The Cove Palisades State Park: A Popular Camping Destination in Central Oregon's High Desert Region

The Cove Palisades State Park Camping

You can enjoy two seasonal campgrounds located in the canyon down the road from two swimming and boating areas along the Lower Deschutes River arm of Lake Billy Chinook. Besides, you should make a reservation first. 

1. Crooked River Campground (E Loop)

• 91 electrical sites with water

• Flush toilets and hot showers 

2. Deschutes River Campground (A, B, C Loops)

• Open seasonally (mid-May through mid-Sep)

• A and C Loop: 87 full hookup sites

• B Loop: 93 tent sites with water nearby

• Flush toilets and hot showers 

Extra Vehicles:

Every campground charge includes parking for one vehicle and a tow vehicle. Campers may have around two cars for each site; an additional vehicle is $7 every evening. Extra vehicles may not be permitted in the park overnight.

Other Facilities:

• Three gathering sites overlooking Crooked River arm of the lake (25 people max in each location). It is not available in winter. 

• Three deluxe cabins. One is pet-accommodating. It is not available in winter. 

• 21 reservable boat moorages at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com 

• RV dump station (E Loop) 

• Marine pump-out station. Winter is close.

• A fenced, off-leash pet exercise zone is in Deschutes Campground.

The Cove Palisades State Park Oregon

Amenities and Feature

This list below might be your reference before you plan to visit The Cove Palisades Park. 

• Camping

• Deluxe Cabin

• Hiking Trails

• Dump Station

• Picnicking

• Playground

• Fishing

• Restrooms Flush

• Swimming

• Viewpoint

• Wildlife

• Hot Shower

• Marina

• Cabins/Yurts Pets OK

• Day-Use Fee

• Amphitheater

• Boat Ramp

The Cove Palisades State Park Activities

The Cove Palisades State Park - Photo by Tami Sakany from Google Maps

Tripboba has some other recommendations about water sport activity and outdoor activity, as follows:

1. Paddling

From fall to spring, the Crooked and Deschutes river give 30 miles of flat-water paddling. Paddlers of all experience levels can explore the 6-mile Crooked River Water Trail on the reservoir's Crooked River arm. Experienced paddlers will enjoy the isolation on the two-mile stretch south of the bridge.

2. Hiking 

Tam a-láu Trail: Climb 600' for an incredible view of the snow-covered Cascade Range and the Deschutes and Crooked river canyons. Begin with the Deschutes Campground (6 miles round-trip) or the Upper Deschutes day-use region boat trailer parking garage (7 miles full trip). 

Wetland Nature Trail Loop: Along this 2-mile trail that starts close to the Crooked River Campground, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Cascades and the Crooked River arm of the store, with looks at the Deschutes arm somewhere out there. 

Wetland Nature Trail Loop: This level ¼-mile trail in the Crooked River Campground circles through an outgoing wetland rebuilding venture at the site of a 2015 wildlife. 

See the Recreation map on the website for a guide of the park, including hiking trails and paddling courses.

The Cove Palisades State Park Boat Rentals

You can use your boat from multi day-use areas: Lower Deschutes, Upper Deschutes, and Crooked River. The last two also have open kayak launches. Every one of the three have swim beaches(no lifeguards). Lower Deschutes Day-use Area closes in the winter.

From April to October, The Cove Palisades Resort and Marina rents boat moorages, boats, and water toys, including water skis, tubes, life coats, and ropes. Houseboat rentals offer a luxurious overnight stay directly on the water. The marina also includes a cafe and store that sells fuel and ice. You can see the Boaters' Guide for more information.

So, that's all about the Cove Palisades State Park. Tripboba hopes this travel guide will help you in planning your vacation. Happy vacation, everyone!