Dispersed tent campsites near Cougar, Washington spread across elevations from 1,200 to 4,000 feet in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with cool nights even during July and August. Forest roads accessing these camping areas often consist of gravel and dirt surfaces that may require higher clearance vehicles, especially after winter or spring rains.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Goose Lake Campground, visitors can enjoy excellent fishing particularly at dawn and dusk. "My husband kayak fished everyday and said it was great! Especially first and last light," reports one camper. The lake prohibits motorized boats, creating a peaceful fishing environment.
Waterfall exploration: Near the tent campsites around Cougar, multiple waterfalls provide swimming and photography opportunities. "Nearby there is the south side of Mount Saint Helens, with all the hiking: Lava Canyon, Ape Canyon, Ape Caves…and much, much more," notes a camper who stayed at Cougar Park & Campground.
Swimming in alpine lakes: Several lakes near Cougar offer swimming options during summer months. "The private path to the lake was the best part," mentions a visitor at Forlorn Lakes about their site. Many lakes in the area remain cool even during summer heat, providing refreshing swimming conditions.
What campers like
Riverside camping: The sound of flowing water adds to the camping experience at Panther Creek Creekside Camp. "Not too far from the nearest town but you will feel totally immersed out here... Ice cold creek, towering trees. Seemed to be lots of sites off the road to pick from," shares one camper who appreciated the natural setting.
Spacious campsites: Many tent campsites provide adequate space for multiple tents and gear. "Great camp spot at site 16 with lots of room for tents and two picnic tables for a large group," reports a visitor to Forlorn Lakes, which features sites that accommodate larger camping parties.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot wildlife around the campsites. "Even got to see a couple birds snatch up a couple from the water as well," notes a visitor about fishing birds at Goose Lake. Deer, small mammals, and various bird species frequent the camping areas, particularly at dawn and dusk.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote campsites often requires driving on rough forest roads. "The road is a bit more than a gravel road, there are some large rocks and deep ruts to avoid," warns a camper about Forlorn Lakes. Many tent camping locations require careful driving and some may benefit from higher clearance vehicles.
Site availability patterns: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly on weekends during peak summer months. "This is a tents only campground. Boats and boat ramps are right there. All sights are walk in," explains a visitor to Merrill Lake Campground. Arriving on weekdays or Sundays substantially increases chances of securing preferred sites.
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain camping means significant temperature changes between day and night. "It can be a bit colder due to altitude," mentions a camper about Forlorn Lakes. Packing layers for tent camping proves essential even during summer months when nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety: Lakes provide excellent recreation but require supervision. "The smaller lake this site backs up to is great for swimming and kayak/paddle-boarding," shares a camper about Forlorn Lakes, though parents should note water temperatures remain cool even in summer months.
Playground access: For families with younger children, certain campgrounds offer playground facilities. "There are flushing toilets, showers and a playground for kids," notes a camper about Cougar Park & Campground, making it suitable for families with various age groups.
Fishing for beginners: Several lakes near Cougar stock fish regularly, creating opportunities for novice anglers. "For fishing, I recommend the upper (biggest) lake in the area," advises a camper at Forlorn Lakes. Many fishing spots allow shore access without requiring boats or specialized equipment.
Tips from RVers
Tent-only restrictions: Some campgrounds specifically prohibit RVs despite vehicle size. "Be forewarned that this is a tent only campground. We showed up with our VW Eurovan (smaller than half the pickup trucks parked there) and were immediately lectured on not having a tent," cautions a visitor to Cougar Park & Campground, highlighting the strict enforcement at certain locations.
Alternative options: When established campgrounds fill, dispersed camping areas offer alternatives for small trailers. At Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping, "There are many spots to choose from for cars, trucks, and vans. It doesn't seem like it's designed for RV's and trailers," reports a camper, suggesting smaller rigs fare better than larger setups.
Site terrain considerations: Many campsites feature sloped or uneven terrain. "Campground was on a hill (but all the camping spots are flat)," notes a visitor to Goose Lake Campground. This terrain pattern appears common throughout the area, requiring careful site selection for those with trailers or small RVs.
