Cultus Lake Campground

Star4.38
129 reviews
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OR 97701, USA
Family FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,741 ft

Price

$21 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cultus Lake Campground
$21.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range seasonally from $21 to $34 per night depending on the date of stay, with an additional $2 holiday surcharge. Off-season rates apply during...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
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

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Provider
541-323-1746
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 129 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslakefriendly

Some mention

noisesmallreservation

"User reviews are highly polarized. Positive reviewers praised the clean and spacious sites, beautiful lake views, and accommodating camp hosts. Negative reviews cited issues such as noisy neighbors, unclean vault toilets, and poor site layouts."

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Campground Map

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OR 97701, USA

Cultus Lake Campground

63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OR 97701, USA

Driving directionsFrom Bend, OR: Travel 46 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46), then west on Forest Road 4635 for 2 miles.
The campground can be accessed via paved roads from Cascade Lakes Hwy and then by Forest Road 4635. Larger RVs are not recommended due to narrow roads and smaller campsite sizes.
Nearby supplies
The Cultus Lake Lodge nearby has a small store providing boating vessels and a selection of provisions. Additional supplies may be found in the city of Bend, located approximately 46 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Cultus Lake Campground

Summer transforms Cultus Lake into a sun-drenched playground where warm days invite endless water activities, though savvy campers come prepared for the occasional mountain breeze and the buzzing locals—mosquitoes that thrive in peak season. Early season adventurers discover a different magic: crisp mornings wrapped in fleece, fewer insects, and the peaceful solitude of having this alpine paradise nearly to themselves. As autumn paints the surrounding forests in gold and crimson, the crowds thin out, leaving behind perfect conditions for those who prefer their camping experiences with a side of solitude and sweater weather.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in OREGON

Peak season with abundant water activities; summer reviews praise the lake and family amenities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is quieter with fewer visitors; still scenic and pleasant per seasonal notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens May 23; most spring dates before opening are not available for reservations.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in late fall/winter; not available for winter stays.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season: May 23, 2025, through September 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025, through September 27, 2025, for reservations. Switches to first-come, first-served late September through October. Closed late October through May.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Cultus Lake Campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of Cultus Lake, this 55-site campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of forest tranquility and aquatic adventure. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath towering pines or settling in with your RV (under 30 feet), you'll find yourself in one of the rare Cascade gems where high-speed watercraft share the waters with paddlers and swimmers. From dawn patrol waterskiing sessions to sunset hikes along forested trails, Cultus Lake serves as your basecamp for endless recreation, offering everything from adrenaline-pumping jet skiing to peaceful sailing excursions across the lake's crystalline surface.
Cultus Lake Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations primarily for tents, trailers, and RVs (maximum length: 30 feet).
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit. Maximum 28 nights per year.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cultus Lake Campground is ideal for water-based recreation. Activities include waterskiing, windsurfing, swimming, sailing, jet skiing, hiking, and exploring nearby wilderness trails. A walk-in boat launch is available within the campground. These activities make it a family-friendly destination, with users frequently praising the "crystal clear lake" and opportunities for kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding.
HikingThe campground provides access to trails leading into the Three Sisters Wilderness. Nearby trails include Green Lakes and Soda Creek, which require permits but are highly recommended. User reviews frequently highlight their scenic beauty.
FishingFishing at Cultus Lake is noted for its lake trout. However, one user expressed disappointment due to unavailable boat rentals at the lodge.
SwimmingThe lake offers designated areas for swimming, including shallow sections safe for children. "The lake is super shallow a long way out, so it is so fun for little kids," one camper remarked.
BikingBiking opportunities include mountain biking and trails around the lake, which offer both short and extended routes.
BoatingThe campground features a walk-in boat launch and access to a more developed launch in the day-use area. Activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular.
Beach activitiesThe lake features clean beaches with areas for wading, sunbathing, and beach play. One user noted the "kid-friendly gravel beach."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are prevalent during peak summer. Occasional wildfire smoke may affect air quality; strong winds may be experienced.
Active Alertsnull

Weather at Cultus Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
129 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cultus Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are highly polarized. Positive reviewers praised the clean and spacious sites, beautiful lake views, and accommodating camp hosts. Negative reviews cited issues such as noisy neighbors, unclean vault toilets, and poor site layouts.
Review Summaries
Based on 129 reviews

What Campers Love

Praise for camp hosts being "helpful and attentive," spacious campsites, and the "beautiful, crystal clear lake." Some users highlighted family-friendly swimming areas and overall cleanliness.
Based on 129 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include "disgusting" vault toilets, loud parties during quiet hours, unresponsive management for refunds, and overcrowded boat ramps.
Based on 129 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray for mosquitoes, arrive early for better site selection, and prepare for limited cell service. Permits are required for wilderness hikes.
Based on 129 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews commonly praise water activities and family-friendly amenities but note mosquito presence. Fall reviews suggest quieter conditions with fewer visitors.
Based on 129 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is beautiful and campground was very good." "Vault toilets were well kept." "Noisy night with loud parties." "Mosquitoes were out in force, bring spray." "Beautiful lake! The campsite had...
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Based on 129 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 004: Spacious, quiet, and well-spaced from neighbors. Site 002: Cramped layout and limited privacy. Site 041: Ideal for families but uneven terrain. Site 044: Unlevel for RVs but decent for...
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Based on 129 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly. Pets must be leashed and cleaned up after. Users appreciated the dog-friendly ambiance.
Based on 129 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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