Cultus Lake Campground
4.3674 reviews63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD, BEND, OR 97701, USA
Cultus Lake Campground
$21.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 late September through October. Reservation fees and cancellation fees may apply.
About this 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).
Historical SignificanceCultus Lake sits at the crossroads of geological wonder and human exploration, where ancient volcanic forces shaped a landscape now traversed by the renowned Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. This storied route winds through a region where indigenous peoples once traveled seasonally, and where the mighty Three Sisters volcanoes stand as silent sentinels over centuries of natural and cultural history. Today's visitors follow in the footsteps of generations who've been drawn to these waters, continuing a legacy of recreation and reverence for this spectacular volcanic wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.
ElevationPerched at a mountain elevation that delivers refreshingly cool nights and crystal-clear air, Cultus Lake Campground offers that perfect high-country camping experience where the stars seem close enough to touch and morning mist dances across the water's surface.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mirror-like waters reflecting ancient volcanic peaks, where dense stands of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine create a natural amphitheater around your lakeside retreat. Cultus Lake Campground immerses you in the raw beauty of the Central Oregon Cascades, where the dramatic silhouettes of the Three Sisters Wilderness pierce the horizon and remnants of the region's fiery past dot the landscape. This is a place where eagles soar overhead, where morning light filters through old-growth canopy, and where every sunset paints the volcanic peaks in shades of alpenglow that will leave you reaching for your camera.
Geological RegionSet along the spectacular Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, Cultus Lake Campground places you at the heart of Central Oregon's volcanic wonderland. Here, the ancient forces that built the Cascade Range have left their mark in dramatic peaks, pristine lakes, and lava flows now clothed in verdant forest. The surrounding landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where the majestic Three Sisters Wilderness showcases nature's power through towering volcanic monuments, while dense forests have reclaimed the once-barren lava fields, creating a stunning tapestry of geological history and thriving ecosystems that define this remarkable corner of the Pacific Northwest.
Campsite details
Sites SizeCampsites are noted for their varied sizes. Many are spacious and well-shaded, while some lakefront sites are small and uneven. As one user noted, "The lake-side sites are for small trailers and campers, very unlevel."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies. Some sites offer excellent spacing and tree coverage, such as Site 020, praised for its "lots of space between sites." Others are criticized for being cramped and poorly laid out, like Site 002 in Loop 1.
Total Campsites55 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 044 is noted for being unlevel; waterfront sites are popular but better suited for small trailers; sites on Loop 2 generally have larger spaces; sites near the boat launch are noisier.
Best CampsitesPopular sites mentioned in reviews include campsite numbers 001, 045, 043, and 053.
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Number not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops with 55 campsites. Loop 2 is noted for having larger and more spacious sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23, 2025, through September 27, 2025, for reservations. Switches to first-come, first-served late September through October. Closed late October through May.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityOnly 3 or 4 sites are available for first-come, first-served reservations during specific periods.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to the day before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night’s fee. No modifications are allowed once the reservation date has begun. Late cancellation policies also apply.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing at Cultus Lake is noted for its lake trout. However, one user expressed disappointment due to unavailable boat rentals at the lodge.Swimming
The 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.Biking
Biking opportunities include mountain biking and trails around the lake, which offer both short and extended routes.Boating
The 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 activities
The lake features clean beaches with areas for wading, sunbathing, and beach play. One user noted the "kid-friendly gravel beach."Water Sports
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing are common water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot and dry weather conditions. Charcoal fires may also be prohibited during bans.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are prevalent during peak summer. Occasional wildfire smoke may affect air quality; strong winds may be experienced.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season: May 23, 2025, through September 27, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection and recycling stations are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Cultus Lake, allowing access to swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating.
Common complaintsComplaints include noise disturbances during quiet hours, unclean restroom facilities, small campsite sizes, and lack of privacy in certain loops. Some reviews also mention difficulties during wildfire season and campsite reservation issues.
HostHosts are consistently praised for being helpful, friendly, and attentive, with some reviewers noting their role in ensuring campground cleanliness.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.4
74 reviews
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 74 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 74 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include "disgusting" vault toilets, loud parties during quiet hours, unresponsive management for refunds, and overcrowded boat ramps.
Based on 74 reviewsPro 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 74 reviewsSeasonal 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 74 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly. Pets must be leashed and cleaned up after. Users appreciated the dog-friendly ambiance.
Based on 74 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025