Steve S.recommendsJune 29, 2022
Cow Creek Camp
Kelly, the woman keeping up the camp was great, she was very friendly and intelligent about the history of the camp. Her dog Romeo was a plus as well as their pet deer sweatpea. There are multiple spots to choose from(bring your own shade if staying by the river), we stayed on the river and the beach was beautiful.
Joslyn T.recommendsJune 22, 2022
Cow Creek Camp
Such a great site for camping! We appreciate the secluded location and the host family were really sweet as well as their dog Romeo.
Leslie L.recommendsMay 30, 2022
Cow Creek Camp
We had a great time at Cow Creek! The accommodations were nice and we got an amazing spot. The camp host was very kind. They had a dog that loved our dog and they were fast friends! We even got to pet the deer and our Great Dane made friends with the deer. It was very fun! Aside from the cold, rainy weather it was great. We hope to come back sometime!
Elisa F.recommendsOctober 19, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Magical, private, beautiful spot
I can’t imagine a more beautiful and ideal place to camp. The river is amazing and has shallows for wading, deeper calm pools for swimming in warm weather, and small rapids we enjoyed while sitting on a stand up paddle board. The camp area is large and it looks like you can choose a grassy tent pad near the picnic table or many spots on the smooth rocky area leading down to the river. It was a little chilly for our rooftop tent but still comfy with lots of warm bedding. Beautiful hiking right nearby and Kelly was helpful in telling us about nearby activities and how to get to them. We had no cell service at the camp. The shared bathroom is a bit of a walk up the hill next to the house so if like me you don’t want to walk that alone at night, bring a camping toilet. There is also a convenient outdoor dishwashing sink.
Sweet Pea the deer was magical to meet and Romeo the boxer mix was a big, floppy lovebug. His energy was a bit much at times for our older dogs, but he’ll likely mellow out once he’s past puppy stage. Overall a magical place to camp.
Jamie L.recommendsOctober 11, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Peacful
This was a place easy to loose yourself in. Long days at the waters edge, soaking in the serene breeze or lounging in the hammock. A weekend was not enough time to really take it all in. Secluded and not at all crowded, just perfect for forest bathing and enjoying the unique natural landscape that is southern Oregon. And the host is super friendly and helpful, while still allowing the space to enjoy all there is to see at this wonderful large outdoor recreation site.
Selena C.recommendsSeptember 16, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Private camping, Perfect location!
Perfect camping spot. Everything we could have hoped for. Not only were we greeted by an amazing hostess, but her grand daughter was sweet too. This place is the perfect spot for families. The river was still, excellent for kids, the water was super clear, shallow about 3-5 feet out then deeper on the other side. Clean & convenient bathroom, I liked that it’s off from the house, so no worries about bothering host. I would 10/10 recommend to anyone. I will be visiting again ❤️
Tammy A.recommendsSeptember 8, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
4 out of 4 stars!
We enjoyed our few days camping here and will definitively come again for a longer stay. This is a very rural area and while there are many cool things to do, such as gold panning, swimming, rock hounding and exploring trails, this isnt for those who prefer the usual tourist trap offerings. My grands 2, 3, 11 and 12 year old grands loved the place. The chance to play with Sweet Pea and Romeo was an added bonus! Our host was friendly, helpful and we enjoyed her conversation and company. There is no cell service nor Wi-Fi but who cared? So many better things to do! The camp layout is pretty open with lots of privacy should you have camping neighbors. Picnic benches in some. Fire rings to use weather permitted. Shared shower and flush toilet thats kept clean and great hot water pressure! Outside sink for washing dishes. Interesting history to the place. Be sure to ask!
Keira A.recommendsAugust 25, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Magical River Campsite
Our family stayed here for 5 nights and 6 days in early August and had THE BEST time. The river and property are magical and Kelly/her family of humans and critters alike are so much fun to hang out with. Our two boys (8&9) were begging us to book another trip out there before we'd even left! We were lucky to not have to share the property with other campers, but there's more than enough space for all.
As others have already mentioned; poison oak is abundant and the lower area can be tough for vehicles to navigate if you're not prepared for it. If you're up for the challenges then you will be rewarded the experience of a lovely little paradise!
