Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Operates June 13 through September 21. Reservations available up to one day in advance via Recreation.gov.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
West Bend Area Trail Closures
We are restoring the forest adjacent to the City of Bend to improve forest health, create a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat and to protect our communities and quality of life.
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order (Effective November 14, 2024, Order #06-01-25-01)Describes the prohibition of camping or otherwise occupying a single location for a period longer than 14 consecutive c
Wilderness Permit, Camping & Fire Restrictions Order
Wilderness Permit, Camping, and Fire Restrictions Order (Effective May 1, 2024, Order #06-01-24-01)Describes the special restrictions and prohibitions for Wilderness areas on the Deschutes and Willamette Natio
Blue-Green Algae Information
The Deschutes National Forest encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae.
Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area
Please use caution when recreating in areas that were impacted by the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire.
Camping & Campfire Forest Order
Camping and Campfire Forest Order (Effective April 6, 2021, Order #06-01-21-01)Describes where camping and campfires are prohibited on the Deschutes National Forest.This Order becomes effect
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order (Effective April 1, 2021 Order #06-01-21-02)Describes the prohibitions for entering or exploring caves or areas near caves on the Deschutes National Forest.This O
About
Big Cove Boat-In Campground is located on the north shore of Cultus Lake in the Deschutes National Forest, accessible only by boat or by hiking in via the Winopee Trail. This reservation-only campground provides a primitive, secluded camping experience away from the main developed campgrounds on the lake. Campers must park in the designated boat-in camping parking lot at Cultus Lake Campground and launch from the day use boat ramp, then travel across the lake to reach the sites. Cultus Lake is a natural glacier-formed lake and one of the most popular high Cascade Lakes because it allows high-speed motorized watercraft. The lake offers excellent opportunities for waterskiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, sailing, swimming, and fishing. For those seeking wilderness adventure, the campground provides access to trails leading north into the Three Sisters Wilderness. The campground features composting toilets but no potable water, so campers must bring their own water supply.
Directions
From Bend, travel 46 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Highway (46), then west on Forest Road 4635 for 2 miles to reach Cultus Lake Campground. Park in the designated boat-in camping parking lot, launch at the day use boat ramp, then boat to the north shore of the lake to reach Big Cove. Hikers can access the campground via the Winopee Trail.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground 0.9mi
- Cultus Lake Boat In - West Campground 1.4mi
- Cultus Lake Campground 1.7mi
- Little Cultus Campground 3.2mi
- Quinn River Campground 4.5mi
- Cultus Corral Horse Camp 3.6mi
- Rock Creek Campground 5.7mi
- Deschutes Bridge Campground 4.8mi
- Cow Meadow Campground 5.0mi
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $22 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 383-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Big Cove Boat-In Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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