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Best Campgrounds near Cougar, WA

1,543 Reviews

Camping spots around Cougar, Washington range from waterside settings to mountain views. Lower Falls Campground puts you right next to waterfalls with good hiking trails nearby. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground has a small lake where you can fish or take a kayak out for the day. Takhlakh Lake Campground sits farther from town with Mount Adams visible across the water. Roads to these spots can get rough depending on recent weather, so calling ahead about conditions makes sense. Trees cover most campsites, which helps when temperatures climb in summer. Paradise Point State Park Campground lies closer to La Center and works for both tents and RVs. Many campers use Cougar as a base for visiting Mount St. Helens, which sits just a short drive away. Bring bags for your garbage since you'll need to take it with you when you leave. Cougar has camping that works for quick trips or longer stays, with enough different spots to match what most people want.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cougar, Washington (282)

    1. Beaver Bay Campground

    15 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 280-3233

    $5 - $21 / night

    "Beaver Bay Campground is a well-run private campground in Washington about 45 mintues east of I-5."

    "Right next to Beaver Bay and about a 10-15 minute drive from the Lava Flows and Mt. St. Helen's, we totally lucked out finding a spot here."

    2. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Heisson, WA
    19 miles
    Website

    "The lake is small but awesome. Bald eagles flying overhead. Close to Battleground Washington."

    "Battleground is a nice and well loved state park not far from Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington."

    3. Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only

    9 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (503) 813-6666

    "Ranger Review: Nature’s Coffee Kettle at Cougar Campground."

    "Cougar is at the base of Mt St Helens on Yale Reservoir on the Lewis River. Tent only sites so keeps the big guys out. Every time we have been there it has been quiet and beautiful."

    4. Sunset Falls Campground

    21 Reviews
    Yacolt, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $20 / night

    "Tucked right on the banks of the East Fork of the Lewis River and on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this is a great get away for anyone in the Vancouver / Portland area."

    "11 is a walk I’m site that offers the most seclusion in the campground. You are away from all other campers and surrounded by river and trees."

    5. Lone Fir Resort

    6 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (360) 238-5210

    "Easy access to Mt. St. Hellens, Ape cave and Yale lake. Very beautiful area!"

    "The best things about Lone Fir Resort are the location and the restaurant. "

    6. Merrill Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-2025

    "Pit toilets, lake access, close to Mt. St. Helens activities. Four miles from Cougar."

    "There are 8 walk in sites and one drive up site, all first come first serve discovery pass required. Some sites are larger than others, but in ours we were able to fit two 6ptents and one 2p tent."

    7. Kalama Horse Camp Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 449-7800

    "Short trailed from the campsite, very close to the Mt. St Helens trails! Very nice area, we will be back!!"

    "There are several awesome trails you can take right from the campground and there is a campground trail that guides you around the whole campground area."

    8. Swift Forest Camp

    12 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 280-3233

    "Nearest store was about 45 minutes away in Cougar.

    Downers:  It was hot!  We visited during a heat wave and it got very hot, especially in the direct sunlight.  Made the tent a little unbearable.  "

    "It has access to Swift Reservoir and has a boat ramp as well as a swimming area. The roads are paved and perfect for the kids to ride bikes and scooters around camp."

    9. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    12 miles

    "I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived to see only one other person camping nearby. I was able to find a spot next to a couple others. One was kind of hidden back behind the main spot."

    "Found this campsite when driving up to the south side of Mount St. Helens Hikes - it is situated between Ape Caves (farther away) and pretty close to Lava Canyon and Ape Canyon."

    10. Cougar RV Park and Campground

    5 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 238-5224

    $25 - $125 / night

    "Cougar is a relaxed campground worthwhile as a base camp for the south side of Mt St Helens and its great lava tubes and forest hikes, so we ended up staying a second night as it had good hot showers,"

    "We happened to be tucked away in a corner closer to the road (which didnt bother us at all). No real bathrooms close to us, just portables which were very clean so again no problem for us!"

