The mountainous terrain around Cove, Oregon provides camping options that range from 2,500 to 7,000 feet in elevation. Temperature variations between day and night can be significant with summer nights often dropping to the 40s, even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. River access and forested camping sites offer water recreation opportunities during the warmer months.
What to do
Explore natural hot springs: At Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, visitors can enjoy mineral soaking pools that provide therapeutic benefits. "There are natural hot spring soaking pools at the campground. One pool is warm and the other is hot. I was grateful for the health benefits of the mineral soak," shares a camper. Evening hours offer extended access as noted by another visitor: "The two hot spring fed soaking pools were open for 'twilight soak' until 11 PM which was a great touch after a long day on the road."
Wildlife viewing: The Wallowa Valley region offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities around Minam State Recreation Area. "Whitetail doe with 2 fawns frequented the campground," reports one visitor. Another camper notes, "Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish. Also saw mule deer." Wildlife refuge areas adjacent to campgrounds provide habitat for various bird species.
Fishing access: Multiple waterways near camping areas provide fishing opportunities during trout season. "It has great fishing during trout season," notes a visitor to Minam State Recreation Area. The Grande Ronde River and Catherine Creek offer accessible fishing spots. The Minam River confluence creates productive fishing areas for those with appropriate licenses.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Catherine Creek State Park Campground provides sites directly adjacent to moving water. "Was lucky enough to get a campsite right on the creek. Loved it!" mentions one visitor. The sound of flowing water adds to the camping experience, with another camper noting, "It was lovely listening to the creek all day (and waking up to it)."
Natural settings: Campers frequently mention the mountain views and natural environments as highlights. At Pilcher Creek Reservoir, visitors enjoy the scenic surroundings. "Super quiet spot that has beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges," states one review. Another adds, "The views were incredible in every direction!" Sites often provide direct access to natural features like lakes, forests, and mountain views.
Affordability: Free and low-cost camping options exist near Cove, with several campers noting the value. "For $6 (!) you get a great spot literally just a few dozen feet from the water," reports a visitor to Minam State Recreation Area. Free options like Pilcher Creek Reservoir provide basic amenities without fees, with a camper noting it's "the best free campground I've ever found myself at."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to camping areas vary significantly in quality. The road to Moss Springs Campground requires some planning. "Most people use this campground for parking to hike into the Minam Lodge or to backpack into the Little Minam, or to park their trailer to ride their horses into the area," notes one visitor. Some campgrounds have unpaved access roads that may be challenging for certain vehicles.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Cove operate seasonally, typically from April through October. Morgan Lake operates "until October 31" according to local information. Winter conditions make access difficult, with snow accumulation common at higher elevations. Spring runoff can affect water levels and crossing points.
Wildlife precautions: Campgrounds in this region require appropriate food storage due to wildlife. Bears are present in some areas, particularly around campgrounds with fruit trees. "Need to be on the look out for bears, as this was a homestead place many years ago and they have apple trees on the property," advises a camper at Minam State Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds provide access to swimming spots suitable for families with children. "The river is nice to swim in or for rafts/kayaks," mentions a visitor to Minam State Recreation Area. Water temperatures vary significantly by season, with mountain streams remaining cold even during summer months.
Site selection: For family camping, look for spots with adequate space and natural boundaries. "We had the whole place to myself mid-week in May," notes a camper at Morgan Lake. Sites with trees or barriers create natural play boundaries for younger children, while open areas provide space for activities.
Pack for temperature variations: The elevation changes near Cove result in significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations. "We stayed in the middle of July and it was delightfully cool, in the mid 70s during the day and dropped down to the upper 40s over night," reports a camper at North Fork Catherine Creek Campground. Layered clothing and appropriate sleeping gear are essential even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are limited near Cove. Grande Hot Springs RV Resort offers complete hookups, with a visitor noting, "All sites are pull through and can accommodate large RVs. Would definitely stay here again." Many campgrounds provide only basic facilities without electrical connections.
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require self-leveling equipment for RVs. At Pilcher Creek Reservoir, a camper notes, "There are pull through and back in sites that would accommodate good-sized rigs, although some of the sites aren't terribly level." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most camping areas around Cove.
Road clearance: Access roads to remote campgrounds may require higher clearance vehicles. "The road up to this campground is VERY steep—definitely smelled my brakes on the way down," warns a visitor to Morgan Lake. RVers should research specific road conditions before attempting access to more remote camping areas.
