How much does camping cost at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground?

Camping fees at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground range from $22-$24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground before I book?

Yes! Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground?

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground is open June 12 to September 18. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground?

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground?

Fire policies at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground have?

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground?

Popular activities at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

4 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping

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Quick Facts

4,744 ft

Price

$22 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from June 13, 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,744 ft

Price

$22 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from June 13, 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

$22.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $22.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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541-323-1746

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Campground Map

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

43.8470, -121.8656

Weather at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

Current alerts(10)

Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org

Best Time to Camp at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — warm, dry days (highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F / 18–24°C) and cool nights (40s–50s°F / 4–10°C) make water activities and shoreline camping pleasant and comfortable. Paddleboarding, swimming, fishing and day hikes into the Three Sisters corridor are at their peak, and the six boat‑in sites keep camping crowds small and peaceful even when the lake is busier. Note the campground is open only June 13–September 20, so mid‑July through August offers the ste Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 13–Sept 20; mid‑July–Aug provide most reliable warm weather and water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 13, 2025, to September 20, 2025. Closed for reservations outside this date range.

About Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground sits on a protected cove of Cultus Lake in Deschutes National Forest, accessible only by boat or a 2.25-mile hike. Operated by the Forest Service, this primitive campground offers spacious shoreline sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Visitors come for fishing, paddleboarding, and family-friendly beach access in a quiet setting away from road-accessible crowds.

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 SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — warm, dry days (highs typically in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F / 18–24°C) and cool nights (40s–50s°F / 4–10°C) make water activities and shoreline camping pleasant and comfortable. Paddleboarding, swimming, fishing and day hikes into the Three Sisters corridor are at their peak, and the six boat‑in sites keep camping crowds small and peaceful even when the lake is busier. Note the campground is open only June 13–September 20, so mid‑July through August offers the ste Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4744 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a sheltered cove along Cultus Lake, a glacier-carved basin in the Cascade Lakes corridor. Sites face the water with views across to the surrounding forest and distant peaks. The beach slopes gradually into the lake, making it easy for kids to wade and for boats to land. Pines provide some shade. The Three Sisters Wilderness rises to the west, and the volcanic landscape typical of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway defines the terrain.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations or similar facilities are detailed.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specified.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not provided. This is a boat-in or hike-in only campground, which may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site 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.

PrivacyThe sites are situated in a protected cove, likely offering some privacy. Specific details about site seclusion are not mentioned.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider sites 4, 5, or 6 for larger groups as they provide ample space and several tent pads.

Best CampsitesSites 4, 5, and 6 work well for larger groups. Reviews mention these three fitting 18 people comfortably, so they offer more space and likely better configurations for multiple tents. All sites are described as large with room for several tents, but the upper-numbered sites get specific praise.

Need help booking Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

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Amenities available

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground offers a rustic camping experience with six boat-in or hike-in sites located on the north side of the lake. The campground provides basic camping amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads. It is situated directly on the water, offering stunning lake views and easy access for water-based recreation.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

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

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited 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 4 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 4 reviews

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 4 reviews

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 4 reviews

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 4 reviews

Seasonal 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 4 reviews

Camper 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 4 reviews

Accessibility 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 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not discussed in the available information.

Based on 4 reviews

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Go if

You want a peaceful lakefront escape and have a boat or don't mind packing gear on a trail.

Skip if

You need vehicle access to your campsite or want developed amenities beyond fire rings and tables.

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Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground

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Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground

Deschutes National Forest

Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground sits on the shore of Cultus Lake in Deschutes National Forest, accessible only by boat. Operated by the Forest Service, this primitive campground offers fire rings and picnic tables at a handful of lakeside sites. Campers come for fishing, hiking, and boating in a mid-elevation forest setting.

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

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Overview

Plan a trip to Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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