The Cove Palisades State Park

Park Overview

Located in the heart of central Oregon and encompassing the Deschutes and Crooked River canyons, The Cove Palisades State Park is a popular year-round destination for camping and water sports.

Camping

The park offers two seasonal campgrounds. Deschutes River Campground is located in the canyon down the road from two swimming and boating areas along the Lower Deschutes River arm of Lake Billy Chinook. High above the canyon near the park entrance is the Crooked River Campground. Book reservations up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. 

Crooked River Campground (E Loop)

• Middle and South Loop are open seasonally (March through October). The North Loop is open year-round.
• 91 electrical sites with water
• Flush toilets and hot showers 

Deschutes River Campground (A, B, C Loops)

• Open seasonally (May 9 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: Each campsite fee includes parking for one vehicle and a tow vehicle. Campers may have a total of two vehicles per site; extra vehicle is $7 per night. Additional vehicles may not be allowed in the park overnight.

Deluxe Cabins

Three deluxe cabins are located near the marina with lake views. One is pet-friendly. Cabins are open seasonally and can be reserved through the Cove Palisades Resort. 

Other Facilities

• 3 group tent sites overlook Crooked River arm of the lake (25 people max in each site)
• Reservable picnic shelter
• 21 reservable boat moorages at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com
• RV dump station (E Loop)
• Marine pump-out station, open seasonally
• Fenced, off-leash pet exercise area is in Deschutes Campground

Boating and Rentals

Launch your boat from three day-use areas: Lower Deschutes, Upper Deschutes and Crooked River. The latter two also have accessible kayak launches. All 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 jackets and ropes. Houseboat rentals offer a luxurious overnight stay right on the water. The marina also includes a café and store that sells fuel and ice.

See our Boaters’ Guide for more information.

Drive an electric vehicle?

EV charging stations will be available soon at the main day-use parking area. Learn more

Paddling

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

Hiking

Tam-a-láu Trail: Climb 600’ for spectacular views of the snow-capped Cascade Range and the Deschutes and Crooked river canyons. Begin in the Deschutes Campground (6 miles round-trip) or the Upper Deschutes day-use area boat trailer parking lot (7 miles round-trip).

Crooked River Rim Trail: Along this 2-mile trail that begins near the Crooked River Campground, enjoy spectacular views of the Cascades and the Crooked River arm of the reservoir, with glimpses of the Deschutes arm in the distance. Designed and constructed by our partner, PGE, this trail provides the perfect vantage point to view “The Island,” a 200-acre landform that splits the two arms and serves as vital habitat for raptors.

Wetland Nature Trail Loop: This flat ¼-mile trail in the Crooked River Campground loops through an ongoing wetland restoration project at the site of a 2015 wildfire.

See our Recreation Guide for a map of the park including hiking trails and paddling routes.