Here, the mighty Deschutes and Crooked Rivers have carved their paths through layers of ancient basalt and tuff, creating a canyon system that showcases the raw power of nature's forces. This remarkable landscape stands as a testament to the region's fiery past, offering visitors a front-row seat to one of the Pacific Northwest's most dramatic geological theaters.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers stunning views of towering rock formations, rivers, and distant mountains such as Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park offers three deluxe cabins, one of which is pet-friendly. A user review describes a stay in a deluxe cabin as 'wonderful' and worth returning for (Kami).

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in policies are not directly provided.

Check-out

Check-out policies are not directly provided.

Stay Limit

Crooked River (E-loop) operates March through October
Deschutes (A, B, C-loops) mid-May through mid-September.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite allows two vehicles and up to six people, depending on the site.

Groups

The park has three group tent sites. No specific details about capacity or vehicle limits were mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are divided into loops A, B, C, and E. Layout varies significantly: some tent sites pack in close with minimal privacy, while other areas offer more space and shade. The campground handles everything from primitive tent camping to 60+ foot RVs with full hookups.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via the park's official website and third-party platforms.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not addressed explicitly; reservations are recommended.

Cancellation PolicyReservation cancellation policies are available online but not explicitly detailed here.

AccessibilitySix campsites are accessible to campers with disabilities. User reviews do not provide further details about specific accessibility features beyond this.

Site SizeCampsites offer a range of sizes, including spaces for large RVs. A user noted, 'This campground accommodates everyone and includes primitive campsites to spaces for 60-foot+ RVs' (Janet Brien).

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site and loop. Some tent sites are described as close together and lacking privacy ('Tent sites are roughly 20 foot wide and right next to other people' - Bryan Toland). Other areas, such as Loop E, offer grassy spaces and shade (Alicia Guglielmo).

Total Campsites185 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with grass or shade for comfort; avoid exposed areas during summer.

Best CampsitesLoop E gets praise for grassy, shaded sites. Loop B sits closest to day-use areas. Avoid the tight tent sites unless you don't mind neighbors 20 feet away. Some reviewers specifically recommend choosing grassy sites when reserving, though availability varies by loop.

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Amenities available

The Cove Palisades State Park offers a variety of amenities to cater to campers, including both basic and more enhanced facilities. User reviews frequently highlight the cleanliness and upkeep of the amenities, as well as the friendliness and helpfulness of staff and rangers.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, hiking, and wildlife observation. Visitors often highlight the park's suitability for family activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCell service is non-existent, and hiking in summer can lead to overheating due to exposed trails.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted but must align with park rules and fire bans during high-risk periods.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Begin at 10 PM each night.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available from Madras, approximately 17 miles away, including hospitals and police.

Trash & RecyclingRecycling facilities are available and praised by some users ('Great recycling also.' - Donna Goode). Trash disposal processes, however, have raised concerns about animal safety due to dumpster designs ('Ground squirrels climb in but can't get out' - Janet Brien).

Water FeaturesCampgrounds are near a large lake (Lake Billy Chinook) and rivers. Deschutes campground is about a half mile from the lake; Crooked River campground is a mile away.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful.

Cell CoverageUser reviews consistently mention the lack of cell service, with some considering it a positive aspect of the park's seclusion. 'Cell service is non-existent but is it ever quiet here' (Mike Sweet). Another camper noted that Verizon users wouldn't find connectivity, while AT&T users might have limited access.

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

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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

From Booking Sources

4.5

84 reviews

Recommended

Cove Palisades State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's natural beauty, clean facilities, and a variety of activities. Common criticisms include lack of cell service, site privacy, and occasional management issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 84 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 84 reviews.

Loop ELoved
Loop E offers grassy sites and shade.
Site B38Mentioned
Site B38 is an ADA tent site with a maximum capacity of six people.
Site #61Mentioned
Site #61 for RVs was noted as having excessive slope (Mark Leonard).

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly staff, wide range of activities, and beautiful natural scenery. 'Park staff was SO INCREDIBLY NICE' (Miranda Fenlon). 'Clean bathrooms and showers' (Art Kluch).

Based on 84 reviews

Common Concerns

No cell service, some sites lack privacy, and occasional issues with park management. 'Tent sites are roughly 20 foot wide and right next to other people' (Bryan Toland).

Based on 84 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs due to loud ravens (Cora Shearer). Avoid the Tam-a-lau trail during hot weather. Reserve in advance and choose grassy sites when possible.

Based on 84 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is noted for its high temperatures and busy lake activity. Spring and fall offer cooler weather and fewer crowds. Winter is described as quiet but with no mention of specific activities.

Based on 84 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The hikes and views are worth it' (Mike Sweet). 'Lake is plenty big enough to share' (Joshua Sunrise). 'Beautiful High Desert with Jaw-Dropping Views' (Janet Brien).

Based on 84 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible restrooms and six ADA-compliant campsites are available. Detailed user feedback on accessibility is limited.

Based on 84 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is pet-friendly, with an off-leash dog area in the tent camping loop. 'Day use area is perfect for our dogs to swim' (Rio May).

Based on 84 reviews

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Go if

Fall campers chasing canyon light and cooler temps get the best of it here. The Tam-a-lau mesa trail and eagle sightings from the water are genuine draws, and Loop E's grassy shaded sites beat the cramped tent rows elsewhere. No cell signal is a feature, not a bug.

Skip if

Tent campers who care about privacy will feel squeezed: sites in the main loops run about 20 feet wide with neighbors close on both sides. Shore fishing is hit-or-miss, the lake turns algae-green by July, and paddlers will battle motorboat wakes all day.

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