Cultus Lake boat-in camping reservation system delayed
The Deschutes National Forest announced Friday is postponing the anticipated transition of Cultus Lake’s Little Cove, Big Cove and West Cultus Cove boat-in campgrounds from first-come, first-serve sites to a reservation-only system.
Due to issues with the reservation system, the boat-in sites will remain first-come, first-serve during the 2019 camping season. The reservation-only system will begin in 2020.
Recreation.gov, the platform which hosts reservations for all federal agencies, underwent a contracting change in the fall of 2018, which has caused the unexpected delay. The new contractors are continuing to make adjustments, identify issues and phase in new components to enhance Recreation.gov.
Background on reservation-only system for the boat-in campgrounds
The reservation-only system for the boat-in campgrounds had been slated for implementation August 1, 2019, with online reservations becoming available February 2019.
When the reservation-only system is implemented, reservations will be required July 1 through Labor Day. The online reservation booking window will open six months prior to the arrival date.
Forest officials said moving to the reservation-only system will allow visitors to plan their trips with the knowledge that there will be a campsite available for them upon arrival. A reservation-only system also allows for a higher campsite turnover rate providing increased availability for users.
For more information, please contact Jaimie Olle, acting concessionaire permit administrator for the Deschutes National Forest at (541)640-3192 or jaimiemolle@fs.fed.us.
