Best Tent Camping near Cougar, WA
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Best Tent Sites Near Cougar, Washington (60)
1. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
10 Reviews•42 Photos•659 SavesCougar, WashingtonForest 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
2. Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only
9 Reviews•26 Photos•25 SavesCougar, Washington45 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
3. Merrill Lake Campground
6 Reviews•20 Photos•121 SavesCougar, Washington- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Equestrian
4. Goose Lake Campground
11 Reviews•29 Photos•200 SavesTrout Lake, WashingtonGoose 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
4 Reviews•41 Photos•188 SavesCougar, WashingtonThis 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
7 Reviews•18 Photos•246 SavesTrout Lake, WashingtonForlorn 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
1 Review•2 Photos•89 SavesCougar, Washington- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
8. Lewis River Horse Camp
3 Reviews•4 Photos•90 SavesGifford Pinchot National Forest, WashingtonThis 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 near Cougar, Washington
1284 Reviews of 60 Cougar Campgrounds
Raskol B.
Scout
Merrill Lake Campground
Mountain top lake campground
Incredible, free, private. Tent sites only, short hike in from parking lot, bring your own everything. Pit toilets, lake access, close to Mt. St. Helens activities. Four miles from Cougar.
- M
Mav S.Scout
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site
"PRIMITIVE" site in Gifford Pinchot NF
This site is amazing people have already set things up for tent camping. There is space for RV but I recommend your really good with it. 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). The area has enough space for group campers. We did also see elk in area coming from south on NF 9038 from Cougar there were other sites we picked this one. Have fun please keep it clean and leave it the way you left it or better for others!
- TTyson C.Scout
Mt Hood Village Resort
Good family spot
This was a good family camping spot. Pros - there is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids. Cons - if you're tent camping the bathrooms are quite the hike, the tent sites are crammed together, there's only one working faucet in the entire tent camping area and the facilities are starting to look worn down.
The most utterly confusing part to me is that there were two huge RV areas that were virtually empty and would be perfectly suitable for tent camping. I'm not sure why they retrofit a dozen or so of those sites for "premium" tent camping? I'd gladly pay a few extra bucks a night for a 110 outlet, more space my own personal water supply.
We were in site T4. In my opinion it's the best site in the circle. If you can get T1, that looked like the best spot.
Kelly H.
Legend
Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest
Loved it here!
Out of the way, a bit, but that was part of what we enjoyed. Felt far removed from "The City" and the drive was scenic.
Very popular campground. We tent camped at this one. Good tent sites shared in our site.
Clean shower facilities. Boat rentals, Great walk around the lake.
Our site seemed very private in amongst the trees, even though the resort was busy. Would recommend!
Jeff K.Legend
Silver Lake Resort
Not for Tent Camping
This is a cute little resort that is great for RV's and Fishing. I would not recommend this campground for tent camping. The Tent sites are open, sloped grass with no seperation between sights and no privacy(think grass parking lot). They are also located RIGHT next to the highway. The lake is beautiful and the staff are very friendly so I'm sure with the proper site and inside and RV to shield you from the road noise you could have a pleasant stay here.
Evan F.
Traveler
Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground
Quiet and Beautiful
We tent camped at a drive-in site (8) in October 2020 and loved our experience. The whole campground felt small and peaceful, the tent sites were well spaced and surrounded by trees. It seemed to be popular with families and there were quite a few kids riding their bikes around the loop. The walk around the lake was beautiful and quiet - we did not pass many people at all.
I think next time we’ll try the walk-in sites for the privacy and the above view of the lake.
Would recommend, absolutely.
Stephanie Z.Legend
Dairy Creek East - L L Stub Stewart State Park — L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
A Pretty Boring Campsite at a Great Park
The Dairy Creek Campground at Stub Stewart is a two loop campground. The sites are spacious, but there isn't much character. The East loop is pretty much an open field. The west loop has a few more trees but still not much privacy or space between sites.
Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up. If you're camping with kids, there's a play area here.
There are a few "walk in" sites where you don't park your car next to your tent, but rather in the parking lot next to the grassy area where the open tent sites are. If you're looking for a better tent camping experience that actually feels like it's in the woods, you're better off going to the hike in campground in the park.
The loops are big and there is parking near the bathroom. This is great if you don't want to walk a long way, but it's bad if you've got the campsite near the bathroom with all the cars coming and going.
Jason G.
GuideMt Hood Village Resort
The Ultimate Mt Hood Base Camp
Not my normal camping scene, but decided to for an early summer ski session with the kids, we didn't want to completely rough it, but also didn't want to pay hotel prices. So, one of the standard cabins here was the perfect compromise. Roof over our heads, actual beds, room for three of us to be able to gear up for the day. But still had a fire pit outside, and picnic table for outdoor cooking. (Also the standard cabins don't have bathrooms, so you still need to go to the shared restrooms.)
