Best Campgrounds near Cougar, WA

Relaxing Getaway at Champoeg State Heritage Area Champoeg State Heritage Area near Newberg, Oregon, is a great spot for campers seeking peace and nature. With tent sites, RV spots, yurts, and cabins, it offers something for everyone. The clean facilities and quiet atmosphere stand out—many visitors are pleasantly surprised. There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking, picnic areas, and even a disc golf course. The nearby Willamette River is ideal for canoeing, and the Columbia River Gorge is within day-trip distance. Some RV sites are a bit close together, but overall the campground feels friendly and relaxing—perfect for a short escape or a longer stay. https://www.vaporspirit.ch/

We stayed in the large open area at the top of the rock outcrop above the trailhead parking area and it was perfect. Like someone else said, you take the road on the right just before the parking lot and then there are a few spots just up the road which are all pretty private. These are walking distance to the waterfall which is awesome, but there are about 10 additional spots with existing fire pits on the road up there. Most of them sit right up against the river under tree cover which would be ideal on hot days. It was cold and rainy so we didn’t have any issues being out in the open.

Caught a nice little cutthroat trout out of the creek

We spent 10 days here, and would spend the rest of the summer if allowed.  The site was a huge pull-through with all hookups. A Lake or a pond is your front view, the back is cliffs, prairie, and wildlife. Spent the day with a Fishing Guide (1-509-860-7233).  I hope the pictures show how great this place is. Showers are clean and modern. Long trails that are bike-friendly.

Super clean, nice place. Trails are awesome. Showers and bathrooms if u don’t want to use yours. Lots of R.V. sites.

This campground is on Mayfield Lake where the Cowlitz River flows into the lake. We were in loop D, which was the only open loop along with the cabins (cabins are loop C and attached to loop D). This is a partial hook-up loop. Full hook-ups are in loop A. The campground is heavily wooded which is really nice for shade, though it can make it tricky to get into a spot if you have slide outs. As we were on the outer part of the loop in a pull-through site, we had a view of the woods and quite a bit of space between neighboring sites. We could not see either of the neighboring sites while sitting by our campfire. There was a trail to the trash compactor next to our site, but it did not seem to be heavily used. The trash compactor is probably a good 1/4 mile down this trail by the dump station. It was very quiet at night, which was fantastic! Very good Verizon cell service. The day use area is out of the campground and across the main road. There is a playground and beach area. It would have been nice if there was a playground on the campground side of the park.

Great if you have a family or large group and/or are newer to the camping world! They got a range of options to dip into! The lake is always cold no matter the season. Really easy fishing if you’re just learning. They have tons of rentals. Overall was way too crowded for my enjoyment. But can see the positives in a pretty spot for others.

As one of the closest state parks to Portland and in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth can get busy during the summer months, but sometimes you can get a reservation during the week. I like to come in the off season. 

There 40 full hook-up sites, 6 walk-in tent sites and a hiker/biker campground with no reservations required. The campground itself unremarkable, with a bathroom/shower house, dump station and play ground, but it is a great jumping off point for exploring all things Columbia River Gorge.

Dump station and water available

Complete view of the majestic mountain. Lots of room and even some flat spots. Idea for any rig, tent camper, hammock camper it vehicle. Road is rough in some spots but any vehicle can drive it.

The area around mount Saint Helens is beautiful, tons of space to park any rig, tent, or vehicle. The forest has majestic trees and when it rains, it resembles a rainforest. During August and September, you can find tons of edible mushrooms.

This is what the title says. It's a large pull out on a quiet road in the woods.

There were other campers when we arrived. Very nice for a late night pull in. Not somewhere I would settle in for a few days, just a stop over.

The hike to the falls is to the far left of the pullout. Do NOT go down the super steep trails to the right. Beautiful waterfall after a short hike.

I had researched this park quite awhile beforehand and was interested based on the reviews posted here. It looked pretty nice. Unfortunately when we were able to preview it by driving through I was surprised to find out it was not at all what I had seen in reviews. This place is on the edge of a small town and it looks like it is occupied by long term tenants with a lot of paraphernalia and personal belongings strewn about. For us, traveling for vacation and sightseeing it would not be a place we'd wanna stay. We did have dinner and really enjoyed it in the little town of Vernonia where it is located and that was great. The park is also adjacent to a fantastic walking biking trail and it's next to a city park.

I was contacted by the company who owns this site. Automatically the individual had threatening words to me as in, you need to go buy a tent now. We have the right to remove you from premises right now. Terrible customer service, and after spending money for the service they provide. They will just take away everything from you and kick you off the princess. The owner also likes to redefine what objects and vehicles are. Also, like to redefine vocabulary words. I would stay away from this place due to helter-kelter atmosphere.

The place is clean and has a rain forest feel. Trees close in. Amazingly dark and quiet at night. A bit muddy for walking the dog.

Very nice and secluded... Only critique is not stocked with much of everyday things.. Coffee ect. But loved the yurt!!!

This is a lovely lake campground in the forest with gorgeous views of Mt. Adams. The campsites are private and separated. There was a few mosquitoes when we went, but not too bad. It's a quiet a peaceful location and is highly recommended. A jeep trail / atv trail goes steeply up council bluff to a beautiful view overlooking the lake and surrounding forest. Overall, a great location! We originally intended to camp at Lake Takh lakh but when it's already full, this place is an excellent backup plan.