Tall Douglas firs and vine maples close in around the sites at Beaver Bay Campground, a Cowlitz County-managed facility on the shores of Yale Lake near Cougar, Washington. The campground splits into two sections: Campground A operates on a reservation system, while Campground B runs first come, first served. Sites sit close together, which reviewers consistently flag as the main drawback, particularly for tent campers who can hear conversations from neighboring sites. The upside is direct lake access and a canopy of tall trees that provides shade through the warmer months.
Water is the main draw here. Yale Lake allows swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing, though the shoreline is rocky enough that water shoes make a real difference. "Walk down to the water and drop your kayak in," suggests Kate I., and most campers do exactly that. One seasonal caveat worth noting: late-summer visits have turned up algae blooms in the lake. The campground also has a playground, firewood for sale, a dishwashing station, and shower facilities, along with full RV hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections.
A no-alcohol policy is posted throughout the campground. Camp hosts enforce the rules without being heavy-handed, according to multiple reviewers, and their attentiveness keeps the bathrooms and common areas consistently clean. Light pollution is low enough that on clear nights the stars are visible. The campground is also close to Mt. St. Helens, Ape Caves, and several day-hike trailheads, making it a workable base for exploring the area.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially from July through Labor Day weekend when the campground fills well in advance. A 2026 redesign reportedly repositioned some sites closer to the lake. Rates run $5 to $21 per night, and pets are allowed. The access road has a rough reputation in some conditions, so larger rigs should check current road status before heading in.
Campers who want more elbow room between sites might consider Lone Fir Resort a short distance to the west, or Cougar RV Park and Campground as another hookup-equipped alternative in the same corridor.
Description
If you’re thinking of visiting the pristine wilderness of Washington State, the emerald waters of Yale Lake and the surrounding St. Helens wilderness area will surpass your expectations. Beaver Bay Campground is a 65 site recreation area located along Yale Lake, in Cougar, WA. The campground consists of standard amenities including running water, showers, a boat launch, roped off swimming beach, and fire pits. There is also a day-use picnic area for those wanting to recreate here. While there are no RV hookups, there is a vehicle dump station for those who need it. Crowds can get tough here as this is one of the most popular campgrounds on Yale Lake. Subsequently, getting a good campsite can often require going during the off season (Spring/Fall) when crowds are not as common. Otherwise, smaller campsites can get cramped.
Thankfully, you don’t need to hide out in your tent as local activities are plentiful. To start, just 15 minutes North-East, the “Ape Caves” of Mount St. Helens provide visitors a completely unique opportunity to tour the volcanic tunnels left behind by the infamous volcanic eruption of 1980. In addition, those willing to drive can travel through I-5N, east on HWY 504, to check out the Mount St. Helens visitor center. If you’re really adventurous, check out the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument for amazing insight into to eruption, and panoramic views of the dome.
On the lake itself, most forms of boating are common, as well as water skiing and wakeboarding during morning hours. Additionally, the lake is also a premier fishing spot known for its abundance of Kokanee and Cutthroat Coastal Trout. You’ll need a fishing license, which can be purchased on the way in the town of Woodland.
If you have an interest in beautiful scenery, you’re going to feel right at home here. If your thing is fishing and boating, you’re still in luck! Whatever your intentions, Beaver Bay is a great option for those looking for a place to stay and recreate among Washington’s wild terrain.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBeaver Bay Campground is located in Washington near Cougar
Coordinates
46.06107283 N
122.26353275 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 58 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 1 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 48 min from Olympia, WA
- 1 hr 50 min from Salem, OR
