## Overview

 Cougar Crossing Campground is located on Forest Road 19 about 10 miles south of the Hwy 126 junction.
## Recreation

 Hiking is popular as the Three Sisters Wilderness, French Pete Trail, Box Canyon Trail, Indian Ridge Lookout, and Cougar Recreation Area are nearby. Many folks also come to the area to bathe at Terwilliger Hot Springs (clothing optional). There is creek and river access, and opportunities for lake recreation. When the reservoir lake level is high, there is a primitive boat launch across from the campground available for use.
## Facilities

 Cougar Crossing offers 11 sites that can accommodate either RV or tent camping. Vault toilets are provided. There is firewood for sale. The interior roads and spurs are gravel. There is no drinking water.
## Natural Features

 Nestled in among a mix of conifers, the campground rests beside the South Fork of the McKenzie River and the south end of Cougar Reservoir. It is the closest campground to Terwilliger Hot Springs. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The campground and nearby Terwilliger Hot Springs have a colorful history and attract many visitors year round. There is plenty to explore at nearby trails and Three Sisters Wilderness.

Cougar Crossing Campground

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.

Closest campground to Hot Springs

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!! 
