Established Camping
Cougar Crossing Campground
About
National Forest
Willamette National Forest
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
ScoutNice campsites
Open year around!
RangerThe 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!!
GuideHello 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.
Location
Cougar Crossing Campground is located in Oregon
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