The property overall was really nice, lots of amenities. We also took a walk through the RV/Tent camp sites. Its very similar to a KOA style of resort. We enjoyed it for what it was.
Corinna B.Legend
Moorage Camp and Boat Launch — Beacon Rock State Park
Ranger Review: Leatherman Leap at Beacon Rock Moorage Camp and Boat Launch
Campground Review:
There are at least four different campgrounds within Beacon Rock State Park in Washington. This review is for the Boat Launch "Moorage Camp" at the base of Beacon Rock, which has a small 2-tent area and 5-RV space down by the boat launch.
From Camas/Vancouver, you'll come to the sign for Beacon Rock Boat Launch on your right hand side, just before passing the actual Beacon Rock. There's a large day-use area on your right, an RV area that can hold up to 5 RVs (we never actually went to this since we were more interested in tent camping), and just two tent sites right next to the parking lot and boat launch. I've also heard that if everything is full, you can spend the $10 "unattended vehicle overnight" fee and car/RV camp in the parking lot, though I'd check with one of the many rangers who come through frequently first.
There's another day-use area right at the boat launch with grass and picnic tables, and on the lovely Spring weekend we were there many people were picnicking, kayaking, laying in the sun and fishing. The Columbia River, while protected here, is still quite fast going under (and over) the dock, so we never let the boys go in the water since we didn't bring life vests, and we didn't see anyone else swimming either. The two tent sites right at the dock are large, though not super private, and they would be great if you wanted to get up super early with your boat and go fishing. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider this a "destination" campground since, in addition to it being so small, there's a train that passes by loud and frequently enough to be annoying. That said, the flush toilets, showers and bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've visited while camping, so that's a definite plus. And the view of Beacon Rock from this spot is pretty spectacular.
Pros: Great views, perfect for launching a boat or early-morning fishing.
Cons: Loud annoying train and only two tent spots, though when we came only one was in-use.
Gear Review:
Last year we won a Leatherman gift certificate in The Dyrt camping contest, so this year we decided to try out some of our new purchases: two Leatherman Leaps (in blue and green) for my two kiddos, ages 6 and 11:
https://www.leatherman.com/leap-358.html
Summary/Pros: I have to admit we are biased toward Leathermans. The company is based in Oregon (where we live), completely stands behind their products, and make quality multi-tools. We even gave engraved Leathermans as bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts at our wedding 17 years ago. That said, there's some that I use more frequently than others, and for the most part we've limited the boys' Leathermans to smaller multitools with scissors and such, so this is their first larger tool. I love the fact that we can have the large blade put in or taken out depending on how comfortable we are with having them have the blade. And the boys have had a surprisingly easy time opening and closing the different attachments.
Cons: The only downside I've found with the Leap so far is that there's no nail file, but that's my personal preference and not one that's bothered the boys so far.
Video Review: The boys decided they wanted to create their own review, so be sure to watch the attached video to see what they think.
- Stephanie Z.Legend
Ainsworth State Park Campground
Convenient Location
The campground at Ainsworth State park feels more like an RV parking lot than an exotic Columbia Gorge camping experience. The majority of the camground it rv hookups with just a few walk in tent sites. Yet, while the campground isn't impressive in itself, it is in an amazing location for exploring neighboring Eagle Creek and the rest of the gorge just steps away!
The parking for the tent sites is close to the walk in trail. There are only 6 tent sites and they can be reserved online so it is not easy to roll up to a free spot in hiking season.
The sites themselves are basic and offer much more privacy than your neighbors in the RV section of the park are getting. There is water near the tent site entrance. Toilets are a bit of a walk from the tent sites.
This site does take credit cards for campground registration.
Kathy B.LegendMerrill Lake Campground
Merrill Lake
Discover pass required
Merrill Lake, just outside of Cougar, WA feels very remote, despite its relatively close proximity to the Portland/Vancouver area. This campground is best suited for tent camping, as there is only one RV site and sometimes it’s occupied by a camp host.
I met up with some folks who were in tents and occupied the tent spots and spent the night in the parking lot in my van. Several other folks did this as well. You're just a little ways from the campsites that have picnic tables and fire pits.
The lake is the real attraction here. Great for paddle boarding or kayaking. There's a boat launch. Best of all, it's free!
Ashley Y.
Ranger
Camp Wilkerson
Stayed with the Scouts
We stayed here as part of a camping trip for my son's cubscout troop. It seemed like a moderately used small campground at the time. My visit was a year ago. They have a large shelter used for weddings. Adirondacks that didn't seem used much, a tent camping area and cabins. We tent camped. They also have restrooms that have since been updated since my initial visit. It's a decent basic campground with a small stream running through it.
- Laura B.Guide
Beaver Bay Campground
Clean
Nice little campground. Sites are a little uneven for tent camping. Clean beach but very cold water.
- NNathaniel O.Scout
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground
Great camping has everything.
Always tent sites.
