Big Cove Boat-In Campground

For Oregonians seeking an unparalleled escape into the heart of the Cascades, where the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination, Big Cove Boat-In Campground offers a truly unique experience. Tucked away on the northern shores of Cultus Lake within the majestic Deschutes National Forest, this campground stands apart due to its exclusive accessibility: it's a boat-in or hike-in only destination. This unique characteristic ensures a more secluded and tranquil environment, far removed from the sounds of vehicle traffic, making it a perfect retreat for those who truly wish to immerse themselves in nature.

Cultus Lake itself is a gem along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, known for being one of the few lakes in the area that permits high-speed motorized watercraft. This makes Big Cove an ideal basecamp for enthusiasts of water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and sailing, offering a vibrant contrast to the quiet solitude of the campground itself. Yet, despite the potential for lively daytime activities on the lake, Big Cove maintains a distinctly rustic and peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to enjoy the best of both worlds – exciting recreation and serene relaxation.

The experience at Big Cove is designed for the adventurous and self-sufficient camper. Its designation as one of only three boat-in or hike-in only campgrounds on Cultus Lake speaks to its commitment to preserving a more primitive outdoor experience. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle, where the sounds of the lake and the forest become your primary soundtrack. The focus here is on genuine connection with the environment, whether you're casting a line, exploring the surrounding trails, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views across the glacier-formed lake. This commitment to a rustic yet rewarding experience makes Big Cove Boat-In Campground a highly sought-after destination for Oregon locals looking for an unforgettable wilderness adventure.

Big Cove Boat-In Campground is located within the Deschutes National Forest, near La Pine, OR 97739, USA. More specifically, it is situated on the north side of Cultus Lake, which is a prominent feature along the renowned Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. This stunning byway (Forest Service Road 46) is easily accessible from Bend, Oregon, making the initial drive to the lake relatively straightforward.

However, the defining characteristic of Big Cove is its accessibility: it is strictly a boat-in or hike-in only campground. This means that vehicular access directly to the campsites is not possible. To reach the campground, visitors typically launch their boats from the Cultus Lake Resort marina or Cultus Lake West Campground boat launch, then navigate across the lake to Big Cove. For those who prefer to hike, trails leading to the campground are available, though they typically involve a more rigorous journey. This unique access method is precisely what contributes to the campground's secluded and peaceful atmosphere, filtering out casual visitors and ensuring a more dedicated outdoor enthusiast demographic. It is crucial for campers to plan accordingly, ensuring their boat is capable of carrying all necessary gear and supplies, or that their hiking equipment is suitable for carrying everything required for a primitive camping experience.

• Rustic Campsites: Big Cove offers six individual campsites, each in a very rustic setting right next to the water. These sites are designed for tent camping and offer a primitive experience.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, allowing for outdoor cooking and gathering.
• Vault Toilets: Basic vault toilets are available for camper convenience.
• No Potable Water: It is important to note that Big Cove Boat-In Campground does not provide potable water. Campers must bring their own supply of drinking water or be prepared to filter and treat water from the lake.
• No Garbage Service: A "pack it in, pack it out" policy is in effect for all trash. Campers are responsible for removing all their waste from the campground.
• No Hookups: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available, reinforcing the primitive camping experience.
• No Generator Use: Generator use is strictly prohibited in the campground between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, ensuring a quiet environment.
• Reservations: Campsites at Big Cove Boat-In Campground are reservable through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season, as sites are limited.

• Boat-In/Hike-In Seclusion: The primary highlight is the campground's unique access, which ensures a more private, quiet, and less crowded camping experience compared to drive-in sites. This makes it ideal for those seeking true wilderness solitude.
• Lakeside Setting: All six sites are located directly on the edge of Cultus Lake, offering stunning waterfront views and immediate access for swimming, fishing, and launching kayaks or canoes directly from your campsite.
• Cultus Lake Activities: Cultus Lake is one of the few Cascade Lakes that allows high-speed motorized watercraft. This provides excellent opportunities for water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing during the day, appealing to a wide range of water sports enthusiasts.
• Access to Three Sisters Wilderness: Cultus Lake West Campground, easily accessible by boat from Big Cove, offers trails leading into the vast and breathtaking Three Sisters Wilderness, providing opportunities for extended hiking and exploration.
• Fishing Opportunities: Cultus Lake is known for good fishing, often stocked with trout, offering anglers a rewarding experience.
• Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by old-growth forests and offering views of the surrounding Cascade mountains, the campground is set in a naturally beautiful and pristine environment.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night skies over Cultus Lake and Big Cove are often incredibly clear, providing spectacular opportunities for stargazing.
• Natural Glacier-Formed Lake: Cultus Lake is a natural, glacier-formed lake, adding to its unique geological and aesthetic appeal.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse forest and lake environment provides opportunities for observing local wildlife, including various bird species and other forest creatures.

Address: La Pine, OR 97739, USA (located on the north side of Cultus Lake within the Deschutes National Forest)

For current information, conditions, and reservations, it is best to consult the official Recreation.gov website for "Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground" or contact the Deschutes National Forest directly. The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District is typically the relevant contact point for this area.

General Deschutes National Forest Phone: (541) 383-5300 (While this is a general line, they can direct you to the correct department or provide up-to-date information.)

Big Cove Boat-In Campground offers an extraordinary and perfectly tailored experience for Oregon locals who are truly passionate about the outdoors and seek a deeper connection with nature. Its unique boat-in or hike-in access immediately sets it apart, ensuring a level of seclusion and tranquility that is increasingly rare at drive-up campgrounds. For those who own a boat or are keen on a challenging hike, this accessibility transforms the journey into an integral part of the adventure.

The blend of peaceful, rustic camping with immediate access to Cultus Lake's vibrant water sports scene caters to diverse interests, allowing for both exhilarating daytime activities and serene evenings. Whether you're an avid angler, a waterskier, a kayaker, or simply someone who yearns for a quiet night under a blanket of stars, Big Cove delivers. The primitive nature of the campground, requiring campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste, aligns perfectly with the Leave No Trace principles and appeals to those who value a raw, unadulterated wilderness experience. For Oregonians, Big Cove Boat-In Campground is not just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity to create unforgettable memories, embrace a unique aspect of their state's natural beauty, and truly disconnect from the demands of modern life in a breathtaking Central Oregon setting.

Big Cove Boat-In Campground

La Pine, OR 97739, USA