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Established Camping

Cougar Crossing Campground — Willamette National Forest

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cougar Crossing Campground, near Terwilliger Hot Springs, is a unique spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This campground offers a rustic experience with tent and RV sites, perfect for a quick stop after enjoying the nearby hot springs.

The area is surrounded by stunning scenery, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching. Visitors have mentioned the thrill of encountering local wildlife, including cougars, which adds an adventurous twist to your stay. Just be mindful if you’re traveling with pets, as the wildlife is quite active.

Amenities are basic but functional, with picnic tables available for meals outdoors and fire pits for cozy evenings under the stars. While the facilities may not be luxurious, campers appreciate the clean environment and the chance to connect with nature. One reviewer noted, “The bathroom usually isn’t kept up after, but it’s never that dirty; I’d bring toilet paper.”

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, Cougar Crossing is a solid choice. Just remember, it’s a bit off the beaten path, so keep an eye out for the entrance, especially if you’re arriving after dark. With the hot springs just a short drive away, you’ll have the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure right at your fingertips.

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Location

Cougar Crossing Campground — Willamette National Forest is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Blue River, OR, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Drive (Forest Road 19)\*. Proceed south on Aufderheide Drive, taking a right at the Y and climbing to the top of Cougar Reservoir (approximately 4.5 miles). Continue on Aufderheide Drive south 5 miles to find Cougar Crossing Campground where the South Fork of the McKenzie River pours into Cougar Reservoir. \*Forest Service Rd 19 is not maintained for snow and ice in the winter

Coordinates

44.0577778 N
122.2198083 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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Reviews

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3.5

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2022

The name is not missleading

I’ll start this out by saying I love this campground as a quick stop after the hot springs but you have to leave early because it’s i to be direst sun and it gets hot fast. I have stayed here a dozen times and the last time I stayed here we were woke up twice by 2 massive cougars running past our heads in the tent, they were so big they woke up us by the sound of them running! They didn’t bother us but they are definitely running rapid in this area so be aware if you have dogs that you travel with! The bathroom usually isn’t kept up after but it’s never that dirty, i’d bring toilet paper. The river it’s on isn’t accessible to swim at, but there are animals who drink and catch fish out of it!!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cougar Crossing Campground — Willamette National Forest by Autumn O., July 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Cougar Crossing Campground — Willamette National Forest by Autumn O., July 15, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2020

Hello neighbor!

This campground has 0 privacy, even the picnic tables for the RV spots, you have to walk thru a tent site to get to them. Half the sites are reserve online. The entrance to the park is hard to find in the daylight, and near impossible to find in the dark. There is one good thing about this place, it is only a couple minute drive from a great hot spring....so if you can put up with everything I have already said, I strongly recommend you go just for that hot spring.

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2018

Deep in the Canyon

This camping area is deep in the canyon and the area is full of options for hiking, water sports, or just enjoying the beauty of nature.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2017

Closest campground to Hot Springs

Small and secluded primative campground within minutes of Terwilliger Hot Springs. Hard to find because there is limited signage around the reservoir. Once you pass the hot springs, travel over the bridge and the campground will be located on the right side. Reservation only sites share one open field for tents only and privacy is extremely limited. Only pit toilets on premises and road through campground has not been well maintained. No cell phone service available. Location provides closest access to Terwilliger Hot Springs. Entry fee is required and clothing is optional, but do not miss these hot water pools in the middle of a green forest! You cannot access the hot springs at night and park rangers regularly patrol the area. Worth a one night stay for an early morning dip in the natural hot springs.

Site3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cougar Crossing Campground — Willamette National Forest by Katie S., August 16, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Crossing Campground — Willamette National Forest by Katie S., August 16, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Crossing Campground — Willamette National Forest by Katie S., August 16, 2017
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a map available for Cougar Crossing Campground in Oregon?

While there's limited signage around the area making the campground difficult to find, maps for Cougar Crossing Campground can be obtained from the Willamette National Forest office or their website. The campground is located past Terwilliger Hot Springs, over a bridge, and on the right side. For the most accurate navigation, it's advisable to download maps before arrival as cell service may be unreliable in this remote area of the Willamette National Forest.

How close is Cougar Crossing Campground to Terwilliger Hot Springs?

Cougar Crossing Campground is located just minutes from Terwilliger Hot Springs. The campground is situated past the hot springs—after visiting the springs, you cross over a bridge and the campground will be on your right side. This close proximity makes it an ideal base camp for those planning to enjoy the hot springs, with many campers using it specifically for this purpose.

Can I camp near Cougar Reservoir when staying at Cougar Crossing Campground?

Yes, Cougar Crossing Campground is located in the vicinity of Cougar Reservoir. The campground is positioned within the canyon area near the reservoir, offering access to water activities. While the campground itself has limited signage and can be difficult to find around the reservoir area, it provides a good base for enjoying the reservoir and other natural attractions in the area. The location offers opportunities for water sports and exploring the beauty of the surrounding nature.

What do reviews say about Cougar Crossing Campground?

Cougar Crossing Campground is described as a small, secluded primitive campground deep in the canyon. It offers excellent access to activities like hiking and water sports. The campground features both reservable and first-come, first-served sites, though privacy between sites is minimal. Some campers note the entrance can be difficult to locate, especially after dark. The campground is open year-round but can get quite hot during summer days due to direct sun exposure. Wildlife sightings, including cougars, have been reported in the area.