Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground

4 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,721 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Peak season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,721 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Peak season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates are $22 per night; an additional holiday fee of $2 may apply. Reservation fees are non-refundable, and a $10 modification fee...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$22.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

Most mentioned

locationhikinglake

"The campground has received mixed but generally positive reviews, with visitors appreciating the lake access and recreational opportunities. Some negative sentiments relate to smoke during certain seasons and weather variations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground

43.8448, -121.8478

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.

There is a parking area specifically designated for boat-in campground use located within Cultus Lake Campground. Visitors with reservations at one of the three boat-in campgrounds can launch their boats at the Cultus Lake Day Use boat ramp, but must park in the designated boat-in camping parking lot.

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

Summer transforms Little Cove into an outdoor paradise, with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water adventures and comfortable nights under star-filled skies. Seasoned visitors particularly appreciate the pleasant temperatures and notably fewer mosquitoes during peak season. As autumn arrives, crisp air signals the changing seasons, while winter brings a dramatic transformation with moderate snowfall and freezing temperatures that blanket the landscape in peaceful solitude. Those seeking winter camping should prepare for potentially intense cold spells that occasionally grip the region.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer described as warm, ideal for water adventures; peak season is mid-June to Sept.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Fall may feature variable weather and smoke during fire season, reducing enjoyment at times.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Site lists a defined peak season; spring conditions and access not described.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Peak season is June 13–Sept 20; no winter operations or winter recreation noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 13 - September 20 (2025-2026). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season is from June 13 to September 20 annually.

About Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground

Escape to the pristine shores of Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground, where adventure begins the moment you leave the dock. This secluded, rustic retreat is accessible only by boat or trail, rewarding intrepid travelers with an authentic wilderness experience. Days here unfold with the splash of waterskis cutting through crystal waters, the snap of sails catching mountain breezes, and the exhilarating rush of jet skis dancing across the lake. When you're ready to explore beyond the water, hiking trails beckon you into the magnificent Three Sisters Wilderness, where alpine meadows and volcanic peaks await discovery.

This campground is specifically designed for boat-in or hike-in primitive camping on the shores of Cultus Lake. It features four rustic campsites suitable for tents.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Little Cove into an outdoor paradise, with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for water adventures and comfortable nights under star-filled skies. Seasoned visitors particularly appreciate the pleasant temperatures and notably fewer mosquitoes during peak season. As autumn arrives, crisp air signals the changing seasons, while winter brings a dramatic transformation with moderate snowfall and freezing temperatures that blanket the landscape in peaceful solitude. Those seeking winter camping should prepare for potentially intense cold spells that occasionally grip the region.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled along the sparkling waters of Cultus Lake, this campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn. The glacier-carved lake serves as both playground and centerpiece, its deep blue waters reflecting the surrounding forest canopy. Towering evergreens create a natural amphitheater around the rustic campsites, their branches whispering ancient stories in the mountain breeze. The untamed beauty of the forested landscape provides a stunning backdrop for water recreation, while the lake's pristine waters invite endless exploration and adventure.

Geological RegionSet within the dramatic volcanic landscape of the Cascades, Cultus Lake stands as a testament to the powerful forces that shaped this region. This glacier-carved gem lies along the renowned Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, where ancient ice flows sculpted deep basins now filled with crystal-clear mountain water. The surrounding peaks and ridges tell the story of fire and ice, creating a geological wonderland that continues to captivate visitors with its raw beauty and fascinating natural history.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Reserved sites are held until noon the day following arrival
must be occupied at this time.

Check-out

Reservation sites must be vacated by noon on check-out date.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights.

Groups

The campground does not include group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes four rustic, boat-in or hike-in sites located on the north side of the lake.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, through the Recreation.gov app, or by calling the Recreation.gov Contact Center.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve availability is open only from June 21 to June 22 annually; all other dates require reservations.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies if canceled before arrival. Late cancellations incur a forfeiture of the first night's fee. Modifications to reservation dates cost $10 unless extending/shortening within the original reservation dates.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the source materials.

Site SizeThe sites are designed primarily for tent camping and are described as rustic, with basic amenities such as picnic tables and tent pads.

PrivacyGiven the boat-in or hike-in nature of the campground, it can be inferred that privacy is enhanced by the secluded location, though privacy levels between individual sites are not detailed.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a variety of recreational activities that highlight its location on Cultus Lake. Visitors can enjoy water-based activities such as boating, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, and sailboarding. Additionally, fishing and hiking are possible, with trails leading into the scenic Three Sisters Wilderness.

HikingTrails around Cultus Lake offer access to the Three Sisters Wilderness. Details about difficulty levels or trail lengths are not provided.

FishingFishing is listed as an available activity, but there are no specifics about fish species or fishing conditions.

SwimmingWhile swimming is possible, no designated swimming areas or details about safety measures are mentioned.

BikingBiking is mentioned as an activity, though no details about trails, terrain, or difficulty are provided.

BoatingThe campground is designed for boat-in access and supports boating activities on Cultus Lake. High-speed motorized watercraft are allowed, making it suitable for jet skiing and water skiing.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed due to hot, dry weather; users are advised to clean equipment to prevent invasive species.

Weather at Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground

Reviews

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has received mixed but generally positive reviews, with visitors appreciating the lake access and recreational opportunities. Some negative sentiments relate to smoke during certain seasons and weather variations.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the scenic lake location, recreational options like boating and hiking, and the overall camping experience. One user noted, "The campground was awesome and so was the lake."

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included occasional smoke and unusual cold weather, as highlighted by one reviewer: "Got smokey (normal) and a little cold (abnormal)."

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users did not provide specific tips, but based on reviews, preparing for variable weather conditions and potential smoke would be advisable.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather conditions can vary, with smoke being a common issue during fire season. Visitors reported better experiences during clear weather with fewer mosquitoes.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Had a great time at Cultus Lake. The weather was perfect, very few mosquitos." - Kevin B. 2. "Got smokey (normal) and a little cold (abnormal) which took some of the flare off, but good times...

Based on 4 reviews