Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Well cared for newer sites with easy access to the river. There is drinking water available on-site which is very handy. The only down side are the ticks. Even in early season (it still frosted overnight) we found ticks on the dogs. It's not a huge deal since our animals are treated. Make sure you check your kids thoroughly at the end of each day and carry a tick key for easy removal. The group camp at the end has lots of space.

We went camping there for the first time this year and it was amazing! Just a great spot. No hookups or anything fancy but it was quiet and a registered dark place for star gazing. Unfortunately the moon was so bright that we couldn’t see any stars!! The showers are wonderful! The trails are great for hiking or bike riding. Unfortunately we didn’t bring any of our water stuff so we didn’t go in the river. But we had a great time anyway!! We will definitely be back!

Day Use Area... We thoroughly enjoy the day-use area and the hiking/biking trails within this state park. We have not camped here as of yet. I love exploring the homestead buildings that are in the day-use area and having access to the John Day River. An interpretive center is on-site. They have log chairs where you can sit and take in the beauty from a covered porch. There are snippets of information throughout the park that describe the challenges of homesteading in this canyon. Very well done. Make certain and wear good soled shoes when walking around the park. There are a variety of wicked hard thorns that become embedded in your shoes. They also puncture bike tires and go through a flip-flop. I've heard rumors of ticks and rattle snakes but have not encountered them. Nonetheless, use caution.

Our favorite to take out little one, a dog and chill and hit the trails. Never disappoints.

Very well maintained, clean restrooms, and a large off leash dog area. Great trails along the John Day for fishing and wildlife photography.