Cougar Crossing Campground

Willamette National Forest

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

• If you are coming to enjoy Terwilliger Hot Springs, please know that NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED at the Springs. This includes comfort animals. The only exception trained and certified Service Animals.

• FS 19 Rd/Aufderhyde Road is temporarily closed at the dam due to emergency road work. This means it cannot be accessed from Hwy 126 from the north. Terwilliger Hot Springs and the campgrounds along FS 19 Rd can be accessed from 2 alternate roads.  

  • Access can be made from the south on FS 19 Rd from Westfir. From Westfir, this choice is approximately 55 miles of winding road.
  • Access can be made on FS 500 Rd on the east side of Cougar Reservoir by entering from FS 19 Rd and turning left at the dam onto FS 500. This choice will bring you out by Slide Creek Campground This road (FS 500) is dirt and gravel, very rough in spots. Caution: This choice is not recommended for recreational vehicles, very slow going, lots of potholes and ruts.

  If you have questions on these alternate routes, call 541-854-0718 for clarification.

  If you prefer to cancel, call 801-226-3564 xt 15 or email Claudia@americanLL.com.  

• All fire restrictions on the Willamette National Forest will be rescinded on September 25, after widespread rainfall and cooling temperatures. Forest fires are still a threat so visitors are still asked to remain vigilant and avoid activities that could accidentally cause a wildfire. 

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