Best Tent Camping near Cougar, WA
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Best Tent Sites Near Cougar, WA (60)
1. Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only
Cougar, Washington9 Reviews•26 Photos•22 Saves45 tent camping sites NOTICE: Ground tents only (no tent trailers) Group camping facility with 15 tent camping sites and a covered picnic shelter with fireplace and sink NOTICE: Ground tents only (no tent trailers) Day use picnic area (see fees) Swimming beach Beaver Bay hiking trail accessed from this park. Water and restrooms provided Boat ramp Entrance gate closes at 9 p.m.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
2. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
Cougar, Washington9 Reviews•25 Photos•655 SavesForest Road 83 provides access to Mt St Helens campgrounds. There are dispersed sites along this road for camping, and the area provides access to Climber's Bivouac, Ape Cave, and Lava Canyon. Camping near Mt St Helens is open from Memorial Day until snow blocks the roads. Food, lodging, gas, and other services are available in nearby communities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Merrill Lake Campground
Cougar, Washington6 Reviews•20 Photos•120 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Equestrian
4. Goose Lake Campground
Trout Lake, Washington11 Reviews•29 Photos•197 SavesGoose Lake Campground is situated among a mix of mature cedars and Douglas firs within the Mount Adams Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This spot becomes popular in late summer and early autumn, when the weather is warmer and dryer, and bald eagles and osprey can be observed hunting for fish on Goose Lake. The 58-acre lake is characterized by the somewhat haunting presence of old trees rising from its cool, clear waters. Formed abruptly when a lava flow from Big Lava Bed dammed a nearby stream, this curious sight is all that remains of the trees that were consumed by what is now Goose Lake. Natural Features: Located in southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses over 1.3 million acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, established by Congress in 1982. Mount Adams, a potentially active stratovolcano and the second-highest mountain in Washington state, is a prominent landmark in the District. Elevations in the area range between 1,200 ft. at the Wind River Work Center (12 miles north of Carson, WA), to 12,276 ft. at the summit of Mount Adams. The Mount Adams Ranger District features a great diversity of habitats, from old growth to second growth forest, wetland areas, low and high elevation meadows and lakes, as well as glaciers. Recreation: At a 3,200 foot elevation, Goose Lake is a popular spot for brook, brown and cutthroat trout fishing and offers a concrete boat ramp for launching small boats, kayaks and canoes. Big Lava Bed is located just south of the campground and offers a trail that takes hikers through a landscape marked by both pine forest and basalt lava formations. Huckleberry picking is a popular pastime through the late summer and early fall. Facilities: The campsite is accessed via 8 miles of narrow gravel road. Roadside parking is available. This facility is a tent campers dream, with 18 primitive walk-in tent sites dotting the eastern bank of the lake. These hillside sites are on level ground with immediate trail access to Goose Lake. Campsites have vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Campers must bring their own drinking water and may purchase firewood on-site. Nearby Attractions: The 2,663-mile Pacific Crest Trail runs for 16.4 miles in a north-south direction through the nearby Indian Heaven Wilderness, just north of Goose Lake. Indian Heaven Wilderness is known for its abundant lakes, meadowlands and pine forests, as well as its variety of wildlife. ACTIVITIES Fishing Hiking
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
5. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
Cougar, Washington4 Reviews•41 Photos•183 SavesThis small, lightly used campground is tucked into dense forest adjacent to Canyon Creek. Eight campsites are available for tent camping only.
