THE COVE PALISADES STATE PARK
The Cove Palisades State Park is a year-round recreational destination for the entire family. Located in our high desert region, the weather is sunny and warm in the summer months and chilly but generally mild in the winter. The park is situated among towering cliffs that surround beautiful Lake Billy Chinook.
The park features myriad water recreational opportunities, a full-service campground, store, restaurant, marina and rental services. Not interested in camping? Rustic lakeshore log cabins are available. Nature lovers will find nearly 10 miles of hiking trails that give access to areas rich in wildlife and splendid scenery.
The park is home to two popular special events: the Lake Billy Chinook Day in September (a clean-up and festival) and the annual Eagle Watch in February.
Learn about the unusual and unique attributes of this premier recreational and natural resource area ... at water level! Kayak tours are led weekly during the summer, and on select weekends at other times of the year.
Located in Jefferson County, Oregon, this natural wonder was established as a state park in 1949. It is nestled between the deep canyons formed by Lake Billy Chinook and covers an area of approximately 4,890 acres.
The land on which it stands has been inhabited for thousands of years with evidence suggesting that Native American tribes such as the Wasco and Warm Springs used to reside there before European settlers arrived. The name "Billy Chinook" comes from one member of these native communities who served as a guide during John C Fremont's expeditions across Central Oregon.
In its early days after establishment, visitors were drawn to its unique geological features including basalt cliffs created over centuries due to volcanic activity along with diverse flora and fauna found within its boundaries. Over time facilities like campgrounds were developed making it more accessible for tourists seeking outdoor recreational activities such fishing or boating on Lake Billy Chinook or hiking through various trails offering panoramic views of surrounding landscapes.
Today it continues being managed under the jurisdiction of Oregon Parks & Recreation Department attracting hundreds if not thousands each year thanks largely because preservation efforts ensuring future generations will be able enjoy all what makes this place special just like those have done so past decades since inception back late-40s.
Day-UseSwimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
Full Hookup Sitesyes
1. Crooked River Campground: This campground is open year-round and offers 91 electrical sites with water, three deluxe cabins (one pet-friendly), a group tent camping area, RV dump station, showers and flush toilets.
2. Deschutes Campground: Open from mid-May through September each year offering 82 full-hookup sites (some ADA accessible) as well as four standard campsites without hookups for tents only.
3. The Group Tent Area at the Lower Deschutes Day Use Area can accommodate up to 25 people per site in two separate areas that are available by reservation only between May-September.
4. Houseboat Moorage Slips: For those who prefer staying on the water rather than land-based accommodations there's an option of renting houseboats which come equipped with all necessary amenities including sleeping quarters & kitchen facilities etc., these boats also have mooring slips where they can be docked overnight or longer periods if desired.
5. The Cove Palisades State Park also has several yurts available for rent throughout the park providing another unique accommodation experience within this beautiful natural setting.
6. Two Tepees located near Lake Billy Chinook offer yet another alternative lodging choice; both tepees sleep eight comfortably but do not include any bedding so guests must bring their own along when choosing this particular type of stay-over arrangement.
1. The Cove Palisades State Park offers swimming in Lake Billy Chinook.
2. There are three main areas for swimming: Deschutes, Crooked River and Metolius.
3. Swimming is allowed anywhere along the shoreline unless otherwise posted.
4. No lifeguards are on duty; swim at your own risk.
5. Water shoes recommended due to rocky lake bottom conditions.
6. The water temperature varies depending upon time of year and depth of location within the reservoirs.
7. Swimming near boat ramps or docks isn't permitted for safety reasons.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are two full-service marinas available, one at each reservoir - Lake Billy Chinook and the Deschutes River. Both offer boat rentals including houseboats, ski boats, pontoon boats as well as paddle boards and kayaks. Boat moorage is also provided along with fueling stations on-site to accommodate personal watercrafts. For those interested in fishing or sightseeing tours around the lake area, guided services can be arranged through local operators.
Enjoy fishing in the clear waters of Lake Billy Chinook, home to bull trout and kokanee salmon. Other species include rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and brown bullhead catfish. Anglers can fish from boats or shoreline areas for a diverse angling experience.