Cultus Lake Resort

Nestled at 4,700 feet elevation in the Deschutes National Forest, Cultus Lake Resort offers a premium mountain lake experience just 45 minutes from Bend, Oregon. This family-owned resort combines full-service RV camping with a working marina, lakeside restaurant, and some of the most spectacular Cascade Mountain views you'll find in Central Oregon.

RV Sites & Accommodations

The resort features 50 RV sites with full hookups (30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer), making it one of the few fully-serviced campgrounds in the Cascade Lakes area. Sites are spacious and can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet, with a mix of pull-through and back-in configurations. The lakeside location means many sites offer water views, and the resort's mature pine forest provides natural shade and privacy. Reservations are made directly through the resort's website or by calling, and booking well in advance is essential for summer weekends as this is a highly sought-after destination among Oregon RVers.

Amenities & Services

The resort's Lakeside Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor deck seating overlooking the lake - perfect for watching the sunset over the Cascades. The general store stocks camping essentials, fishing tackle, ice, firewood, and groceries. Modern bathroom facilities with hot showers are centrally located, and the resort provides WiFi access (though speeds can be limited due to the remote location). The marina offers boat rentals, moorage, and a fuel dock. Pets are welcome throughout the resort, making it ideal for families traveling with their four-legged companions. Laundry facilities are available on-site.

Activities & Recreation

Cultus Lake is renowned for its exceptional kokanee salmon and rainbow trout fishing, with the resort offering boat rentals including fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. The crystal-clear lake is also perfect for swimming, with a designated beach area. Hikers can access the Cultus Lake Trail, which circles the lake for 3.8 miles, and the nearby Winopee Lake Trail (2.5 miles) offers a peaceful forest walk. The resort is also a gateway to the Three Sisters Wilderness, with multiple trailheads within a short drive. During summer, the resort hosts family-friendly activities and evening campfires.

Natural Setting & Best Times to Visit

Cultus Lake sits in a pristine alpine basin surrounded by ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine forests, with stunning views of Cultus Mountain to the west. The lake's clarity and the surrounding wilderness create an authentic mountain escape. Wildlife sightings are common, including deer, osprey, bald eagles, and occasionally black bears (proper food storage is required). The resort typically opens in late May and closes in late September, with July and August offering the warmest weather and best swimming conditions. Early summer (June) and fall (September) provide quieter experiences with excellent fishing and beautiful changing foliage.

Amenities

Amenity	Available
Electric Hookups	✓
Water Hookups	✓
Sewer Hookups	✓
RV Dump Station	✓
Bathrooms	✓
Showers	✓
General Store	✓
Restaurant	✓
Laundry	✓
WiFi	✓
Pet Friendly	✓

Google Reviews AI Summary

We analyzed recent Google Reviews to understand guest experiences:

Cultus Lake Resort receives consistently positive feedback, with guests praising the stunning lakeside location, clean facilities, and friendly staff. Reviewers frequently mention the convenience of full hookups combined with the remote mountain setting, calling it a "best of both worlds" experience. The restaurant receives high marks for quality food and beautiful views, though some note it can get busy during peak times. Common positive themes include excellent fishing, well-maintained grounds, and the peaceful atmosphere. A few guests mention that the resort can feel crowded during summer holidays, and cell service is limited (which many consider a plus for disconnecting). The marina and boat rental services are consistently praised for being well-run and reasonably priced. This resort is best suited for families, fishing enthusiasts, and RVers who want resort amenities without sacrificing the authentic mountain camping experience.

Happy Campers RV Recommendations

For visiting Cultus Lake Resort, we recommend our 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 2860DS, which is perfect for families wanting the privacy layout with a rear bedroom and bunkhouse, plus it handles the mountain roads beautifully while fitting comfortably in the resort's full-hookup sites. Couples seeking a luxurious lakeside retreat will love our 2025 Coachmen Concord 321DS, which offers premium amenities and the perfect size for two to enjoy the resort's restaurant and marina activities. For larger families or groups planning extended stays, our 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 3250DS LE sleeps up to 10 and provides the space needed for multiple generations to enjoy this mountain paradise together.