Nine small campsites. Smaller RVs can camp here. There is a newer, accessible vault toilet. Each site has a table and fire ring. The campground is sort of hidden away in the dense forest. Canyon Creek is nearby. If pulling a trailer, it is best to leave it at a pullout on the 54 road and find the campground first. There is no chance to turn around if the entrance is missed.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
6. Forlorn Lakes
Trout Lake, Washington7 Reviews•18 Photos•245 SavesForlorn Lakes, one of the most popular campgrounds in the southern part of the forest, offers 25 campsites scattered around the wooded shores of small, picturesque lakes. Swimming and fishing are possible in the larger lakes. Huckleberry bushes grow in the campground and surrounding area making this site very popular during huckleberry season. The campsites at a maximum 18 feet long are suitable for tent camping and small campers or RV's. The day use area has lake views, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground is very popular, the camping spots fill early in the week. Forlorn Lakes offers nearby access to Indian Heaven via the East Crater Trailhead.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
$10 - $20 / night
7. Lake Merrill- State Forest
Cougar, Washington1 Review•2 Photos•89 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
8. Lewis River Horse Camp
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington3 Reviews•4 Photos•89 SavesThis horse camp has access to many mixed use trails. There is a highline in each site and a stock only water trough with access to the Quartz Creek Trail and Lewis River Trail. There are nine camp sites and parking for 10 trailers and 15 vehicles.
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews in Cougar
1284 Reviews of 60 Cougar Campgrounds
Sally
Scout
Silver Lake Resort
Fall family time
It was great to go in the Fall as the summer rush is over, but there was still good weather. Place was clean and the staff was polite and helpful with our last minute reservation.
Nate B.Scout
Lake Merwin Camper's Hideaway
Sold me a cabin that is uninhabitable and refused to help
Scammers and scumbags. I purchased a cabin here. When it came time to move in I discovered the fridge/freezer had gone out and rotten meat had festered there for weeks or months. It was completely uninhabitable. I spoke to the seller who was willing to void the transaction, but the sleazy salespeople at Camper Hideaway refused to give up their$8,000 commission. I'm talking to the Vancouver Free Legal Clinic to see if I can get my money back. Tread with caution.
Mike E.
Legend
Anderson Park
Looks like long termers, cluttered, run down
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.
- MMicah G.Scout
Bayport RV Park and Campground
Threatening and know it all owner
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.
- JJessica S.
Traveler
Viento State Park Campground
the trains are brutal
This was a very last-minute stop for us & we didn’t look up the reviews first. To mirror what the other reviews have said, the trains run all throughout the night. Because of that, plus the noise from the freeway, I was surprised by the 3-star rating, so gave my rating accordingly. We’ve been on a month-long trip & would not consider this place 3 stars. The location is convenient & the campground is nestled in the trees, but it’s not enough to offset the noise. Speaking of the trains again — we’ve stayed at many campgrounds where trains can be heard, but never like this… We were woken up by blaring train horns at least 8 times in the middle of the night. So if you value sleep at all, I would say there are plenty of other options in the area to choose from
Ted D.Traveler
Ainsworth State Park Campground
Clean but small sites
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.
- JJason S.
Ranger
Olallie Lake
Mt Adams views galore!
The paramount feature of this campground is the beautiful Mount Adams directly across the lake. The sites are adequate, flat places to pitch a tent or park a small trailer, but the view of Mount Adams is magnificent. However, the lake is marshy and there's not really a good place for swimming. It's quiet and peaceful wilderness camping.
- JJason S.Ranger
Council Lake
Beautiful lake, quiet and peaceful
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.
- JJason S.Ranger
Chain of lakes campground
Marshy series of lakes
We didn't camp here, but there's a couple nice campsites near these marshy lakes. Quiet and peaceful but beware the mosquitoes! Great place to fish or just paddle around. The road is pretty rough the last couple miles, not suitable for cars or big rigs or trailers.
- JJason S.Ranger
Takhlakh Lake Campground
One of the most beautiful places in Washington
We camped here for 4 days this summer. It was peaceful and quiet. The view from the camp site is simply stunning. The glassy smooth waters reflect Mt Adam's glacier like a mirror. The campsite we picked was large enough to accommodate our 22 ft trailer plus truck and a Jeep. The outhouse was cleaned daily but can get stinky at the end of the day. There is no official swimming area, but the shoreline has many great places to take a dip in the clear cold water. There was a few mosquitoes but not too bad. Best to go in late summer to avoid the mosquitoes. The road in from Randle is a bit rough at times for a car but doable.
RobertScoutSilver Lake Resort
Wonderful family getaway
The campground is easy to get to and thanks to the staff has a lot of unique amenities like you can fish in Silver Lake from your motel room or rent a variety of boats for the day.