- CChantal S.Guide
Moorage Camp and Boat Launch — Beacon Rock State Park
Tiny but adequate
This small campground has just 2 tent sites and 5 rv sites. We stayed at the biggest of the two tent sites and enjoyed complete privacy and easy access to water, toilet and shower. While the train track is very close and trains are frequent, they do not usually use their horns or break at night, so they are not really a bother, even at night (and I'm a light sleeper). Overall a pleasant experience.
- Rich M.Legend
Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground
Nice spread out sites
The campsites are spread out and private. There are tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Quiet lake with two trails around it.
- Travis B.Traveler
Gorge Base Camp RV Park
Camping with Trains
This camp ground is fantastic, sites are very well maintained and level. Full service hook ups including sewer. Great segregated tent camp area with available water. Bathrooms are very clean and well maintained. Dog area is very big and clean. The campground is very close to the main railroad tracks and trains come by every hour or so at all times of the day. If your inside your RV with the AC on you can hear faint noise, if your are tent camping bring some ear plugs. After 3 days you actually become accustomed to the sounds and it is a actually a cool viewing attraction, especially if you have kids. Overall great visit and if we are this way again we will be back.
Kate M.TravelerAinsworth State Park Campground
Convenient location and nice facilities
Great location for exploring Columbia River waterfall area. Clean and nicely laid out bathrooms and showers. Tent camping experience not great and we were in the tent only section. Road and railway noise. Our site smelled like urine. Lights from the info board and neighboring sites shining into our tent all night long.
Kimberly Y.Guide
Timberlake Campground & RV
Quiet and Well Maintained
Away from the railroad tracks. Great sites for tent camping. RV spots are a little close. Clean bathhouse. Don’t be scared away because there are no pull through spots. The management can coach you into the site. They were great.
Cheryl W.Scout
Ike Kinswa State Park Campground
Completely amazing site!!
Let me start off by saying - if there are so many campsites in Washington, why would you want to stay at the same place multiple times???
Ike Kinswa is the place I would stay at repeatedly. Between the incredibly helpful and friendly staff, to the private tent sites, to the water access, we’ve already stayed twice this summer!! So incredibly impressed with this gem!
Steve H.GuideMt Hood Village Resort
Large TT/Encore Campground
Up at the base of Mt Hood, this large resort style campground (operates by Thousand Trails/Encore) offers various areas for camping. There are full RV hookup sites, tent sites, group tent sites, E/W RV hookups and cabins/yurts throughout. It seems most, of not all, RV sites have room for at least a small tent or more and they do allow that. There also is a few group tent sites that I saw.
As for amenities, the campground has a small store that sells the basics and some RV parts, a deli/restaurant, playground and pool.
There are trails to get to the Salmon River, not difficult by any means.
Being just a dozen miles or so from Government Camp, there are so many things to do when you want to get out of the campground.
It’s open year round, and many folks use Mt Hood Village RV Resort as a basecamp for activities for all seasons.
Overall, I enjoyed my stay, though the limited restroom and showers are oddly placed, with access only by walking the loop. There are no trails to get to them, so if you are at the other end, it’s a small hike. The plus is that the restrooms are clean and well stocked.
- MMichelle K.Traveler
Timberlake Campground & RV
Perfect spot for a Gorge Adventure
What an incredible campground. Nice shaded, private spots. Enough distance between campers that it feels secluded. Though we were in our RV the tent camping looked spectacular! Kind front desk team. Magical, large grassy lawn that our Bernedoodle loved. We will be back!
- Nicole G.Guide
Taidnapam Park
Decent state park
Decent coin op showers. Nice walk in tent sites. Nice RV sites. Decent playground. Fishing bridge just a short walk. There's no store or anything. Can buy firewood nearby. Flush toilets. Cleaned regularly.
- AArron S.Scout
Silver Lake Resort
Ok camping
Tent sites are on top of each other and no privacy my site did not have any shade. They are all right next to the road. The docks were nice to fish off of.
Erin P.GuideL.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground
Closest campsite to Portland
Went tent camping. Was expecting a bit more of a campsite, but it was just a big field with everybody together. No privacy or trees even blocking other campsites. Not suitable for more than 1 tent or groups. Bathrooms okay, and water was close so thats a plus. Would only stay again if desperate.
- HHeidi B.Scout
Oklahoma Campground
Peaceful Location
This campground was a great escape from the 4th of July noise and crowds. The entire campground was clean and all the toilet facilities were spotless. We were tent camping and appreciated the level campsites and 10’ tables. Our site, #3, is non-reservable and HUGE. The riverfront was a bonus.
- Erin P.Guide
Dairy Creek East - L L Stub Stewart State Park — L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
Big field with little privacy
I was unimpressed. Okay local if you need to camp in Portland. Not so nice bathrooms. Tent camping was in a big field with weird gravel bits that got louder in the morning. No barriers between campsites. I would pass and find a nicer place to pitch your te t
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 Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 10 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.
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