Cultus Lake Boat In - West Campground

About

West Cultus Boat-In Campground occupies the secluded west shore of glacier-formed Cultus Lake in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest. The 12 tent sites are accessible only by boat or by hiking in, providing a quieter alternative to the main Cultus Lake Campground across the lake. Visitors launch from the Cultus Lake Day Use boat ramp and must park in the designated boat-in camping lot adjacent to Cultus Lake Campground. Cultus Lake is one of the few lakes along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway that permits high-speed motorized watercraft, making it a hub for waterskiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and sailing. The campground also provides trailhead access into the Three Sisters Wilderness for those seeking backcountry exploration. This is a primitive setting with composting toilets but no potable water. Campers should bring all drinking water and be prepared for heavy mosquitoes, especially in June and early July. All sites are reservation-only through Recreation.gov with no first-come-first-served availability.

Directions

From Bend, OR: Travel 46 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Highway (Route 46), then west on Forest Road 4635 for 2 miles to Cultus Lake Campground. Park in the designated boat-in camping lot and launch from the day use boat ramp, then boat to the west end of the lake. Alternatively, hike in via trail.