Cold Water Cove - Willamette NF (OR)

Overview

This campground provides 34 campsites, 31 singles and 3 double, that accommodate vehicles 18 to 50 feet in length depending on site.  No sites are directly on the shoreline of the lake, but several offer views of the lake.  Drinking water is available at two handpumps, one in the campground and one in the boat launch area.  There are four double vault toilets shared by both sites.  The boat launch area includes a boat launch for canoes or small non-motorized crafts (no motors are allowed on the lake), a small fish cleaning station, and a picnic site.  There is also an extra vehicle, or overflow, parking area. *Extra Vehicle Fees for campers & Day Use/Boat Launch Fee for non-campers/day users.  

Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.

Cold Water Cove Campground offers stunning views of turquoise-colored Clear Lake and 3,000-year-old lava fields, making it an ideal location. On clear days, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Three Sisters and Mount Washington. Fishing, hiking, canoeing and boating are popular activities.   

The campground sits at the south end of the lake at an elevation of 3,100 feet. A mix of maple, alder and Douglas fir trees cover the area. Some sites have limited views of the lake, and all sites have privacy from neighboring campers. Cold Water Cove sits in the midsection of the Cascades mountain range. 

This campground offers both reservable and FCFS campsites.   

Scan and Pay might be offered at this campground; It is recommended that you pay by cash or check for FCFS campsites. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with FCFS payments. This system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded. Please download the Rec.Gov app prior to arriving at the campground as there may be no cellular service or very limited service at the campground. If no Scan & Pay option is available you must pay via cash or check.  

Reservation may be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION. GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.

Recreation

Clear Lake is popular for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and row boats. Anglers cast for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Power boating is not permitted, which makes for calm waters. A boat ramp and fish cleaning station are located in the campground. Boat rentals are available at nearby Clear Lake Resort.

The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail passes through the campground and runs along Clear Lake. The trail stretches 26 miles and is open to hikers and mountain bikers.

Facilities

The campground offers single and double-family campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, trash collection and drinking water are provided. No hookups are available.

There is a restaurant/lodge located nearby at Clear Lake Resort.  

Natural Features

Contact Info

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include:  Clear Lake for fishing, non-motorized rowboat use and hiking.  Rowboats and Kayaks are available to rent at nearby Clear Lake Resort.  Clear Lake is the head waters for the McKenzie River, and is renowned for its cold, clear water and preserved grove of underwater trees.   The McKenzie River National Scenic Trail is on one side of Clear Lake, and a connecting trail offers a loop hiking trail opportunity around the lake.  Trails also connect the campground to short hikes to Sahalie and Koosah Falls, spectacular waterfalls located within a mile of the campground.  Also, close in proximity, is the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway and Mt. Washington Wilderness.