Dispersed camping near Cougar, Washington offers access to the southeastern Mount St. Helens wilderness area in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Most primitive sites sit at elevations between 2,500-4,000 feet, creating cool evening temperatures even during summer months when daytime highs reach the 70s-80s°F. Rain can occur unexpectedly during any season, with average precipitation of 70-90 inches annually in this temperate rainforest environment.
What to do
Mushroom hunting opportunities: During late summer and early fall, the Mount St. Helens area becomes a forager's paradise. At Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac Dispersed Campsite, one camper noted, "During August and September, you can find tons of edible mushrooms." The forest service requires permits for commercial mushroom collection, but recreational picking is generally allowed.
Waterfall exploration: Primitive camping near Cougar provides easy access to numerous cascades. At Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site, campers can reach several falls within short drives. As one visitor mentioned, "Waterfalls, hiking trails, remote camping! ♥️" Lower Lewis Falls and Lava Canyon Falls are among the most accessible water features in the area.
Creek relaxation: Many dispersed sites offer direct water access for cooling off during summer months. Near Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed, one camper shared their experience: "I stayed at the first site when you first get there back there on the right hand side. It's a short hike down to the creek." These water sources also provide ambient sounds that enhance sleep quality.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: The Cougar area offers excellent opportunities for animal sightings, particularly in less-visited camping areas. In the Canyon Creek dispersed camping area, one camper jokingly warned of "Beware of Samsquatch" while hiking nearby trails. Early mornings and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing times, when deer, elk, and various bird species are most active.
Uncrowded weekday camping: Mid-week visits offer significantly more solitude than weekends. At Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate finding available sites even during peak seasons. One visitor found "A bit of a drive up, but easy to find sites all along the road with already made campfire pits." This contrasts with busier weekend conditions when prime spots fill quickly.
Digital disconnection: The lack of cell service forces a technology break many campers appreciate. At Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site, the dense forest creates a natural barrier to outside distractions. As one camper observed, "The tall trees make things a lot darker before it actually gets dark." This natural isolation encourages more focus on immediate surroundings rather than screens.
What you should know
Weather variability: Mountain conditions can change rapidly in the Cougar area. At Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping, one visitor noted: "We had no neighbors in the nearby sites, but it was forecasted to rain, which could explain the low numbers. It drizzled on us, but that wasn't anything our rain tarps couldn't handle." Pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast.
Navigation challenges: Forest roads require proper preparation and sufficient fuel. One Canyon Creek camper warned: "The coordinates here were incorrect coming from Hood River Oregon. It sent me down a rough dead end forest service road. I ended up lost on the mountain for 3 hours and finally made it out somewhere near camas. Make sure you have lots of fuel." Download offline maps before arriving.
Campsite preparation: Many primitive sites near Cougar require minor clearing before setup. At Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed, a camper reported: "A friend and I drove around for a campsite for hours because our original one was under 2 feet of snow (late April 2023). I was able to get a bar of service and found this area off 83. There's a bunch of pull offs, we found one that was covered in twigs and brambles. It was easy to get back to the site once we moved the blockage." Bring basic tools for site preparation.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose established sites with flat areas for multiple tents when camping with children. At Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site, a visitor noted: "This site is amazing people have already set things up for tent camping... The area has enough space for group campers." Look for sites with natural boundaries to keep younger children from wandering.
Toilet considerations: Most primitive camping near Cougar lacks bathroom facilities, requiring additional planning with kids. At Oldman Pass Sno-Park, a camper advised: "Nice area to camp at, vault bathroom close by but there was no toilet paper so bring your own." For sites without facilities, pack portable toilets or trowels for digging catholes at least 200 feet from water sources.
Activity planning: Schedule short hikes and exploration options near camp for kid-friendly experiences. At Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed, one visitor mentioned: "It's very close to trapper Creek trailhead and there is a vault toilet there." Research nearby trails with appropriate difficulty levels for children before arriving, as cell service for on-the-spot research won't be available.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive sites near Cougar accommodate only smaller RVs and trailers. At McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed, a camper shared: "I could pull my 17' pop-up 'A' frame trailer and back into one of the two spots with no problem. Due to the narrow road, it may be a bit more snug with bigger rigs (25+ feet long and anything more than 8+ feet wide)." Scout potential sites before committing large vehicles.
Road condition awareness: Access roads require careful driving, especially after recent precipitation. One McBride Lake visitor advised: "Per the state website, 'On the southwest side of Mount St. Helens, Forest Road 81 provides an experience away from crowds. While mostly paved, be prepared for several miles of gravel (between Forest Road 830 and 8123) and a road that is sometimes very rough.'" Consider vehicle clearance when selecting camping areas.
Limited amenities: Prepare for self-sufficient camping without hookups or services. At Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site, campers found: "Has a fire pit with rocks. Plenty of firewood in woods. If you look hard enough you can find a PRIMITIVE toilet (plywood stand with toilet seat)." Arrive with full water tanks, charged batteries, and empty waste containers to maximize stay duration.
