U.S. Forest Service · Deschutes National Forest · OR

Cow Meadow Campground

COW MEADOW CAMPGROUNDPhoto · U.S. Forest Service
Not publishedStatus
ReservableAccess
18Sites
30 ftMax rig

The place

Cow Meadow Campground is situated where Snow Creek and the Deschutes River flow into the northeast part of Crane Prairie Reservoir. Located just off of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Cow Meadow Campground provides great access to a wide-range of recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating and hiking. Recreation Crane Prairie Reservoir is a prime location for boating and fishing. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages populations of rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout and largemouth bass. Keep reading

Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted on Crane Prairie; however, a 10 MPH speed limit is enforced. Facilities Cow Meadow Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers; however, water and electric hookups are not available. This is no water at this facility so campers will need to bring their own supply. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and have access to a vault toilet. This campground also has a boat ramp that can accommodate small boats. Natural Features Crane Prairie Reservoir is one of Central Oregon's premier wildlife viewing areas for waterfowl, including Sandhill crane, Canadian geese, bald eagles and osprey. The adjacent forest is home to black-backed woodpecker, Williamson's sapsucker and mountain chickadee. Deer, squirrel, beaver and an occasional black bear also find habitat in the surrounding forest. Nearby Attractions Nearby Osprey Point is a unique area where visitors can learn about local fauna and observe osprey nesting platforms erected after natural snags toppled from age. Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Cow Meadow Campground offers easy access to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which weaves through multiple high lakes with views of South Sister, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor. Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers a glimpse into Central Oregon's rich geologic history. Travel 30 miles to Lava Lands Visitor Center to explore exhibits at the interpretive center, attend a ranger talk, take in scenic views from the top of Lava Butte and travel one-mile underground through Lava River Cave. Travel 45 miles to Newberry Caldera to visit Paulina and East Lake, Paulina Peak and Paulina Falls. Charges & Cancellations Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

The sites · 18

LoopSiteTypeMax rigElectricADA
Loop 1001standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1002standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1003standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1004standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1005standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1006standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1007standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1008standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1009standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1010standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1011standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1012standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1013standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1014standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1015standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1016standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1017standard nonelectric30 ft
Loop 1018standard nonelectric30 ft

Booking

183 daysBooking window before arrival

Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.

Book on recreation.gov

Who runs it

Operated by Vista Recreation, a private concessionaire, under permit from the agency.

SRC · Operator link · 2026-08-24

Your representative

This campground sits in OR-02. This member’s public-lands record →

SRC · U.S. Census TIGER · MTJP Scorecard