- Just a 40 mile drive north of Bend.
- Camp year round at the Crooked River Campground.
- Located in Central Oregon’s beautiful high desert country, where the sun shines 300 days of the year.
- Fish for trout, salmon, and bass at Lake Billy Chinook.
Overview
Nestled in Central Oregon’s high desert country north of Bend is Cove Palisades State Park. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, this is a great place for a day trip or several days enjoying the spectacular scenery surrounding the park. The park is situated along the rocky cliffs above Lake Billy Chinook. Camping, hiking, boating, and fishing are some of the activities park visitors can enjoy.
Location & Information
Cove Palisades State Park, Oregon is located approximately 40 miles north of Bend just west of Highway 97. The park is open year round, although the Deschutes Campground is closed during the winter.
Contact Information: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, State Parks, 725 Summer Street NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301. Phone: 800-551-6949. Visit the website here.
Activities
- Camping – There are two campgrounds at Cove Palisades State Park – the Crooked River Campground (open year round) and the Deschutes Campground. Combined they have 265 campsites.
- Fishing – Lake Billy Chinook is a great place to fish for bass, Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and trophy-sized bull trout.
- Water Sports – During the summer months visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing, and swimming in Lake Billy Chinook.
Fun Facts
- Cove Palisades State Park is just over 4,400 acres.
- Lake Billy Chinook is just under 4,000 acres. The deepest part of the reservoir is 415 feet.
- The Island, a 200-acre peninsula that juts out into Lake Billy Chinook, is a designated research area.
