Cow Meadow Campground
Campground · Oregon · 18 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Deschutes National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 18
- Bookable sites
- 30 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 6
- People per site
- 4,453 ft
- Elevation
Overview
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. 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 facts
- Season: Tentative Opening: May 9, 2025 – October 19, 2025 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 18 bookable sites
- Vehicles up to 30 ft
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: Loop 1
Site types
- 18 Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.
18 campsites at Cow Meadow Campground
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 002 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 003 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 004 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 005 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 006 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 007 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 008 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 009 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 010 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 011 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 012 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 013 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 014 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 015 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 016 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 017 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 018 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Slight | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
From Bend, OR: Travel about 45 miles south on Cascade Lakes Highway (46), 0.5 mile east on Forest Road 40, then 2 miles south on Forest Road 4000-790.
43.81316, -121.77652 · 43°48'47.4"N 121°46'35.5"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 9.8 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 6.0 | 4.2 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 2.1 | 5.1 | 9.7 | 11.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Cow Meadow Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Cow Meadow Campground?
- Yes, Cow Meadow Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Cow Meadow Campground have?
- 18 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Cow Meadow Campground?
- 30 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Cow Meadow Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Cow Meadow Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at Cow Meadow Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at Cow Meadow Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Cow Meadow Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Cow Meadow Campground's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- Single Campsite Rate: $21/night
- One vehicle included with reservation – Each Additional Vehicle: $10.00
Restrictions:
- Maximum site spur length is 30 feet.
Camping near Cow Meadow Campground
- Crane Prairie Campground 1.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cultus Corral Horse Camp 1.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cultus Lake Campground 3.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Quinn River Campground 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground 4.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Rock Creek Campground (Deschutes National Forest, OR) 4.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Little Cultus Campground 4.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground 5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Sheep Bridge 5.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- North Twin Lake Campground 5.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Elk Lake Campground 1.5 mi · Campground
- Little Cultus Lake 4.6 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 541-323-1746
- Email Jen@Hoodoo.com
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-05.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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