Looking for the best campgrounds near Cove, OR? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Cove, OR. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"We enjoyed the great walking paths around the perimeter of the park to walk our dogs. The pool and hot tub are heated geothermally and are warm, soothing, and oh, so relaxing."
"The tent and yurt sites are beautifully situated next to a stream full of cattails and lily pads. Wild deer roam nearby and horses graze in the fields around the park. Not far from town either."
$10 / night
"We stayed at campsite 5, which seems like an odd choice since it's right next to the welcome signage and fee drop box, but we really liked it because we were able to spread out along the side of the creek"
"This site is close to the main road so must watch kiddos and dogs at all times. It is also close to the river, so watch those kiddos. There's a wonderful trail with a wooden bridge to start off."
$26 - $78 / night
"Located in the far northeast corner of Oregon, this state park has something for everyone. Wallowa Lake is known for it's natural beauty, fishing, and water sports."
"This was our first stop in Oregon we were in Site C9 which is a pull thru with Full hook up. Big tall pines, the lake & mountains."
"Moss Springs is a quiet campground on the edge of the Eagle Cap about 9 miles up the a forest service road from Cove, OR (which is about 14 miles past La Grande)."
$10 / night
"There is a trail if you head North that winds up and puts you on the Oregon trail, I biked it on my ebike, it is pretty strenuous and bumpy."
"Hilgard Junction is a small, Riverside day use area, travel rest-stop and campground at the junction of I-84 and Highway 244 on the Grande Ronde river at the base of Mt. Emily."
"Although there’s not a ton of spots, it’s lovely and was a quiet solitude away from the road but not too far. Saw a ton of wildlife too (bring your bear spray)."
"Most of the sites overlooked a beautiful lake stick among the hills, and we’re in decent shape with a fire ring, table and little grill."
"But that's the only downside to this nice FREE campground just outside of LaGrande, OR.
I had the whole place to myself mid-week in May. You're up high, so beautiful view of the sky."
"The sites are nice and most are lake front. There were a few other campers but none near our site. The road up is steep and bumpy gravel but we managed in our two wheel drive van."
$58 - $78 / night
"Lovely location in the mountains of Oregon. We drove a few thousand feet up a gravel road to get to this campsite. Easy access for my little sedan."
"Near the confluence of the Minam and Wallowa rivers, this is a perfect base camp for exploring the waters and towns of the Wallowa mountains."
"I had originally intended on staying at one of three closer campgrounds that I ultimately rejected and made the decision to drive on to Minam State Park. Was I ever happy I did."
ScoutGreat campground, we arrived on Friday of labor day weekend. We had no issues getting a FCFS sight. We stayed in sight 7. It was private and level.
TravelerSome friends and I were roadtripping around eastern Oregon and hells canyon was part of the route. We were panning to hit up a spot down in the canyon but when we drove by this set up we had to check it out. Plenty of space for multiple tents on multiple sights. Drivable trails around the pond where you can go fishing. A few campers even were set up back there.
Walking over late in the evening to Stargate over the canyon… And then woke up to watch the sunrise over the canyon. It’s like a two minute walk from this campsite so much space and there was hardly anyone there.
Will visit again next time I’m through
ScoutQuickly and easy stop close to 84 if you are traveling through. Does the trick for an overnighter. Lots of dispersed pullouts. No amenities.
GuideAwesome camp spot, off the main road so no one is here. Love that it’s by the water
GuideClose to town and service but back in far enough you lose the service and all you hear is the river. There are several sites, we came on a Sunday night and most were full besides a few. We took site 9 which was close to the bathroom and right beside the river, it does however have no shade on the site itself so keep that in mind. We were fine since it was a cloudy day. The river is shallow in most places but right off this site it has a deep area where you can dip, the water is freezing even in late August, and there's a 3 foot jump down onto the bank. Saw two bucks together early in the morning grazing.
TravelerThere are plenty of places to park, camp, swim, hike and adventure in the Wallowas. This park and surrounding area is a goldmine for the nature and nature adjacent lovers alike. We will return and soon!
GuideSmall campground by a beautiful but loud creek. Several sites along the creek, some accessible by car only (no trailer turnaround). Sites private. Only a couple of people there on a Sunday evening. No water. Lovely stay!
Traveler4 sites only! Pit toilet(1) and clean. No trash pick up. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit. We are the only ones here so far-Sunday eve in August
GuideThis type of site is usually what we look for when traveling - dispersed, primitive camping sites spaced far apart from each other. We had a little patch of forest all to ourselves. There's a bit of highway noise in the distance, low cell signal (both AT&T and T-Mobile). We heard gunshots from another site and saw shells at our site, so that's something to be aware of if wandering the forest.
Camping near Cove, Oregon, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Cove, Oregon, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Cove camping?
Campgrounds around Cove offer varying levels of amenities. Red Bridge State Wayside provides spacious sites with running water, picnic tables, and fire pits. The facilities include clean, accessible restrooms with friendly hosts. For those seeking more primitive camping, Two Pan offers basic amenities with picnic tables, fire pits, and horse tie-ups. Most Forest Service campgrounds feature vault toilets but limited drinking water. The La Grande area also has RV parks with full hookups, shower facilities, and dump stations for those wanting more conveniences.
Do I need a reservation for Cove camping?
Reservation requirements vary by campground in the Cove area of Eastern Oregon. Southwest Shore Campground near Baker City operates on a first-come, first-served basis with only 13 non-reservable sites. In contrast, Grande Hot Springs RV Resort requires reservations, especially for their pull-through sites with full hookups. For most Forest Service campgrounds in the area, reservations aren't accepted, so arriving early on weekdays is recommended, especially during summer months and holidays when sites fill quickly.
Where is Cove camping located and how do I get there?
Cove camping is located in northeastern Oregon, approximately 14 miles east of La Grande. Moss Springs Campground sits about 9 miles up a Forest Service road from Cove, OR, on the edge of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. This quiet campground serves as a gateway for hikers accessing Minam Lodge or backpacking into Little Minam. The area is nestled among the Wallowa Mountains, offering spectacular views. Access typically involves driving east from La Grande on Highway 82, then following local roads to the campground entrances, though specific directions vary by site.
When is the best time of year to visit Cove camping?
The ideal time to visit Cove camping is late spring through early fall (May-September). Anthony Lake Campground showcases beautiful scenery during summer months when you can enjoy activities like paddling and hiking with clear night skies perfect for stargazing. Wallowa Lake State Park Campground is spectacular in summer when snow-capped peaks surround the pristine lake. Many higher-elevation campgrounds in the Eagle Cap Wilderness area remain snow-covered until June, while fall offers colorful foliage and fewer crowds. Winter access is limited due to snow, with many Forest Service roads closed seasonally.
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