- The Cove Palisades State Park
The best camping in The Cove Palisades State Park, OR
The best camping near The Cove Palisades State Park, OR
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next The Cove Palisades State Park adventure.
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Barb
2 weeks ago
15 ft campervan
The perfect quiet and peaceful place to spend the night! I love to visit Sisters and Ben and will be back for sure!
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Thomas
2 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp
This is a great way to see the stars and a slice of history in Oregon. Would recommend for sure
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Atarangi
2 weeks ago
Tent
Sage Ridge is beautiful with well maintained sites and a great community area. Sandy and Tim are so friendly. I loved this spot and would definitely return. It is easy to get to, and offers some privacy.
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Tiffany
3 weeks ago
1 night at Antelope Basecamp
The hosts we great communicators. The unit was as advertised. The firewood on site was a great deal for a great cause. Bathrooms were clean and well lit. Loved it!
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Keely
3 weeks ago
With pets
Awesome off grid tiny house with unbeatable views. I really don't want to leave a positive review, as I'd love to keep this place a secret, but must be honest...this place is really special!
Pure relaxation, comfy bed, cozy woodstove and yes, unbelievable view. 10 our of 10
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Shaila
3 weeks ago
1 night at Lava Rock Experience!
Beautiful spot and so quiet! The stars were incredible, the tiny house and bathroom were clean and tastefully decorated, cozy, and thoughtfully stocked with every convenience. The mattress was very comfortable! My favorite thing by far were the friendly kittens and other pets. We enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep under the pines and loved to hear the wild birds in the morning. The lava rock is beautiful. Hosts were kind and attentive. We are so grateful for their hospitality!
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Jesica
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Antelope Basecamp
We arrived at night, here are my lessons learned:
1. The city block the campground is on it right on the "main drag," in the middle-ish of town. Just drive slow, and look to each side till you see the A-frames.
2. The only time we used our flashlight was to shine it on the door numbers when we arrived. Other than that, the campground is magically lit by red lights (to avoid starlight interruption) and glowy rocks embedded in the paths. Plus moon/stars.
3. If the stars are out, GO THEN! We decided to rest first and by the time we came out later there was cloud cover. (Still lovely.)
4. The heater actually keeps the A-frame warm! It was down to the 30s at night during our stay, and we did not need to bring "back-up" blankets.
5. Bathrooms are also heated, and have private flush toilets and private showers. Yes, you have to walk to them, but it is a very short and easy walk.
Lovely and peaceful - will be back!
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Dana
November 2025
With pets
We were looking for a quiet, peaceful and unique experience and Antelope Basecamp (ABC) delivered. Brandie was there to greet us and if she hadn't been it would've been fine as she was very communicative, and the information she and Larry sent to us was accurate and very helful. ABC is located in the rural outpost of Antelope, OR. It is close to Shaniko, John Day Fossil Beds/National Monument, including the Painted Hills, and Mitchell where there is good beer and great food. The centrally located firepit and gathering area at ABC is splendid and big enough to get a rip-roaring fire going to warm you to your bones. Though we had times of unusual clouds and rain this wkend, it is typically very clear and sunny in this part of the state. The A-frame cabin that we stayed in had two twin beds with cozy linens and ample heat from the in-wall heater. There was also a mini-frig, coffee maker, and snacks provided. Bottled water and sports drinks for a couple bucks. A separate building had showers on one side and bathrooms on the other - all very clean. This is a work in progress and Brandie and Larry have great vision and some really nice plans to provide refuge whether you are out exploring on your road or mountain bike, motorcycle, or interested in getting away from it all and stay at ABC while you take day trips. There is rich history in this region, and rich landscape, and many simple pleasures - wildlife, geologic wonders, beautiful waterways, and starry, starry nights
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Becky
October 2025
Tent
Fantastic host, great property, and a cat that I can pretend is my new best friend. 10/10
Brett was great! Made sure we had everything we needed, and we felt like we had plenty of privacy.
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Seann
October 2025
3 nights at Antelope Basecamp
I had a great time hunkering down waiting out the weather while cycling through. The cabins are small and cozy, and the bathrooms are clean. Brandie was very welcoming and I had no issues, a very pleasant stay.
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ANGELA
October 2025
18 ft campervan
Brett was great! Beautiful, clean property and lovely farm animals. We will definitely be back here! Thanks Brett!
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October 2025
25 ft travel trailer
Great location right on the river and in town. very clean facility, would return. .
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Janet
October 2025
2 nights at Antelope Basecamp
October 2025 We went to the Antelope basecamp to stargaze and we saw Comets! It is a dark sky area AND there are heated cabins. In October it is cold at night. We liked so many details minimizing light pollution - like red lights outside at night, and fluorescent bits of glass in the walkways so you can see at night. The campfire is a nice area where we talked to other travelers. The bathrooms were very clean and warm. We loved the visit and will come again. Looking forward to next year to see the planned improvements.
