Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground
02 reviewsCultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season boat-in campsite fee is $22 per night, with an additional $2 charge on holiday nights. These fees do not include taxes or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape the crowds and discover Big Cove Campground, a hidden gem accessible only by boat or trail on Cultus Lake's pristine north shore. This intimate retreat features six waterfront campsites where adventure begins at your tent door. Whether you're paddling across crystal-clear waters or hiking through peaceful forests to reach your site, Big Cove rewards the journey with an authentic wilderness experience that water sports enthusiasts and solitude seekers dream about.
Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground offers primitive camping with boat-in or hike-in access only. The six campsites are located in a rustic, natural setting alongside the lake.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Big Cove into an outdoor paradise, with warm, dry days perfect for swimming and water sports, while cool evenings invite campfire stories under star-filled skies. The reliable sunshine and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for both relaxation and adventure, though savvy campers come prepared with insect repellent to ward off the mosquitoes that thrive in this lakeside ecosystem during peak season.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture waking up to mirror-like waters reflecting towering pines and distant peaks, where your morning coffee comes with a soundtrack of lapping waves and calling loons. This glacier-carved sanctuary offers front-row seats to nature's theater, with crystalline waters that beckon waterskiers, sailors, and jet ski enthusiasts by day, then transform into a glassy canvas for spectacular sunsets. The surrounding alpine landscape creates a dramatic backdrop where wilderness meets water, making every campsite feel like a private lakefront estate.
Geological RegionBig Cove sits within the spectacular Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway corridor, a volcanic wonderland where ancient glaciers sculpted a chain of jewel-like lakes beneath the watchful peaks of the Three Sisters Wilderness. This remarkable landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where ice and fire shaped the dramatic terrain that now serves as your basecamp for unforgettable adventures.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not provided. This is a boat-in or hike-in only campground, which may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of six campsites, described as large with ample space for multiple tents. In user reviews, sites 4, 5, and 6 were noted to have enough room for 18 people, indicating generous site dimensions.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are situated in a protected cove, likely offering some privacy. Specific details about site seclusion are not mentioned.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider sites 4, 5, or 6 for larger groups as they provide ample space and several tent pads.
Best CampsitesSites 4, 5, and 6 were praised in reviews for their size and suitability for groups.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Sites must be occupied by check-out time (NOON) of the day following the arrival date to retain reservation.
Check-out
NOON
Stay Limit
Camping or occupying a site longer than 14 consecutive days is prohibited. Maximum 28 days per year.
Groups
Group camping is not specified, but some sites can accommodate larger groups based on user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSix rustic sites situated near the water, accessible via a boat or 2.25-mile hike on the Winoppee Trail.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 13, 2025, to September 20, 2025. Closed for reservations outside this date range.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability. All sites are reservation-only.
Cancellation PolicyReservation changes require a $10 fee; cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee if canceled late.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is an excellent destination for water-based and outdoor recreation. Activities include water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking. Visitors can enjoy lake access directly from their campsites.
Hiking
The Winoppee Trail offers a 2.25-mile hike from the Cultus Campground to the boat-in campsites, providing an alternate access route. The trail is described as nice and manageable, suitable for hiking enthusiasts.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Cultus Lake. Specific types of fish or fishing conditions are not detailed.Swimming
Swimming is available at Cultus Lake, which has a gradual sloping beach ideal for families and children.Biking
Biking is listed among the recreational options, but no specific trail details are provided.Boating
Cultus Lake is one of the few lakes in the area that allows high-speed motorized boating. Activities include jet skiing, waterskiing, and sailing.Beach activities
The campground features a gradual sloping beach, making it suitable for beach activities like sunbathing and playing in the sand.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable, as the campground operates only during summer months.Water Sports
Water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are available and popular at Cultus Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires may be restricted depending on fire conditions; check with the local ranger station or Recreation.gov for updates.
- Quiet hours are NO generator use between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquito presence is noted during peak summer months; use repellents. Fire restrictions may occur due to weather conditions.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13, 2025 - September 20, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not described in the available information.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to Cultus Lake, offering immediate access for boating and water activities.
Common complaintsUser reviews point out a lack of clear information regarding the need for a boat to access the campground, causing inconvenience for those unprepared.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Bend, OR: Travel 46 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46), then west on Forest Road 4635 for 2 miles. There is a large paved parking area with a dock and two boat ramps which is adjacent to the Cultus Lake Campground.
Roads are accessible year-round; major access via paved Cascade Lakes Hwy followed by 2 miles on unpaved Forest Road 4635. Large parking area and boat ramps are available.Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews. While many appreciate the large campsites, beautiful lake access, and range of activities, others are dissatisfied with the lack of clarity regarding boat-in only access and the challenges it poses.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
'Nice large campsites in a protected cove with gradual sloping beach. Great for kids.' 'Hauled gear in on a boat.' 'Can also hike in on a nice 2.25-mile trail.' User reviews praise the spacious...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
'The worse experience... we need to had a boat to go to our camp...reservation don’t said anything about using a boat.' Complaints include the lack of upfront clarity about boat access requirements,...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
'Bring Deet for mosquitoes, which are ever-present but tolerable.' 'Consider reserving sites 4, 5, or 6 for larger groups.'
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that mosquitoes are a consistent concern during peak summer months. The campground's summer-only operation means reviews focus on warm weather conditions ideal for water activities.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Nice large campsites in a protected cove with gradual sloping beach. Great for kids.' 2. 'Mosquitoes were ever-present but tolerable with some help from Deet.' 3. 'The worse experience... we need...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 4, 5, and 6 are highlighted as spacious and suitable for larger groups. These sites accommodated 18 people with multiple tents in one review.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews do not specifically address accessibility, but the boat-in or hike-in requirement may limit options for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not discussed in the available information.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025