Kristen D.recommendsAugust 16, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Cow Creek is one of the best places we have stayed! The site is beautiful, the river is amazing, and Kelly & her family were absolutely lovely! We stayed at the upper camp since our car wouldn't have made it down to the beach, but we were rewarded with tons of shade. There's plenty of space at the river for groups to have plenty of privacy while playin in the water!
The listing is not joking about the poison oak, it's everywhere outside of the campsite, but it's easy to avoid if you pay attention.
We definitely plan to be back next year!
Kelsey K.recommendsJuly 30, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Sweet Pea Stole the Show
We had a great time staying at Cow Creek!
We were a little unsure of what to do upon arrival, but we just glanced around looking lost and Kelly and her granddaughters came right over to give us the lay of the land. We chose the upper campsite for our group of 8 because it had more tree cover and it was a hot weekend. We were okay with walking down to the amazing swimming hole! It was deep enough to tread water in some areas, but shallow enough in others for kiddos. Perfect and not too cold! We really enjoyed visits to our camp by pup Romeo and fawn Sweet Pea and watching them play.
The flushing toilet felt like a luxury! The bathrooms are up by the main house and shared by all, but this never seemed to be an issue and either Sweet Pea or Romeo were always waiting when we left to say hi. The bathroom is very spacious as well.
There was poison oak around the edges of camp, although we did wonder if some was just oak saplings as there were also oak trees. No one in our group had a reaction, but no one was aware of being allergic so we weren't the best test group. No issues with tics. There were a few mosquitos, but they weren't bad at all and I managed just fine with natural bug spray.
Both sites had picnic tables. The site by the swimming hole was fully exposed, and would also be less private, but there aren't too many people on the property at once so this shouldn't be too bad.
Overall we loved this campsite and would stay again!
Kelsey K.recommendsJuly 29, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Sweet Pea Stole the Show
Cow Creek Camp is fantastic! My group loved staying here! We were a larger group with 8 people and we chose to stay at the upper campsite because it was hot and sunny and we wanted the protection of the trees. This did mean walking down to the swimming hole, but that was fine with us and the privacy was nice.
When we arrived we weren't quite sure what to do, but looked around lost and Kelly came right over to give us the lay of the land with the help of her delightful granddaughters. We enjoyed visits by the puppy Romeo and fawn Sweet Pea throughout the weekend and watching them play was really fun. One or the other was always waiting when leaving the bathroom. The bathrooms are up by the main house and shared by all. It is an adorable and quirky area and the flushing toilet felt like a luxury to us. It was also very spacious. We didn't use the shower, but it looked nice.
The swimming hole was amazing, the water not too cold, and deep enough to not touch the bottom in some areas while being shallow enough for kiddos in others. It was really perfect. If you camped at the lower site you would have a good amount of traffic from other groups coming to swim at the swimming hole so less privacy, but there are only so many people on the property so this wouldn't be too crazy.
There was a lot of poison oak at the upper campsite, I think. It had been cleared out of the main areas but was just off to the side in the trees. We did wonder though if some was just regular oak saplings as there were oak trees around too. No one in my group had a reaction, but no one was aware of being allergic so we weren't the best test group.
No issues with tics. There were some mosquitos, but they were few and I personally didn't even need more than the natural bug repellant to avoid bites.
Overall we had a great time here and would stay again!
Heidi L.recommendsJuly 16, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
My dog Ruby and I had a great time the creek and surrounding nature was wonderful for the heart and soul!
Helma W.recommendsJuly 14, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
A secret at the creek
Absolute a great place! Safe for solo female travelers! I stayed at the creek and saw eagles, hawks, salamanders, and owls. No big wildlife so I felt safe! Heather is quick woth responding and Kelly, who lives on the property, is caring! She gives privacy but also made sure I was all set up :)
Dawnmarie L.recommendsJuly 11, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Fantastic! Restful! Magical
This was a beautiful spot to unwind! We loved the campsite. The access to the swimming hole was fantastic! We spent the whole day in the water and still wanted more ❤️
Alexander E.recommendsJuly 8, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
River bliss
Beautiful, tranquil location, a warm friendly welcome, a puppy, a baby deer and lots of swimming. Who could ask for more? Kelly kindly welcomed me to the property and gave me all the details I needed for my stay. I didn't end up using the shower because the river water was so lovely. It was so fun swimming around with my dog and chatting with Kelly and her grandchildren by the river. A truly special place. Thank you!!!!!
