Cougar Crossing Campground
Cougar Crossing Campground is located on Forest Road 19 about 10 miles south of the Hwy 126 junction.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
FS RD 19 is closed to travel south of Frissell Crossing CG to Westfir. Travel North from HWY 126 to Terwilliger Hot Springs, Cougar Crossing CG, Sunnyside CG, Slide Creek CG, French Pete CG, Hard Rock Group, Red Diamond Group & Frissell Crossing CG is accessible this way only.
Per the Willamette Forest Order, effective 7/31/24: fire restrictions are in effect that prohibit the building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including a charcoal, wood, or coal fire. However, pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be switched on and off are allowed. For a full list of restrictions and exemptions, please review the Forest Order .
Need to Know
- 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
Be sure to reserve a site that will accommodate your equipment. The site you reserve is your site. You man not move to another site.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Information
Mailing
Blue River Oregon 97413
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (541)603-8564
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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
Available Campsites
- Site 02, Loop COUGAR CROSSING CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 08, Loop COUGAR CROSSING, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 01, Loop COUGAR CROSSING, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop COUGAR CROSSING CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 09, Loop COUGAR CROSSING, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop COUGAR CROSSING CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop COUGAR CROSSING CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop COUGAR CROSSING, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 04, Loop COUGAR CROSSING CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop COUGAR CROSSING CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
