Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

Star0
4 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,744 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open from June 13, 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Deschutes National Forest 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 Boat In - Big Cove Campground
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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...
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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

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Provider
541-323-1746
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspacioushikingbeach

"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."

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Campground Map

Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

43.8470, -121.8656

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.

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

Summer 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June–Sept; warm dry days ideal for swimming and water sports though mosquitoes are noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes after Sept 20; largely not available in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed before June 13; spring season not available for reservations.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside June 13–Sept 20; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 13, 2025 - September 20, 2025.. 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

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.
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Best Campsites

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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.

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Cultus Lake. Specific types of fish or fishing conditions are not detailed.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Cultus Lake, which has a gradual sloping beach ideal for families and children.
BikingBiking is listed among the recreational options, but no specific trail details are provided.
BoatingCultus Lake is one of the few lakes in the area that allows high-speed motorized boating. Activities include jet skiing, waterskiing, and sailing.
Beach activitiesThe campground features a gradual sloping beach, making it suitable for beach activities like sunbathing and playing in the sand.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquito presence is noted during peak summer months; use repellents. Fire restrictions may occur due to weather conditions.

Weather at Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground

Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited 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...
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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,...
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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...
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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

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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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