By:
Submission
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. ADA Access: N
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.
FYI
In the past when campfires were not allowed. Many people had them. If there is a forest fire. One thing to think about is there is only one way in and out. This is a great place to camp.
The campground itself was pretty hard to find. Google maps drops you off at the wrong spot and so you need to look out for signs to see where to go. The campsites were not even sized some spots very large others small! Thankfully we booked a few so we were able to find one that worked. Very pretty out there and quite / small campground which was so nice but not sure if we would go back due to so many mosquitos. I wore bug spray from head to toe and still came home with 10 bites and my fiancé had about 40 from not re-applying bug spray.
NO facilities, no potable water is especially bad. Boat ramp is bad too. Can't get back up from the lake as the current is too shallow & swift for boats. Certainly not good access. Lot's of blood suckers (mosquitos) too. Unsure what the fee is for since no amenities. I also hear theft of gear is a daily occurrence in the area.
The campground and area is beautiful. We saw some dear during our stay at our site and kayaked with the geese. There were 12 of us including kids. We all enjoyed ourselves. The two downfalls to the site is 1. There is only one vaulted toilet for the whole campground and not enough toilet paper. 2. There was so many mosquitoes which was annoying, so most of us came home with too many bites. If a person knows what to expect to prepare, then the experience will be better than ours.
