Cove Creek (OR)

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Detroit Dispersed Camping Restrictions

Pursuant to 16 USC§ 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the Closure Areas, roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. This Order is effective on August 18th, 2025, and shall be in effect through August 17th, 2027, unless it is rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITIONS:

Camping. 36 CFR § 261.58(e).

CLOSURE DESCRIPTION:

All closures are contained within the state of Oregon, within Marion and Linn Counties, and within the Administrative Boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. The closed portions are all US Forest Service general forest areas as described below and depicted on the attached maps, which are incorporated into this order as Exhibits A-C.

Closure Area:

This Order applies to three distinct Closure Areas, which are listed below. The Closure Areas are geographically separated and located within two different Counties:

Closures are located within Township 9S., Range 5E., Sections 26, 35, and 36; and Township 9S., Range 6E., Sections 21, 28, 29, 30, and 31, in Marion County.
Closures are also located within Township 8S., Range 5E., Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, and 27, in Linn County.

Elk Lake

No Dispersed camping within 500 feet of the high-water mark of Elk Lake.
See attached map, Exhibit A.

Breitenbush Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 46)

Beginning at the intersection of Breitenbush Road (FSR 46) and the Forest Boundary, the affected area is 500 feet on both sides of the road from the center line of FSR 46 for 5 road miles.
See attached map, Exhibit B.

Blowout Road (Forest Service Road (FSR) 10)

Beginning at the intersection of State Highway 22 and Blowout Road (FSR 10), the affected area is 500 feet on both sides of the road from the center line of FSR 10 for 6.8 road miles.
From the intersection of FSR 10 and FSR 10-130, the affected area is 500 feet on both sides of the road from the center line of FSR 10-130 for 1.2 road miles.
See attached map, Exhibit C.

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order) specifically exempting them from this Order.
Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Any person camping in the affected area within developed fee campgrounds within a developed recreation approved site.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for a corporation or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581.

Executed in Springfield, Oregon on this 18th day of August, 2025.

Robert Sanchez
Forest Supervisor
Willamette National Forest

Overview

The campground area offers 60 campsites, 55 single and 6 double sites, that can accommodate trailers up to 30 feet in length. There are both reservable and FCFS Campsites. The campsites are laid out in two main loops with sites #1-36 in one and sites #37-63 in the other. There is a designated host site (#1) near the entrance. The group camp offers individual campsites and a picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 70 people. 20 vehicles, and trailers up to 30 feet in length. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The day use area includes a boat launch and 2 courtesy docks for loading and unloading only; no mooring is allowed. *Day use parking fee for non campers. There are approximately 35 parking spaces for use at the day use area, which have also been used as overflow parking (eg extra vehicle w/boat trailer) for the campground. *Extra vehicle fee for campers.

Campsites are surrounded by towering trees, which create a secluded atmosphere. Visitors enjoy exploring the area and discovering osprey hovering above or nesting in many trees.

Water is available to visitors from faucet risers throughout the site. There are 4 double-flush toilets, 2 of which contain coin-operated showers, located throughout the site. Trash receptacles are located in the campground.

If paying for FCFS sites with a Credit Card, a Remote Offline Kiosk (ROK) is offered at this campground. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with ROK payments. This system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded. This system does not show site availability and you must check that the site is available prior to making payment.

Reservations for this site can be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date for individual camp sites and 12 months in advance of arrival date for the group camp by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.

Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.

Recreation

Detroit Lake is a popular destination for boating, jet skiing, swimming and fishing. Rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon and catfish are found in the lake. A boat ramp and dock are located next to the campground.

The Stahlman Point Trail is a quarter-mile from the campground entrance road. The trail meanders through younger Douglas fir forests and offers some memorable views of Detroit Lake.

Facilities

The campground offers single and double-family campsites, as well as an accessible group site for up to 70 people. Accessible flush toilets, drinking water and coin-operated showers are available at Cove Creek.

The group campground comes with a sheltered eating area.

In the day use area, there is about 1,000 ft. of shoreline. There is a dock for launching, loading and unloading only. There is no mooring allowed.

2 Iron rangers available for camp fees, extra vehicle fees &/or day use parking fees.

Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.

Natural Features

A mix of wooded and open sites are provided at the campground. Its location is near enough to the Detroit Reservoir to hear passing boats, but a little too far for unobstructed views of the lake. The reservoir covers 3,500 acres and is surrounded by groves of Douglas fir.

Nearby Attractions

Additional hiking trails can be found across the lake, including those that lead to Dome Rock and Needle Rock.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.

Camp site features

Across 61 camp sites:

Fire pit: 59 of 61 sites
Picnic table: 59 of 61 sites
Pets allowed: 60 of 61 sites
ADA accessible: 1 of 61 sites
Group sites: 1 of 61 sites
Longest RV: 99 ft
Largest party: 70 people
Equipment: CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, PICKUP CAMPER, RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Detroit, Oregon, travel east on State Highway 22 for 2.7 miles to Blowout Road/Forest Service Road 10. From Idanha, Oregon, travel west on State Highway 22 for 0.7 miles to Blowout Road/Forest Service Road 10. Proceed on Blowout Road 3.6 miles to Cove Creek Campground on the right.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

131 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Kara F

Loop:West

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We spent three nights recently, two of which were quite rainy! We were prepared and still had a great time. We had a canopy and games, books, etc. The camp sites are a little too close together, but the amenities are nice, and everything was well maintained. The staff are friendly and helpful! There are flush toilets and coin operated showers (bring lots of quarters! It’s $1.25 for 4 minutes!!) Potable water faucets, and waste water drains are very handy. The chipmunks and squirrels are quite aggressive and persistent! They came right up to our table while we were preparing food! Having a dog helps. The lake was incredibly low and we were very sad. The lake is the main reason to come camping here, but the boat ramp was closed and it’s extremely difficult to get in to swim.

Jeremy M

Loop:West

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Wonderful campsite with easy access to fresh water and restrooms. Bring quarters and you can have a shower! Lake is stunning.

Tiffany Y

Loop:East

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Love camping at Cove Creek! Easy to get to the lake and nice and shady camp sites. Ring your own hand soap for the bathroom.

Michael P

Loop:East

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful campground, clean facilities, and friendly hosts will be back again.

Camden M

Loop:West

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Campsites very close to each other and most groups were very loud late in to the night. More of a party campsite rather than peaceful time in the woods. Water was very low (mid august) so swimming was not great. Area is beautiful though. Maybe a good spring time spot?

Janira B

Loop:East

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Campground is beautiful but the bathrooms were filthy. The quiet hours were not enforced so loud music and rowdiness until early morning hours.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve