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Recreation Region: Detroit Ranger District

Cove Creek Campground

With 63 sites and a 70 person group campground, Cove Creek Campground is the largest National Forest campground on Detroit Lake. Cove Creek Campground rests on the shores of Detroit Lake at an elevation of 1,600 feet. 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. 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.

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

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

General Information

  • Coin-operated showers
  • Adjacent group area
  • Fire rings, grills, firewood sold on site
  • Boat launch with dock

Close to:

May - September

Open 24 hours/day

Interagency Senior and Access Passes (and the Golden Age and Access Passes) may receive a 50% discount on the use fee for individual campsites. This discount does not apply to extra vehicle fee or multiple campsites.

  • 14 day limit
  • Check-in time is 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time is 1:00 pm.
  • Campsite must be occupied every night paid.
  • Use of chainsaws in the campground is prohibited
  • Dogs MUST be on leash at all times within the campground

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $28 per night
Double Site: $56 per night
Group Site: $260 per night (up to 70 people)
Additional Vehicle Fee: $9 per vehicle per night
Day Use:
$8 per vehicle per day

  • Single Campsites - $28 per night
  • Multiple Campsites - $52 per night
  • Extra Vehicles - $9 per vehicle, per night
  • Day Use - $9 per vehicle, per day
  • Download the Recreation.gov mobile app prior to your trip so you can pay the overnight fee onsite with Scan and Pay.

Within developed recreation sites, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. 36 CFR 261.16(j)

A sign that says, "detroit ranger station willamette national forest" with a building in the background

Address: 44125 North Santiam Highway SE Detroit, OR 97342
Phone: (503) 854-3366
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.mf@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 44.71202

Longitude: -122.15861

Directions

From Detroit, Oregon, travel east on State Highway 22 for 2.7 miles to Blowout Road (FSR10).

From Idanha, Oregon, travel west on State Highway 22 for 0.7 miles to Blowout Road (FSR10).

Proceed on Blowout Road 3.6 miles to Cove Creek Campground on the right.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

All sites have at least one table

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.

Last updated May 7th, 2025