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Map showing campground location near Cougar, Washington
Camper submitted image from Cresap Bay CampgroundView 8 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Cougar, Washington

Cresap Bay Campground

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Reservations are available at this PacifiCorp-managed campground on Lake Merwin, where nightly rates run $25 to $150 and a seven-day stay limit is enforced. Sites have paved parking pads and tree cover between them, though campers in forested spots may notice limited air circulation on warm nights. The campground draws heavy weekend crowds in peak season, with day-use areas sometimes closing early due to capacity. Amenities include drinking water, showers, a dump station, a boat ramp, and a free moorage dock. Boaters and watercraft users make up much of the clientele, but a walk-in tent area and a swim beach give non-boaters reason to visit too. Campers staging trips from Cougar RV Park & Campground to the northeast will find Cresap Bay a solid lakeside alternative. Note the rough access before heading out.

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Map & DirectionsCresap Bay Campground is located in Washington near Cougar

Detail location of campground
Private Campground

Directions

From the I-5 Woodland, Washington Exit #21 take Highway 503 East, approximately 24 miles, turn right at 503 South, drive approximately 3 miles to Cresap.

Coordinates

45.96985583 N
122.38327675 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/11/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/11/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Drive Time

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Cresap Bay Campground

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited large, well-separated forested sites with excellent amenities for boaters including marina access and swimming beach. Dense trees provide strong privacy, though the campground gets very busy during peak season.

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2023

Great but busy.

This park has very nice camp sites. Paved parking pads, plenty of flat space for tents and pop ups in most sites, pretty dense forest so good isolation. There is a marina for camp use only, which is awesome, and a parking area to leave your boat trailer. There is a nice beach and swim area but this is also accessible to day use and this park gets very busy during peak season weekends. Day use regularly gets closed early because it is full. Most of the camp grounds is far enough away from the boat launch and day use to not be bothered by the noise over there. Several of the campsites are waterfront with beautiful views but beware the crumbly cliff you must scale to reach the more or less camper exclusive beach.

SiteB1
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cresap Bay Campground by Derek B., July 6, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2022

Nicely outdoors

The site was great! T4 only minus is it’s not watered front even though it says it is. Also because it’s behind a lot of forest the wind doesn’t circulate the best.

SiteT4
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cresap Bay Campground by Claudia M., August 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Cresap Bay Campground by Claudia M., August 1, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2020

Gorgeous campground on Lake Merwin near Amboy, WA

Cresap Bay is a campground on Lake Merwin on Pacificorp land near Amboy, WA.
Full of tall trees and ferns, with large-ish sites that are separated by trees and shrubs.
Very clean, nice attentive staff.
Swimming area with beach.
It caters primary to boaters and watercraft users with a nice boat ramp, but also has a free moorage dock.
There were very few insects when we were there at the end of June, and lots of birds to see and hear.
There is an area just for tents.
No hookups, and a 7-day limit, as the place is VERY popular.

SiteA05
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cresap Bay Campground by Kent R., June 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Cresap Bay Campground by Kent R., June 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Cresap Bay Campground by Kent R., June 22, 2020
  • (5) View All
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the campground layout and site organization at Cresap Bay?

Cresap Bay Campground features a well-organized layout with sites thoughtfully spaced throughout a dense forest setting. Sites are separated by trees and shrubs, providing good privacy and isolation from neighboring campers. Each site includes a paved parking pad with plenty of flat space for setting up tents and pop-ups. Most sites are spacious, though some are advertised as waterfront but may not have direct water views due to the forest density. The campground's wooded nature means some sites may have limited air circulation on still days.

How do I make reservations at Cresap Bay Campground on Lake Merwin?

Reservations for Cresap Bay Campground on Lake Merwin can be made through the official reservation system for PacifiCorp campgrounds. The campground is located on PacifiCorp land near Amboy, WA. For the most current reservation information, contact the campground directly or visit their official website. Due to the campground's popularity, especially during summer months, it's advisable to book well in advance to secure your preferred dates and campsite location.

What day use areas and activities are available at Cresap Bay Recreation Area?

Cresap Bay Recreation Area offers a nice beach area with a designated swimming zone for day visitors and campers alike. Water activities are the main attraction, with the lake providing opportunities for swimming, paddling, and boating. The recreation area is situated in a forested environment with tall trees and ferns, creating a scenic backdrop for outdoor enjoyment. The day use facilities are well-maintained and clean, making it a pleasant destination for picnicking and water-based recreation on Lake Merwin.

What amenities and facilities are available at Cresap Bay Campground?

Cresap Bay Campground offers several amenities in a forested setting on Lake Merwin near Amboy, WA. The campground features clean facilities with attentive staff maintaining the grounds. Campers have access to a swimming area with a beach, making it popular for water recreation. The campground primarily caters to boaters and watercraft users with its marina facilities. Sites are equipped with paved parking pads and offer good spacing between neighbors. The natural environment includes tall trees and ferns that create a classic Pacific Northwest camping atmosphere.

Is there boat access or a boat ramp at Cresap Bay Campground?

Yes, Cresap Bay Campground features excellent boat facilities. The campground has a marina for exclusive use by campers, which is a significant advantage for those bringing watercraft. There's also a dedicated parking area for boat trailers, making it convenient for boaters to store their equipment during their stay. These boat facilities make Cresap Bay particularly popular among fishing enthusiasts and water recreation lovers visiting Lake Merwin.

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