
Cow Meadow Campground
Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
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As of October 2026, Cow Meadow Campground is a campground in Deschutes National Forest, Oregon with 15 campsites. Cow Meadow Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Cow Meadow Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Cow Meadow Campground is located at 43.8132Β° N, 121.7765Β° W.
- people allowed on each site
- 6
Cow Meadow Campground reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Next Available Dates
14 sites open on Oct 3 at Cow Meadow Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.
As of 1 October 2026, 00:20 UTC.
Stay and booking rules
- Taxes apply
- Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive days
- Maximum stay: 28 days
- Minimum stay: 1 consecutive days
Published by Recreation.gov for Cow Meadow Campground, read on September 30, 2026.
Campsites at Cow Meadow Campground
- Standard 15
What an RV fits
- 30 ft15 sites
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Mountain.
Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife, photography, stargazing.
All sites at Cow Meadow Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the Loop 1 loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Max RV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 002 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 004 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 005 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 006 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 008 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 009 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 010 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 011 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 012 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 013 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 014 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 015 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 016 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 017 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
| 018 | Standard | 6 | 30 ft |
About Cow Meadow Campground
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.
Rules and notices at Cow Meadow Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Cow Meadow Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
This is a no water facility so campers will need to bring their own supply.
Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment and tires before using lake or trails.
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. βLocationβ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.
NO generator use is allowed in campgrounds between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (36 CFR 261.10). Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.
Cow Meadow Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Cow Meadow Campground?
Cow Meadow Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Cow Meadow Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Cow Meadow Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Cow Meadow Campground have?
Cow Meadow Campground has 15 campsites.
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