Barbara S.recommendsJuly 3, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
A Delightful Stay
We just returned home from a wonderful stay at Cow Creek Camp. We spent two nights camped by the river swimming in the large glorious swimming hole and enjoying the sunshine. The river bar campsite was private from the main house and was accessible with our Tacoma with the pop up camper on top. Taller vehicles could not make it down to the river bar but other lovely options are available.
We took advantage of the nearby hikes. One up the mountain where wildflowers were still in bloom and the other along the railroad tracts to check out nearby creeks. The train coming by during the night of course woke us up but I found it to be an amazing experience of sound and power.
We found Kelly the caretaker and her granddaughters to be delightful and fun to interact with. There was a nice balance of interaction and privacy. Romeo the bulldog puppy and Sweet Pea the orphan fawn were a fun bonus that put many a smile on our faces and gave us many shared laughs.
We enjoyed the funky creative vibe of the built structures and found the grounds and the bathroom clean.
I will be sharing this jewel of a find with my dear friend from coastal Oregon, and we hope to return as well.
Mark W.recommendsJune 30, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
A slice of heaven! My husband and I had a peaceful, relaxing weekend. Kelly was very accommodating. Clean camp sites with plenty of space and privacy. We really enjoyed the swimming hole! We loved getting puppy visits and we had the pleasure of meeting Sweet Pea- the little fawn the family adopted. We will definitely be back!
Cara G.recommendsJune 28, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Wonderful stay here! Beautiful area, peaceful, private, and quiet space. Kelly was very kind and welcoming, we would happily return.
Katherine R.recommendsJune 11, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Memorable night at Cow Creek
Beautiful camp sites! Kelly is amazing! We had the best time here!
Debora S.recommendsJune 7, 2021
Cow Creek Camp
Great time at Cow Creek Camp!
We reserved Cow Creek Camp at the last minute on Memorial Day Weekend! Turns out they had just listed it and we were the first Hip Campers to stay there! We felt so fortunate to have found a private spot on a beautiful river.
Heather, the host, was quick to respond to all of our questions and was very accommodating! Kelly, the caretaker, was warm and welcoming when we arrived and showed us around (this is a property that was featured on the famed Green Tortoise tours!). She showed us a grassy spot in a little meadow above the river where we could set up camp, and then she also pointed down to the river bar. She said we could pretty much camp anywhere. We chose to camp on the river bar next to the swimming hole. Our Subaru Crosstrek got us down fairly close to the campsite and then we used the wheelbarrow provided (Kelly said carts are on order) to get our stuff the rest of the way (a different driver/vehicle could choose to drive all the way to the beach).
The meadow campsite has a picnic table. Perhaps a picnic table will appear at the beach campsite at some point (hint, hint, winky smile), or we will just bring our own portable table next time. We also had a beach umbrella, which was a necessity on this hot weekend. (The upper campsite is nicely shaded.)
We enjoyed swimming in the refreshing swimming hole during the day and sitting around the campfire in the evening. Wood for the fire was plentiful (though fire restrictions will likely be in place soon in Douglas County).
The night was gorgeous and restful with nothing to hear but the gentle sound of the stream, and the air scented with wild Honeysuckle that grows along the banks across the river (it's called Cow Creek, but it's a river!).
The toilet and shower are in a separate structure up the hill and are shared with the caretaker and her family. We didn't use the shower, but the toilet was clean and functional :).
We enjoyed visiting with Kelly, her granddaughter, and Kelly's adorable puppy Romeo a couple different times.
If you would like a safe, friendly, and fairly private atmosphere with a comfortable campsite near a beautiful stretch of river and a nice swimming hole, this fills the bill!
Thank you, Heather and Kelly!