Cove Palisades State Park
00 review7300 Jordan Rd, Culver, Oregon, 97734, United States
Cove Palisades State Park
$5.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
A $5 Day-Use Parking Permit is required year-round, with options to purchase annual passes. Overnight campsite fees include parking for one vehicle; additional vehicles cost $7 per night (alternative parking is available).
About this campground
Where ancient volcanic forces carved dramatic canyons from the high desert, The Cove Palisades State Park beckons adventurers with two stunning campgrounds perched above shimmering reservoir waters. This outdoor playground invites you to cast a line at dawn, paddle through towering canyon walls by day, and hike desert trails as golden light paints the rimrock at sunset.
This park accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping with full hookups, primitive sites, group camping, and cabins.
Historical SignificanceStand where ancient volcanoes once roared, leaving behind a legacy written in stone. These towering formations tell a story millions of years in the making, where lava flows and ash clouds sculpted a landscape so dramatic it captures the imagination of geologists and casual visitors alike.
Weather and SeasonsPlan your visit wisely: summer brings intense desert heat that sends most visitors to the cooling waters below, while winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland best appreciated by the hardy few. Spring wildflowers and fall's crisp air create the perfect conditions for exploration, drawing outdoor enthusiasts who know these shoulder seasons offer the park's most comfortable adventures.
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 SceneryImagine standing at the edge of time itself, gazing down at the spectacular confluence where the Deschutes and Crooked Rivers merge in a high desert canyon. Towering rock formations rise like ancient sentinels, their weathered faces glowing amber and rust in the changing light. These dramatic cliffs frame expansive vistas that stretch to the horizon, offering photographers and nature lovers an ever-changing canvas of shadows, light, and raw geological beauty.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySix campsites are accessible to campers with disabilities. User reviews do not provide further details about specific accessibility features beyond this.
Sites 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).
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose sites with grass or shade for comfort; avoid exposed areas during summer.
Best CampsitesReviews suggest Loop E for its spacious sites and Loop B for proximity to day-use areas.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops (A, B, C, E), with sites accommodating RVs, tents, and group camping.
Open and Closed SeasonCrooked River (E-loop): March through October; Deschutes (A, B, C-loops): mid-May through mid-September.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
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
Hiking trails include the well-known Tam-a-lau trail, which involves a one-mile uphill climb and a loop around the mesa. Another trail offers a 4.5-mile daily walk from the Deschutes campground ('Lovely hiking but limited...the complete walk is 7 miles plus the distance to your campsite,' - Janet Brien). Trails are noted as being better suited for cooler weather.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are generally positive, particularly for Bull Trout. However, shore fishing reviews are mixed ('The fishing from shore isn’t great, I’ve tried a couple times without much luck,' - Yuriy Borishkevich).Swimming
Swimming areas are available, although water quality may vary due to algae, particularly in the summer ('Water was green in July,' - Bryan Toland). Other reviews describe ample space for swimmers.Biking
Short rides around campground loops are described as pleasant, but bikers are advised against using hiking trails ('Hiking trails are not suitable for bikes,' - Janet Brien).Boating
Boating is a major attraction, with the marina offering boat rentals. The lake is well-suited for motorized watercraft, but paddling may be challenging due to motorized boat traffic ('The lake/river is definitely not recommended for paddling because of so many motorized boats,' - Nabil Badereddine).Wildlife viewing
Local wildlife includes eagles and ospreys. Visitors have noted, 'If you’re really lucky, you can spot an eagle or osprey catching some fish' (Joshua Sunrise).Beach activities
The park offers 'multiple beachy areas for swimming off the shore' (Morgan Swiger). Other reviews note lake and shoreline activities.Winter Activities
The park is a year-round destination, though no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Popular with water sport enthusiasts, including jet skiing, fishing, and paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must align with park rules and fire bans during high-risk periods.
- Quiet hours are Begin at 10 PM each night.
Hazards
General hazardsCell service is non-existent, and hiking in summer can lead to overheating due to exposed trails.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available from Madras, approximately 17 miles away, including hospitals and police.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season typically includes summer months, specific dates not provided.
Trash and 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).
Proximity to 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.
Common complaintsSome visitors complain about dirt at campsites, lack of privacy, and noise from motorized boats. Ravens and other birds can be noisy early morning.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful.
Campground Map
7300 Jordan Rd, Culver, Oregon, 97734, United States
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.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).
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Cove Palisades State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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).
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).
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.
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.
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).
Site-Specific Reviews
Site B38 is an ADA tent site with a maximum capacity of six people. Loop E offers grassy sites and shade. Site #61 for RVs was noted as having excessive slope (Mark Leonard).
Accessibility Features
Accessible restrooms and six ADA-compliant campsites are available. Detailed user feedback on accessibility is limited.
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).
Last updated August 10, 2025