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488 Photos of 282 Cougar Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cougar, WA

1543 Reviews of 282 Cougar Campgrounds

Guide to Cougar

Camping near Cougar, Washington, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. For example, at Lower Falls Campground, one camper mentioned, "The hike to middle and upper falls is great," highlighting the beautiful scenery.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Many campgrounds, like Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "Fishing, hiking, sup or kayaking if you’re interested in it. The lake is small but awesome."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Oxbow Regional Park enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, with one reviewer noting, "I watched a woodpecker breaking open a log for over an hour."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campgrounds like Panther Creek Campground are appreciated for their spacious sites. A camper said, "Lots of privacy between camp sites," making it a great spot for those who want some solitude.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms. At Iron Creek Campground, one visitor remarked, "The vault toilets were spotless and smelled fine."
  • Scenic Views: Campers at Takhlakh Lake Campground love the views of Mt. Adams, with one saying, "A campground nestled in dense forest with a perfect view of Mt. Adam’s in the background."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Paradise Point State Park Campground, are close to busy roads. A camper noted, "It's I-5 which is right in your backyard," so be prepared for some noise.
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds such as Lower Falls Campground don’t have cell service or potable water. One visitor advised, "Bring your own water."
  • Size Restrictions for RVs: At Paradise Point State Park Campground, a camper had trouble fitting their RV into the designated site due to tree placement. It's best to check site dimensions before booking.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Seaquest State Park Campground have playgrounds. A reviewer mentioned, "Kids enjoyed the junior ranger program," making it a fun spot for families.
  • Choose Private Sites: For more family privacy, opt for sites that are further apart. One camper at Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground said, "Some private sites, lots of trees," which can help keep the kids contained.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. Campers at Ainsworth State Park Campground enjoyed the facilities, saying, "Hot showers and a nice amount of room around each site."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers at Iron Creek Campground recommend checking site dimensions. One RV owner noted, "Most sites are really private which we loved."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Many campgrounds, like Takhlakh Lake Campground, don’t have potable water. A visitor reminded, "No drinking water or electricity available."
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds, such as Lower Falls Campground, have bumpy access roads. One camper warned, "The last 5 miles of road to the campground is a mess."

Camping near Cougar, Washington, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there camping available at Yale Lake near Cougar, WA?

Yes, camping is available at Yale Lake near Cougar. Swift Forest Camp is located on Yale Lake and offers drive-in, walk-in, and even boat-in access to campsites. This campground features reservable sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly for RVers. For a more rustic experience, McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed offers dispersed camping options near Yale Lake. This area can accommodate smaller trailers (up to 17' pop-up style), though larger RVs may find access challenging due to narrow roads. The Yale Lake area provides a great base for exploring both the lake and nearby Mount St. Helens attractions.

Where are the best campgrounds near Cougar, Washington?

The Cougar area offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Merrill Lake Campground stands out with eight walk-in sites and one drive-up site (all first-come, first-served), featuring fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Located just four miles from Cougar, it's perfect for tent camping in a serene setting. For those seeking more amenities, Seaquest State Park Campground provides beautiful forested campsites for tents and a separate area for RVs, though the RV section offers less privacy. Other notable options include Gifford Pinchot National Forest for dispersed camping and Swift Forest Camp near Yale Lake. A Discover Pass is required for many public campgrounds in the area.

What camping options are available near Mount St. Helens from Cougar?

Cougar serves as an excellent gateway to Mount St. Helens with diverse camping options. Cougar RV Park and Campground offers a relaxed setting ideal as a base camp for exploring the south side of Mount St. Helens, providing adequate space and privacy for both RVs and van campers. For those seeking free, primitive camping, Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site provides multiple sites along forest roads near Cougar, with some areas large enough for RVs. Horse enthusiasts can utilize Horse Camp: Cody, which features outhouses, watering troughs, picnic tables, fire pits with grates, and picket lines for horses in each site.

Are there park facilities at Cougar Campground in Washington?

Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only offers basic facilities for tent campers. While specific amenities aren't extensively documented, the campground provides the essentials for a comfortable outdoor experience. For those seeking more developed facilities, Lone Fir Resort near Cougar offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly for RVers who need more amenities. The Cougar area campgrounds generally provide varying levels of facilities, from primitive dispersed sites with minimal amenities to more developed campgrounds with standard facilities like pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, making it suitable for different camping preferences.

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