Cow Meadow Campground
Open for the 2026 season from May 8 through October 18. Currently operating as first-come, first-served. A recent weather event caused downed trees and exposed root structures; some sites may be temporarily closed for repairs.
Red Flag Warning issued July 20 at 12:37PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
...The upper level low over the region will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of thunderstorms across central Oregon and the eastern mountains. Isolated dry thunderstorms could spark new wildfires and gusty outflow winds can affect fires already on the landscape... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 698 Southern Blue Mountains, 700 Central Mountains of Oregon and 705 Southern Deschutes National Forest. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms after 11 AM Wednesday. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts from 25-35 mph
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 6:03PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 3:24PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
About
Cow Meadow Campground occupies a scenic location where Snow Creek and the Deschutes River converge at the northeast corner of Crane Prairie Reservoir. The 18 standard nonelectric sites are spread across a large grassy meadow dotted with lodgepole pine, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Crane Prairie Reservoir is one of Central Oregon's premier destinations for both fishing and wildlife viewing. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages populations of rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout, and largemouth bass. A primitive boat ramp accommodates small boats, with a 10 MPH speed limit enforced on the reservoir. The area attracts Sandhill cranes, Canadian geese, bald eagles, and osprey, while the surrounding forest hosts black-backed woodpeckers, Williamson's sapsuckers, deer, beaver, and occasional black bears. Located just off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, the campground provides access to wilderness areas, high lakes, and views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mt. Bachelor. Newberry National Volcanic Monument lies 30-45 miles away, offering Lava Lands Visitor Center, Lava River Cave, and the Newberry Caldera.
Directions
From Bend, OR: Travel about 45 miles south on Cascade Lakes Highway (46), 0.5 mile east on Forest Road 40, then 2 miles south on Forest Road 4000-790.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $21 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 323-1746 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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