Map showing campground location near Cougar, Washington

Camper submitted image from Merrill Lake Campground

Merrill Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting on the shore of Merrill Lake in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, this walk-in campground within the camping near Merrill Lake Natural Resources Conservation Area draws tent campers willing to haul their gear a short distance from the parking lot. The eight tent sites are set among old-growth cedar, with one additional site sometimes occupied by a camp host. No cell service reaches the lake.

The lake itself is the main draw. Motorized boats are not permitted, and fishing is restricted to fly fishing only, which keeps activity on the water relatively low-key. Paddleboards and kayaks are well-suited to the conditions. A one-mile nature trail runs adjacent to the day-use area. Weekday visits in shoulder season can mean having the campground to yourself, though summer weekends bring enough use that, as Brooke S. notes, "you'll still see and hear your fellow campers."

Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, and the crushed-rock tent pads make a ground tarp worth bringing. Vault toilets are on-site, but toilet paper is routinely absent, so pack your own. Lone Fir Resort and Cougar Park are nearby alternatives if the tent sites are full. A Washington Discover Pass is required for entry, and campers should plan to pack out all trash.

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Map & DirectionsMerrill Lake Campground is located in Washington near Cougar

Public Campground

Coordinates

46.09390081 N
122.31980028 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Tent Cabin
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 10 min from Longview, WA
1 hr 13 min from Portland, OR
2 hrs from Olympia, WA
2 hrs 2 min from Salem, OR

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Merrill Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated this free lakeside campground's private setting among old growth cedars with well-maintained walk-in tent sites. Guests commonly noted basic facilities with fire rings and tables, though visitors should bring toilet paper and supplies.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Brooke S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 4, 2023

Great little campsite for last minute adventures

There are 8 walk in sites and one drive up site, all first come first serve discovery pass required. Some sites are larger than others, but in ours we were able to fit two 6ptents and one 2p tent. All campsites have a fire ring and picnic table. You’ll still see and hear your fellow campers, but it does seem semi private. Make sure to bring toilet paper, the bathroom seems to never be stocked. Make sure to haul out all trash.

You can’t use motorized boats and can only fly fish in the lake, but a very nice 1 mile hike is adjacent to the day use area. Also very close to Cougar for gas and supplies for emergencies. Driving distance to popular day hikes. No cell service.

Site4

Month of VisitMay

Kathy B.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2022

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!

Month of VisitOctober

(10) View All

Raskol B.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2021

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.

Month of VisitJuly

Shannon B.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2019

Leveled out

This is a tents only campground. Boats and boat ramps are right there. All sights are walk in. They are leveled out in a crushed rock space so be sure to bring a tarp for under your tent. Nice pick in tables per a sight and firpit with grate and a little build in BBQ stand. Bathrooms, bring your own toilet paper they are always out, but there are two port-a-potties. View is gorgeous of the lake and fishing is great. Fly fish only. Only a couple miles from a good horse camp too.

Jess G.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2018

discover pass only

another site where you park and walk in! 8 sites, some are more private than others. 2 vault toilets, fire rings and picnic tables! great lake to kayak on.

Dan M.

Guide

Reviewed May. 16, 2018

Tent camping only, no running water, no power boats, fly-fishing only

This is a great little campground, on the lake shore amidst a grove of Old Growth Cedar. Only 8 spaces for tents (9 if you count the camp-host site which was unoccupied when I was there).I camped here for 3 nights midweek in early May and had the place to myself. Fisherman come and go during the day, but I never saw more than 3 vehicles at the boat launch. Short and beautiful nature trail through the Cedars. I would have given this campsite 5 stars if it weren't for the noise of the logging going on during the day on the other side of the lake. Also no uninterrupted lake view from the campsites as there are trees and tall shrubs all along the shoreline.

Site1 (this is the camp-host site) Unoccupied, so I used it.

Month of VisitMay

(6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Merrill Lake Campground?

Merrill Lake Campground offers basic amenities in a natural setting. The campground features 8 walk-in tent sites and one drive-up site, each equipped with a fire ring (with cooking grate and built-in BBQ stand) and picnic table. Two vault toilets are available for campers. The tent sites are set on crushed rock surfaces, so bringing a tarp to place under your tent is recommended. This is primarily a tent camping destination with minimal facilities - no running water, electricity, or shower facilities are available, so campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies.

When is Merrill Lake Campground open for camping?

Merrill Lake Campground typically operates during the spring through fall seasons. While specific opening and closing dates may vary based on weather conditions and maintenance schedules, the campground has been documented as accessible in early May through late October. For the most current information on seasonal opening dates, contact the Washington Department of Natural Resources or check their official website before planning your trip.

What activities can I do at Merrill Lake Campground?

Merrill Lake Campground offers excellent opportunities for fishing and boating, with boat ramps available right at the lake. The lake is perfect for kayaking and canoeing in a peaceful setting. Located in proximity to Mount St. Helens, the campground serves as a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Ape Caves and other volcanic features. The surrounding old-growth cedar forest provides a beautiful natural environment for hiking and wildlife observation. The remote, tranquil setting is ideal for those seeking to disconnect and enjoy nature.

Where is Merrill Lake Campground located in Washington?

Merrill Lake Campground is located just outside the small town of Cougar in southwestern Washington. It's situated approximately 4 miles from Cougar, in a remote-feeling forest setting near Mount St. Helens. Despite its secluded atmosphere, the campground is relatively accessible from the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. The location offers a perfect balance of isolation while remaining close enough to civilization for necessary supplies or emergency services.

How do I make reservations at Merrill Lake Campground?

Merrill Lake Campground operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis - no advance reservations are accepted. All 8 walk-in sites and the single drive-up site are available to whoever arrives first. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the campground. During peak summer months and weekends, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. For holiday weekends, consider arriving on a Thursday or early Friday morning for the best chance at finding an available site.

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