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Blue
October 2025
1 night at Antelope Basecamp
A frame house was so warm and cozy getting into the colder months. Everyone was so friendly. The bathrooms were nice and clean. Was the perfect getaway :)
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Scott
October 2025
1 night at Antelope Basecamp
The Antelope camp is a very nice arrangement, with a new bathrooms & showers building. My cabin was cozy & warm. Another building is being built next to the bathhouse. The starry sky was wonderful, well worth staying up later & getting bundled up for the 35ish temps. I was there for the October new moon. The chair from the cabin made a nice semi-recliner for leaning back for great sky viewing. I got in late, nearly 10, & was greeted by a herd of deer that weren't at all concerned by my presence. Next time I will stay for 2 nights because there are some really interesting things to see nearby.
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Ben
October 2025
Tent
Great camping spot! We showed up on a whim, booked a site, and had a nice night camping! The stars are mind blowing. The area is pretty sandy though, so be prepared for some cleanup afterwards.
There was also a verrrry friendly kitty that came to say hi (and tried to go home with us) which added some fun to the evening.
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Eric
October 2025
19 ft Class B
Great location, clean and nice showers etc… Stayed at the backside and was very quiet.
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Tim
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Rags To Rescues Sanctuary
We stayed in the Bunkhouse. The listing definitely undersells how beautiful this place is. Super spacious, well appointed kitchen, super comfy everything, awesome hot tub, and animal friends! When we weren't relaxing or staring at the stars while having a soak, we got to know the cute critters that call this place home. Bonnie is a fantastic host and I love that the proceeds from our stay went to the sanctuary. We will definitely be staying again.
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Michelle
October 2025
2 nights at Antelope Basecamp
We really enjoyed our stay at Antelope Basecamp. Everything is newly updated and super cute and cozy. The shared bathrooms have showers! Star viewing was amazing!! The town is practically a ghost town and there is no store anywhere around so pack everything you need! The fire pit was super nice and kept burning easily. There were so many cute details like the glow in the dark pebbles inlaid in the pathways. The cabins look tiny on the outside but feel roomy inside. The host was super responsive and helpful. Cabins are affordable.
Check out Clarno National Monument about 30 minutes between Antelope and Fossil. Absolutely gorgeous rocks mountains and a nice hiking trail.
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Jennifer
October 2025
1 night at Antelope Basecamp
This is a sweet little cabin community in beautiful central Oregon canyonland! Our cabin, #9, was clean and just as shown in the pics. We spent the day at nearby Cove Pallisades State Park and then stargazed outside our cabin at night. The lovely sunrise over the hills the next morning was the cherry on top.
See moreOther options near The Cove Palisades State Park
The best camping in The Cove Palisades State Park, OR guide
Overview
About
Situated between the Deschutes River and its Crooked River tributary, The Cove Palisades State Park offers camping, cabins, and lots of outdoor activities. Hiking is popular here, and trails range from the quarter-mile Wetland Nature Trail Loop to the seven-mile-long Tam-a-láu Trail, which rewards those who climb it with fantastic views of the Cascade Mountains. For paddlers, the park offers easy access to both the Deschutes River and the Crooked River, the latter of which is beginner-friendly. There are also three day-use areas with boat launches and swim beaches, and the nearby Cove Palisades Resort and Marina rents out boats, water sports equipment, and moorages.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for camping with dogs: Crooked River Campground (aka E loop) has a pet exercise area.
- Best for families: Deschutes River Campground features horseshoes, a playground, and a basketball court.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Camping reservations are available to book from six months in advance up to a day in advance. Reservations can be made on the Oregon State Parks website or over the phone.
- The two campgrounds here are separate from one another. Crooked River is also referred to as E Loop, while loops A-C are in the Deschutes River Campground.
- Availability opens at 6am PST, six months in advance. It's a good idea to be online and prepared to secure your spot.
- Same-day reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but only in person. Arrive early for the best chances of getting a spot.
When to go
The Cove Palisades State Park is open for day use throughout the year and for camping from March through October. The park and its campgrounds are busiest in summer, particularly from June until September before kids go back to school. Weekdays in late May or early September are good alternatives if you want warm weather without the crowds.
Know before you go
- Basic supplies and fuel are available for purchase at the nearby Cove Palisades Resort and Marina. If you need a more extensive range of groceries or supplies, you can head to the nearby city of Madras, about a 20-minute drive from the park.
- Both campgrounds have accessible campsites and restrooms. The Upper Deschutes and Crooked River day-use areas have accessible kayak launches.
- Fire bans are common due to wildfire risk, especially in the hot and dry summer months. In times of extreme danger, portable cooking devices that run on fuel or propane may be prohibited.
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