Cultus Lake Campground to reopen on Friday

Cultus Lake Campground will reopen to the public at 8 a.m. Friday for the rest of the summer season following the removal of over 500 hazardous trees, which had created a public safety risk, the Deschutes National Forest announced Wednesday.

Reservations for the campground will reopen at noon today with the first day that can be reserved being Monday, July 24 .

All campsites will be available on a first come-first served basis Friday through Sunday , July 23 ,

Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or at 1-877-444-6777 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

All facilities in the campground will be open and available, officials said. but campers should expect to see some small branches and material left over from the removal of the hazard trees, killed or dying due to disease.

Cultus Lake Boat Launch and Day-Use Area opened last week and will remain open, the Forest Service said. Cultus Lake Resort is open for business, as it has been during the tree removal, which was pushed up from fall after a public outcry and political pressure resulted from an initial plan to close the campground all summer.

“The Forest Service appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during the closure period, which has allowed for the continued safe enjoyment of visitors to the Cultus Lake are,” Wednesday’s announcement stated.