Cold Water Cove - Willamette Nf (OR)
Willamette National Forest
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 is offered at this campground; you may also pay by cash or check for FCFS campsites. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay 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.
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.
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.
Need to Know
An additional fee of $8 will be charged for extra vehicles parked at your campsite.
A fee of $9 will be charged for day-use visitors
- Click here for more information on Willamette National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
- Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from the area after eating
- No discharging firearms, possession of fireworks or use of chainsaws allowed
Scan and Pay is offered at this campground; you may also pay by cash or check for FCFS campsites. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay 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.
Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly.
Check-In 2:00PM
Check-Out 12:00PM
Natural Features
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.
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.
Contact Information
Mailing
McKenzie Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Hwy., Blue River, OR 97413 Managed by Linn County Parks and Recreation, 3010 Ferry St. SW, Albany, OR 97322 OR
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 801-226-3564
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Eugene, Oregon, take I-105 east to McKenzie Highway 126. Travel east on 126 for 55 miles to McKenzie Bridge.
From McKenzie Bridge,OR, travel east on Highway 126 for 18 miles to the Clear Lake Area. Before reaching Clear Lake, turn right on Forest Road 770, heading northeast 1 mile to Coldwater Cove Campground at the end of the road.
Available Campsites
- Site 031, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop COLD, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop A, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 032, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop COLD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric