Coldwater Cove Campground

The campground was a perfect place to spend three days hiking and relaxing in a lush green forest. The rate per night was $10.50 with our Senior Access Pass, otherwise the rate is $21 per night. Our campsite was secluded with plenty of shade and peacefulness. Each site is paved, but our site was not level, picnic table and fire ring. The campground has vault toilets, water, and trash containers. There is a trail from the campground along a rushing river to two very beautiful waterfalls, the round trip hike was 5 miles. There is also a trail from the campground through a lava rock area and around the lake, the entire trail is 7 miles. We hiked both trails and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. The lake is very clear and aqua blue in color, amazing. This campground is definitely worth the trip.

Our price reflects the senior discount and the reservation fee.

First the pros:
Easy to access location, all paved roads to access and inside the campground
Large sites
Absolutely gorgeous spingfed lake, cold, clear water, 38 degrees
Stocked with trout
No motorboats, paddles, oars only
Close to small old time resort with rowboat rental, cabins, and food--just candy bars during covid
Clean vault toilets
Host onsite selling firewood
Trail around the lake, access to the long distance McKenzie River trail
Close to Sahalie and Koosah Falls trail
A little further to Belknap Hot Spring

Cons:
Elevation around 3000 feet..... we had very cold weather June 5-7.....38 airtemp with cold rain
"Boat ramp"@ campground were a very long series of concrete slabs headed into the water,
with railroad ties that you slid your boat down on. Tiny beach next to it, to get into your boat.
Sites very unlevel....some more than others, bring lots of leveling blocks
Parking blocks limit how far you can get your rig in....tight fit with our 17 foot trailer and full size Van
Site was so unlevel that the trail to our picnic table had a switchback
Campground is built over a thin layer of soil over a lava bed.
Parking fee for boat trailer by the ramp

We'll probably be back later in the summer when the weather is drier...

We had a good stay. We booked two nights via recreation.gov, so our site was clear and ready for us upon arrival. As mentioned, the road through this camp ground is tight, so be aware! We were able to squeeze our 23' trailer onto the pad at site #29 and luckily parked our truck in our friends site across the way. Aside from the pad for the trailer, the site was huge, equipped with a large picnic table and fire ring. You have plenty of space from your neighbors. It is well shaded, so if you rely on solar and plan on staying for some time, you may want to bring along your generator.

The lake is beautiful and great for kayaking and paddle boarding. There is a tiny lake access point by the boat ramp, but otherwise, very little beach access to the lake. We did have kids, so that was not ideal. The lava field is great and there is plenty of hiking near by.

We had a good experience and would love to return later in the fall.

This area is almost overwhelming beautiful. Old growth forests, waterfalls, clear blue lakes and rivers. Coldwater Cove was a bit of a challenge for our 36 foot class A RV though. We did fit in our spot with plenty of room but it wasn't very level. The campground host was very nice and loaned us some more blocks. The sites are huge and well spaced out.

The roads are pretty narrow. Avoid the boat ramp area with any large rig as you won't make the turn around.

There is no cell service but you can drive four miles up the road near Fish Lake and get a workable Verizon signal.

Please note, I am basing my review on my particular site, #1, as it was a bit removed from the remainder of the campground. Far from noise, campfire smoke, kids playing, generators running, and it was about the only site in the park with a clear view of the open sky for plenty of solar.

This FS campground (half off at $10 per nt with NP Geezer Pass) is primarily in a "Reserved" status with the exception of about a third of the sites being first come/first served. As an older campground, most sites are unlevel, a bit short, and heavily treed....except for Site #1, which was perfect in every way, except....NO CELL SIGNAL!

It is steps from the glorious Clear Lake which lives up to it's name, as a quiet calm, aquamarine blue lake perfect for kayakers (no motors.) It is steps from the McKenzie River Trail, which runs 26 miles alongside the McKenzie River. And it is 1 mile from the gorgeous waterfalls trail.

I rarely, if ever, leave bandwidth behind, but I did so for five straight days, which speaks for how beautiful this place is!

No showers / dump station / threaded water spigot though....and you must drive 20 miles for the nearest wifi which is at the McKenzie Bridge General Store and Bier Garden.