Cougar Crossing Campground

Star3.82
47 reviews
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Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,732 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cougar Crossing Campground
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for a standard non-electric site is $18. Additional reservation service fees apply ($8 online, $9 through the contact center, and $3...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

3.82

Mixed Reviews

Based on 47 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanshadelocation

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Cougar Crossing Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 3.86 overall and 3.52 specifically for campgrounds. Positive feedback highlights the serene environment, proximity to hiking trails and hot springs, and spacious campsites. However, complaints include littering, road noise, and occasional difficulties with road access."

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Campground Map

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Cougar Crossing Campground

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Driving directionsFrom 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, which may pose significant challenges for access. The road has been described as being in poor condition, with potholes and muddy, slick stretches, making higher clearance vehicles advisable.
Nearby places
Blue River (10 miles away)
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Cougar Crossing Campground

The Pacific Northwest's moody climate paints Cougar Crossing with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes. Winter arrives with determination, bringing heavy rains that drum on tent flies and temperatures that hover between a crisp 33°F and 46°F. Early season visitors should pack their rain gear and warm layers, as moderate winds sweep through the forest canopy, reminding everyone that nature rules this domain. The reward for weathering these elements? A landscape transformed by mist and rain into something magical.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is most popular; shaded sites and trail access highlighted by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall offers moody PNW scenery but weather becomes wetter; accessibility generally OK.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

River/reservoir levels and wet weather affect access; boat launch seasonal based on water level.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round and winter camping noted, but heavy rains and road closures make visits harder.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1st to December 31st.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, reservable from June 24th through December 19th.
  • Current Alerts: Road closures have been reported by user reviews.

About Cougar Crossing Campground

Hidden within the emerald embrace of Oregon's towering conifers, Cougar Crossing Campground offers an intimate escape where the South Fork of the McKenzie River whispers through the trees. This peaceful retreat, tucked away from the crowds, serves as your gateway to pristine wilderness adventures. Here, morning mist rises from Cougar Reservoir while ancient forest paths lead to the legendary Terwilliger Hot Springs, creating a perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude and natural wonder.
The campground supports both RV and tent camping with 11 individual sites. Some sites are noted for being close together, which may limit privacy. Primitive camping is implied by the lack of modern facilities such as potable water or hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers access to a range of recreational activities, including hiking, lake recreation, and visiting nearby hot springs. The nearby Three Sisters Wilderness and Cougar Reservoir provide opportunities for outdoor adventure. The primitive boat launch across the campground is usable when the reservoir is high.
HikingHiking trails nearby include the Three Sisters Wilderness, French Pete Trail, Box Canyon Trail, and Indian Ridge Lookout. These trails offer diverse opportunities for outdoor exploration.
FishingWhile fishing is possible, one reviewer noted that 'bank fishing was impossible at this site' due to accessibility issues.
BoatingThere is a primitive boat launch available for use when the reservoir water level is high, providing opportunities for lake recreation and boating.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential road access issues due to poor maintenance and winter conditions, bear activity requiring food to be stored properly.
Active AlertsRoad closures have been reported by user reviews.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Cougar Crossing Campground

Reviews

3.8
47 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Cougar Crossing Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Cougar Crossing Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 3.86 overall and 3.52 specifically for campgrounds. Positive feedback highlights the serene environment, proximity to hiking trails and hot springs, and spacious campsites. However, complaints include littering, road noise, and occasional difficulties with road access.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the location's proximity to Cougar Reservoir and Terwilliger Hot Springs, describing it as 'serene and beautiful' and a 'fantastic sight to behold.' Vault toilets are noted as being...
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Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include road closures and poor road conditions leading to the site, littering by previous campers, and reports of noise from other campers. Some sites lack shade, and occasional...
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Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water for drinking and cooking as there is no potable water on-site. High-clearance vehicles are recommended due to road conditions. Early arrival is advised to secure the most...
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Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is accessible year-round, but reviewers noted that winter visits might be challenging due to road conditions. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with shaded sites being...
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Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The road leading to the campground is in very poor condition with many large potholes.' (Anachronic X) - 'Loved my stay here and will be returning in the future.' (Anachronic X) - 'Bathrooms are...
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Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Sites #2, #3, and #12 are praised for shade and privacy. - Sites #1 and #6 are noted to have little to no shade. - Site #3 reportedly had issues with homeless encampments occupying the site.
Based on 47 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific details about pet-friendly amenities are mentioned.
Based on 47 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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