Cougar Crossing Campground

Cougar Crossing Campground is located on Forest Road 19 about 10 miles south of the Hwy 126 junction. 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. Cougar Crossing offers 11 sites that can accommodate either RV or tent camping. Vault toilets are provided and there is firewood for sale. The interior roads and spurs are gravel. There is no drinking water. 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); this is the closest campground to the hot springs, which have a colorful history and attract many visitors year round. 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.