Shady Cove

Star4.14
24 reviews
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Quick Facts

1,535 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

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Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Shady Cove
$3.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use fees vary by location and activity. Additional reservation fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person) may apply.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 24 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikingwater

"User reviews for Shady Cove Campground are mixed. Positive reviews highlight its scenic location in the Opal Creek Wilderness and proximity to hiking trails and waterfalls. Criticism includes complaints about overcrowding, poor maintenance, and excessive noise."

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Campground Map

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Shady Cove

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Driving directionsnull
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Best Time to Camp at Shady Cove

Mother Nature paints Shady Cove with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes. Week 2 visitors should pack rain gear and warm layers as heavy rain transitions to light snow, creating a mystical atmosphere where mist rises from the forest floor. The campground transforms throughout the year, with certain weeks bringing bone-chilling temperatures and significant precipitation that turn the surrounding wilderness into a winter wonderland—perfect for those who find beauty in nature's more temperamental moods.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer likely busy; reviews mention mosquitos, overcrowding and noise issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal notes describe dramatic weather transitions and scenic fall/wet conditions.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Waterfalls and hiking should be strong in spring, though specific seasonal reviews are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Light snow mentioned; likely cold and limited services, not a winter-sports destination.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: null
  • Current Alerts: null

About Shady Cove

Shady Cove beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape where the journey begins the moment you arrive. This first-come, first-served haven rewards early birds and spontaneous travelers alike. While you'll find limited cellular service—a blessing for those craving digital detox—the campground embraces modern convenience with QR code payments through the Recreation.gov mobile app, making check-in seamless even in this remote paradise.
Shady Cove Campground operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis, and provides a rustic camping experience. However, specific site types and accommodations were not detailed in the source.
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Activities you can enjoy

Located within the Opal Creek Wilderness, Shady Cove offers access to natural and historic attractions. Activities like hiking, exploring waterfalls, and visiting ghost towns with old machinery are highlighted.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant in the surrounding Opal Creek Wilderness. According to a review, the area features adventurous trails suitable for exploring waterfalls and enjoying the natural environment.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews cite issues such as mosquitos and noise disturbances. Safety concerns were raised regarding poorly maintained sites and restrooms.
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Weather at Shady Cove

Reviews

4.1
24 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Shady Cove is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Shady Cove Campground are mixed. Positive reviews highlight its scenic location in the Opal Creek Wilderness and proximity to hiking trails and waterfalls. Criticism includes complaints about overcrowding, poor maintenance, and excessive noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews mention the campground's scenic setting and its closeness to adventurous activities such as hiking and exploring ghost towns. One reviewer stated, 'Love this campground! Nestled perfectly...
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Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Critiques focus on overcrowding, loud and disruptive visitors, and poor maintenance of facilities. A user commented, 'Ugh, the worst! Sooo many people, yelling all night, felt kind of unsafe the...
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Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include downloading the Recreation.gov app prior to visiting due to limited cell service in the area.
Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews. However, the mention of loud crowds and mosquitos suggests that summer may be a busy and potentially challenging time to camp.
Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Love this campground! Nestled perfectly within the Opal Creek Wilderness.' 2. 'Great place to go camping I go camping every summer here lately they have changed the campsites Stop changing the...
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Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user specifically mentioned dissatisfaction with changes made to the campsites, stating 'Stop changing the campsites you're making them suck like the very bottom one You made it smaller and it...
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Based on 24 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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