a man on a paddle board
Photo by Maddle on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParkingRestroomsFuelBoat Rental

Best Time to Visit

Big Cove Resort

Westwood, CA · Boat Ramp · Public

Big Cove Resort is a public boat ramp on Lake Almanor near Westwood, California. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms. Best visited in spring and summer and fall and winter.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Boat Ramp accessing Lake Almanor near Westwood, California. calm and sheltered conditions.

Big Cove Resort provides shoreline access to Lake Almanor in California, making it a solid choice for a day on the water.

Kayakers will find the waters here well-suited to touring and exploration. The waters here are approachable for canoes, making it a good option for family outings.

Water conditions are generally calm and sheltered. Year-round is the recommended window for paddling here. Facilities include boat ramp and parking and restrooms and fuel and boat rental.

Getting here from Westwood takes about 5 min, putting Big Cove Resort within easy reach for a day trip or afternoon paddle.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make Big Cove Resort ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Paddling Tips

  • Keep an eye on the weather — afternoon winds can pick up quickly on open water.
  • Hug the shoreline for the most interesting scenery and easier paddling.
  • Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.
  • If fishing, try the coves and points where fish tend to congregate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Big Cove Resort?
Big Cove Resort is a public boat ramp in California. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Big Cove Resort?
Big Cove Resort supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Big Cove Resort?
On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms, fuel, boat rental. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Big Cove Resort?
The best time to paddle at Big Cove Resort is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round
What are the water conditions at Big Cove Resort?
Water conditions at Big Cove Resort include calm, sheltered.
Is Big Cove Resort good for beginners?
Yes, Big Cove Resort is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 40.2719, -121.1246

Quick Facts

Region
West
Getting There
~5 min from Westwood
Get Directions

40.2719, -121.1246

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