Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Open — Open year-round. Campsites operate first-come, first-served from November 1 through March 31. Reservations available April through October up to 6 months in advance. Cabins are reservable year-round.

About

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is Oregon's second-largest state park, encompassing over 8,000 acres of rugged high desert landscape along the John Day River in Sherman County. Opened in 2013, the park features dramatic vertical cliffs carved by the river, deep side canyons, and arid grasslands extending for miles. The Lone Tree Campground offers a primitive camping experience with 21 drive-in sites for tents and self-contained RVs, plus 14 walk-in tent sites and 4 rustic cabins. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with potable water available in the campground area. Both vault toilets and an ADA-accessible restroom facility with flush toilets and hot showers serve the campground. The park has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park, making it an exceptional destination for stargazing in one of Oregon's darkest locations. Recreation opportunities include hiking on multiple trails, fishing in the John Day River, wildlife viewing, and exploring the expansive backcountry beyond one mile from trailheads. The park includes a day-use area and boat launch, though motorized boats are restricted in certain river sections. The remote location offers solitude and natural beauty, with the landscape revealing colorful agates, jasper, and petrified wood along the river's gravel bars. Visitors should be aware of wildlife including cougars, rattlesnakes, and ticks, and come prepared with adequate water supplies.

Directions

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is located on Highway 206 between Condon and Wasco, Oregon. From Condon, head west on Highway 206 for approximately 15 miles; from Wasco, head east on Highway 206 for about 25 miles. The park entrance is well-marked along the highway.

Nearby Campgrounds