Israel S.Traveler
Oldman Pass Sno-Park
Nice camping spot
Nice area to camp at, vault bathroom close by but there was no toilet paper so bring your own. Does feel like camping in a Parking lot. Trail close by.
Kevin W.
Guide
Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac Dispersed Campsite
FR 81/Bivoiac Dispered Campsight
Right off forest road 81. Group camping with 4-5 places for tents and 2 maybe 3 spots for travel trailers but will need to back in. 2 fire pits and a few walking trails. Solar friendly and level. No bathroom. 1-2 bars with Verizon.
- MMarty P.Guide
Mt Hood Village Resort
Great Location!!
I really wanted to give 5 stars, but they have far too many permanent residents, which makes the campground look un-kept. The grounds were ok, bathrooms were clean, price was fair, large spaces , and very good customer service.
LaryScoutSilver Lake Resort
Where beautiful scenery awaits you
Easy to get to. Just 1 mile from the Mount St Helens visitor center. Right on Silver Lake with a perfect view of Mount St Helens. The place was clean and quiet. Employees were helpful and courteous. Lots of ways to stay. Motel rooms, cabins, RV and tent spaces.
James G.Scout
Paradise Point State Park Campground
Nice campground, interstate noise
The campground itself is nice, but there's the near constant hum of interstate I-5 traffic less than a hundred yards away.
- AAllison G.Scout
RV outdoor adventures and cabins
"Cabins" are glorified play houses and host is a nightmare
The "cabins" are essentially shed conversions on a flatbed and wheels that rock and sway. Not ada accessible. They have electricity but no insulation and the water reeks of sulfur. The loft style beds seem like they are for children.
The host Joann is money hungry and inflexible. Be sure to get travel insurance and read all rules and reviews on other platforms prior to stay to be well informed of issues and not be blindsided by uncharges here. She will enter your space as she sees fit. There are no boundaries for her but tons for guests with rule signage plastered everywhere on the grounds.
Campground is covered in rabbit feces, so parents with small children beware. I would never stay here again. For the headache of dealing with the host alone it made the entire experience one of an utterly uncomfortable inconvenience.
This place looks nice from an outside view but staying here is an entirely different story.
Also the fact that a Joanna left a 5 star reviews here when all other platforms have complaints is a bit questionable.
Wood M.Scout
Beacon Rock State Park Campground
Nice trails nearby.
If you enjoy hiking, this is a great campground with many beautiful trails to explore. The bathroom is clean and there's free hot shower. There's a country store 2 miles west of here you can get firewood and some supplies. Sites are a little less private and occasionally I heard train passing by from the nearby railway (bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper). Check our videos for details: https://youtu.be/BrSpGhdefQ0?si=dVS7YPTZX8AplUVL
- Patricia N.Ranger
Viento State Park Campground
Easy highway access
First time here, not particularly enamored with the campground for several reasons.
Nestled in the trees and between Hwy 84 and the Union Pacific Railroad, both are busy and can be heard all day and night.
No dump station anywhere in this campground, you can dump and either campground to the west or the east but not convenient.
Spaces are tight and we would not have been able to get into our spot if the person across from us did not kindly move her vehicle. Our rig is not that large, at 26'.
The good is the river which is an easy walk or e-bike ride. Lots of trails to ride but they say no e-scooters but okay for e-bikes. This was not enforced since my brother and sister in law rode their scooters all over the place.
RV camping is separated from the tent camping which would make it nice for tent campers.
Fun to ride the paved trails, go to the Columbia River and watch the sail boarders doing their thing.
Zarek A.Guide
Elkamp Eastcreek
Best. Spot. Ever.
Went here for a social event and had a blast. Big sites with lovely paths between, wonderful shop with firewood available at any hour (just square up when the place is actually open), clean plumbed bathrooms and a coin operated shower at $0.50/minute. There’s a beautiful meadow, a creek, huge trees. The owners are incredibly friendly and the place is very dog friendly.
- KKris M.Scout
Thousand Trails Chehalis
Awesome stay
Extended our stay because there was so much to do for the kiddos. Staff here are amazing and fellow campers a delight.
