Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground
02 reviewsCultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 applies for changes to reservation dates.
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe sites are designed primarily for tent camping and are described as rustic, with basic amenities such as picnic tables and tent pads.
Sites 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
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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season is from June 13 to September 20 annually.
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.
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.
Hiking
Trails around Cultus Lake offer access to the Three Sisters Wilderness. Details about difficulty levels or trail lengths are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is listed as an available activity, but there are no specifics about fish species or fishing conditions.Swimming
While swimming is possible, no designated swimming areas or details about safety measures are mentioned.Biking
Biking is mentioned as an activity, though no details about trails, terrain, or difficulty are provided.Boating
The 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
Winter recreation is not detailed for this campground.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking, sailboarding, water skiing, and jet skiing are supported due to the lake's recreational focus.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry conditions; campfires and charcoal fires may be prohibited.
- Quiet hours are No generator use allowed between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsFire restrictions may be imposed due to hot, dry weather; users are advised to clean equipment to prevent invasive species.
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
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13 - September 20 (2025-2026)
Trash and recyclingNo information on trash or recycling facilities is provided in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Cultus Lake, offering direct lake access.
Campground Map
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.Camper Reviews
0.0
2 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 2 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 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints included occasional smoke and unusual cold weather, as highlighted by one reviewer: "Got smokey (normal) and a little cold (abnormal)."
Based on 2 reviewsPro 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 2 reviewsSeasonal 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 2 reviewsCamper 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 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific feedback was provided about individual campsites.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mentioned pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025