Camping options near Cove, Oregon range from rustic forest sites to recreational areas with river access. The area sits in the Grande Ronde Valley surrounded by the Blue Mountains at elevations ranging from 2,700 to 7,000 feet, creating diverse camping environments. Weather conditions can change rapidly year-round, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 45-85°F and winter bringing significant snowfall that limits accessibility to some locations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at pristine lakes: Anthony Lake Campground offers excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. "We paddled on the lake, hiked around it, drove up to the top of the ski area for the view and part of our group hiked down from there," notes a camper who appreciated the clear visibility away from wildfire smoke.
Fish mountain streams: The Minam River provides productive fishing grounds for anglers at Minam State Recreation Area. "This place is amazing. Clean, convenient, and right on a productive stretch of the Minam River. 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," shares Tom B., who found the $6 camping fee an exceptional value.
Take short nature walks: Catherine Creek State Park Campground features accessible trails with wooden bridges. "There's a wonderful trail with a wooden bridge to start off. This area is heavily used, so if you like to be alone, might not be your thing, but the site is very well taken care of and is a beautiful place to check out of the modern world," explains Ashton B.
What campers like
Soaking in mineral pools: Visitors to Grande Hot Springs RV Resort appreciate the therapeutic natural hot springs. "Our stay here was relaxing and fun. 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," reports ursala K., highlighting the on-site hot springs experience.
Private river sites: Some campers seek out spots with direct water access. At Spool Cart Campground, "My site was a single (#4) and had nice river access. Bring your own water and take your trash with you. Toilets were clean, stocked with tp, and smelled of vanilla!" notes Kathleen H. about this peaceful Grand Ronde River location.
Seasonal wildlife encounters: Many camping areas offer opportunities to view wildlife. "Saw two bucks together early in the morning grazing," mentions Kaitlyn P. after camping at Hurricane Creek Campground. The campground's proximity to natural water sources attracts diverse animals throughout different seasons.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to remote campgrounds may challenge some vehicles. When visiting Spring Creek Campground, a visitor advises, "It's a rough road about 1.2 miles, that's bumpy and has lots of pot holes. Snow coverage on the road was minimal, max 2"."
Seasonal water levels affect activities: Campers should check creek and river conditions before planning water activities. "The creek is very loud, so much so that I wore earplugs at night to sleep," explains Dan M. about Hurricane Creek, noting that the fast-moving water creates both a pleasant ambient sound and potential safety considerations.
Limited amenities at remote sites: Most forest service campgrounds require self-sufficiency. At Spool Cart Campground, James W. describes it as "Wonderful no frills Camping. A real gem on the Grand Ronde River. No water, no trash cans but two composting toilets."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible day-use areas: For families with young children, Catherine Creek State Park provides convenient facilities. "There's an area for day picnic use and then another area for camping. There's areas for you to park rv and vehicles and tent camping," explains Ashton B., though they caution that the site "is close to the main road so must watch kiddos and dogs at all times."
Glamping close to Cove, Oregon: For those seeking luxurious outdoor accommodations near Cove, Evans Farm offers upscale glamping tents with comfortable amenities. "Cozy up in your Montana Wall Tent that offers a wood-burning stove, two burner propane cook stove, and pillow top queen sized mattress. This 30 acre wonderland is your playground," describes Ashley F.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe animals safely. At Minam State Recreation Area, one camper noted, "Whitetail doe with 2 fawns frequented the campground," providing natural wildlife viewing opportunities for children within the safety of the campground.
Tips from RVers
Campground layout considerations: RVers should research site configurations before arrival. At Spring Creek Campground, an RV camper warns, "Not for bigger rigs. 4 spots fairly close together, picnic tables, pit toilets. Loop in is tight, and while we are only 34' long, we're 13.8 on truck and had to do some creative maneuvering to get ourselves back out."
Water pressure variations: At Mtn View RV Park, campers note the unusually high water pressure. "Great water pressure(about 100 psi) so we needed our regulator," shares MickandKarla W., emphasizing the importance of bringing appropriate equipment. Another reviewer confirmed, "As the water pressure here is around 100 psi, you need to use a reducer."
Highway noise considerations: Some otherwise excellent RV parks have noise challenges. At Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, Ryan C. advises, "Yes, you can hear the freeway from the campground - so it may not be recommended for tent campers," though he still rates it excellent as a midway stopping point.
