Cougar Crossing Campground

COUGAR CROSSING CAMPGROUND

Part of Willamette National Forest

Overview

Cougar Crossing Campground is located on Forest Road 19 about 10 miles south of the Hwy 126 junction.

Facilities

Cougar Crossing offers 11 sites that can accommodate either RV or tent camping. Vault toilets are provided. There is firewood for sale. The interior roads and spurs are gravel. There is no drinking water.

Natural Features

Nestled in among a mix of conifers, the campground rests beside the South Fork of the McKenzie River and the south end of Cougar Reservoir. It is the closest campground to Terwilliger Hot Springs.

Recreation

Hiking is popular as the Three Sisters Wilderness, French Pete Trail, Box Canyon Trail, Indian Ridge Lookout, and Cougar Recreation Area are nearby. Many folks also come to the area to bathe at Terwilliger Hot Springs (clothing optional). There is creek and river access, and opportunities for lake recreation. When the reservoir lake level is high, there is a primitive boat launch across from the campground available for use.

Nearby Attractions

The campground and nearby Terwilliger Hot Springs have a colorful history and attract many visitors year round. There is plenty to explore at nearby trails and Three Sisters Wilderness.

Important Notices

  • Bring your own water for drinking, washing, etc.
  • There are no electric site hook-ups for this facility.
  • This campground has first-come, first-served sites.
  • Limit 1 vehicle per site, there is a fee for additional vehicles.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
  • No discharging firearms, possession of fireworks or use of chainsaws allowed
  • Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from the area after eating
  • Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only. 

  • Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment. The site you reserve is your site. You may not move to another site.

Directions

From Blue River, OR, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Drive (Forest Road 19)*. Proceed south on Aufderheide Drive, taking a right at the Y and climbing to the top of Cougar Reservoir (approximately 4.5 miles). Continue on Aufderheide Drive south 5 miles to find Cougar Crossing Campground where the South Fork of the McKenzie River pours into Cougar Reservoir. *Forest Service Rd 19 is not maintained for snow and ice in the winter

Contact Information

Phone: (541)603-8564

Blue River, Oregon 97413

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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