- LLoretta H.Traveler
Viento State Park Campground
Close to trains and traffic
This is a nice campground with lots of trees and shade but it sits between I-84 and the Columbia River which has a major train line so it's not necessarily a quiet campground (trains run all night). No dump station available but we had electric and water. Not much grass anywhere and things were really dusty due to dryness and heat of the summer. You can't see the river from the campground but you can walk to it (or drive to it) and there are several picnic tables near the river. There is a nature trail but it is not marked well at all to find the beginning of it. Convenient to Hood River though and an easy drive to Cascade Locks for ice cream at the local dairy dine.
- Derrell M.Scout
Kosmos Recreation Area (Tacoma Public Utilities)
Big open area next to lake with Port-o-Potties
Been here many times. Sometimes strange folks show up but they almost always keep to themselves.
Great place to spend some time next to a lake.14 day limit in 30 days.
B K.Scout
Iron Creek Campground
Beautiful and private
Beautiful and private campground, we'll be back for sure. Honey hole type toilets and lots of water spigots around. We didn't hike but there seemed to be lots of hiking trails, plus the beautiful river! Despite there being a total burn ban (propane stoves only) there were SEVERAL fires happening all weekend which was disappointing.
Most sites are really private which we loved. We walked through the three loops that were open and made note of the sites that looked most private/flat-ish for a tent/good location. In our opinion these were the best sites we could see: Loop B 24, 52, 47, 44, 39, 38, 36, 31. Loop C 56, 57, 60, 69. Loop D 78, 80, 84 (this one seemed to have an awesome trail leading right down the river!). No cell service so plan accordingly!
Isaac H.Traveler
Panther Creek Creekside Camp
PNW road trip 🏕️
A great spot with privacy ! Lots of turnouts along the road with river accesses just steps away ! Definitely recommend!
Jon and Jenny P.Guide
Oklahoma Campground
Quiet stay over Labor Day
Quiet campground with clean vault toilets. Many of the sites are very close to each other and some do not accommodate even a small trailer. Small stream near by with limited access. Monte Carlo and Monte Cristo trails are close by but were under repair by WTA. There were some mountain lions near the camp while we were there, 2 separate sightings, probably moving because of the work on the nearby trails
- Kevin W.Guide
Riffe Lake Campground
Riffe Lake RV/Tent Camping
They have several back-in spots, some with partial hookups and some with full hookups. Most of the spots are well-shaded from the trees. A specific area is designated for tents only, and some cabins can also be rented. It was a 5-minute walk downhill to reach the lake, which had a very long and nice boat ramp deep enough to accommodate just about any boat. Regarding cell service, I got 3 bars of LTE with my iPhone. Overall, it was a nice, quiet, shady place to visit, and I will definitely be back.
Guide to Cougar
Tent camping near Cougar, Washington offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
Local Activities for Tent Campers
- Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails around Merrill Lake Campground, which is close to popular day hikes and offers a peaceful lake for kayaking and paddle boarding.
- Experience the thrill of climbing Mount St. Helens while staying at Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only, where you can unwind after a day of adventure in well-maintained facilities.
- Discover the beauty of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest at Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping, where you can find secluded spots for fishing and relaxing by the river.
Attractions Near Cougar
- Visit the breathtaking views of Mount Rainier from Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only, especially during early mornings when the mountain is visible before clouds roll in.
- Explore the nearby Yale Lake, perfect for swimming and picnicking, while camping at Merrill Lake Campground, which provides a serene backdrop for your outdoor activities.
- Take advantage of the hiking trails leading to stunning vistas at Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping, where you can immerse yourself in the area's rich natural history.
Tips for Tent Camping Near Cougar
- Be prepared for a rustic experience at Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping, where amenities are minimal, but the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings make it worthwhile.
- Bring your own supplies, including toilet paper and trash bags, when camping at Merrill Lake Campground, as facilities may not always be stocked.
- Choose a less busy time to visit Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping for a more peaceful experience, especially during weekdays when crowds are thinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cougar, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cougar, WA is Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cougar, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 60 tent camping locations near Cougar, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.