Beaver Bay Campground

Welcome to Beaver Bay Campground, a prominent outdoor recreation area situated on the eastern edge of Yale Reservoir near Cougar, Washington. Managed by PacifiCorp, this campground is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike, offering a wide array of activities centered around the beautiful reservoir and the surrounding natural landscape. While some individual site experiences can vary, Beaver Bay is well-regarded for its extensive facilities, particularly its group camping options, and its prime location for water-based adventures and exploring the stunning Mount St. Helens region.

Beaver Bay Campground is designed to cater to a diverse range of campers, from those seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat to groups looking for a vibrant communal experience. Its setting amidst mature Douglas fir trees provides ample shade, and many sites offer picturesque views of the water. With amenities like flush toilets, showers, and a boat launch, it aims to provide a comfortable yet authentic outdoor experience. It's an ideal basecamp for exploring the unique geological wonders of Mount St. Helens, engaging in water sports on Yale Reservoir, or simply unwinding amidst the fresh air of the Pacific Northwest.

Beaver Bay Campground is strategically located at 150 Sherman Rd, Cougar, WA 98616, USA. This places it in a prime position within southwest Washington, providing convenient access to the Lewis River Recreation Area and the broader Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The campground is nestled directly on the shores of Yale Reservoir, offering easy access to its vast waters.

Accessibility to Beaver Bay Campground is generally straightforward. From major population centers in Washington, such as Vancouver or Portland (Oregon, just across the border), the journey involves traveling along State Route 503, a well-maintained highway that leads directly to the Cougar area. Once near Cougar, Sherman Road provides direct access to the campground entrance. The roads leading to and within the campground are designed to accommodate both individual vehicles and RVs, making it a viable destination for various types of campers.

Its location is a significant draw, serving as an excellent gateway to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Many popular attractions, including interpretive centers, hiking trails, and the Ape Caves, are within a reasonable driving distance, allowing campers to easily plan day trips to explore this iconic geological site. While the campground offers a sense of being immersed in nature, it's not overly remote, ensuring that essential services and supplies can be accessed in nearby Cougar or larger towns further down SR 503. The journey to Beaver Bay is part of the scenic experience, winding through lush forests characteristic of Southwest Washington.

Beaver Bay Campground provides a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to cater to both individual and group campers, enhancing their stay on Yale Reservoir.

• Campsites for Tents, Trailers, and RVs: The campground offers 63 single-family campsites. These sites are spacious and designed to accommodate various camping setups, from traditional tents to trailers and RVs.
• Group Camping: A significant feature is the dedicated group camping facility. This area includes 15 campsites and a covered picnic shelter complete with a fireplace and a sink, ideal for larger gatherings, family reunions, or organized events. It can accommodate up to 120 people and 15 vehicles.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each individual campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires (when burn bans are not in effect).
• Flush Toilets and Showers: The campground provides modern conveniences including flush toilets and bathhouses with showers. While some facilities might be a short walk from certain loops, their availability significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground.
• RV Waste Dump Station: For RV campers, a convenient dump station is provided for waste disposal, although individual campsites do not have hookups.
• Boat Launch/Ramp: Direct access to Yale Reservoir is provided via a single-lane boat launch, allowing campers to easily put their watercraft in the water for boating, fishing, and other water sports.
• Day Use Picnic Area: In addition to camping facilities, there is a day-use picnic area available for visitors who wish to enjoy the park for a few hours without overnight camping. This area also includes a play structure for children.
• Firewood Availability: While not explicitly stated for direct sale on-site at Beaver Bay, nearby Lewis River recreation areas often have firewood vending, and it is generally advisable to purchase local firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• ADA Accessible Sites: The campground features ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible campsites and facilities, ensuring broader accessibility.

Beaver Bay Campground offers a variety of features and highlights that draw campers to its location on Yale Reservoir:

• Lakeside Location on Yale Reservoir: Its prime position on the eastern edge of Yale Reservoir provides stunning water views from many campsites and easy access for all types of water activities, including boating (both motorized and non-motorized), fishing for Kokanee and Cutthroat Coastal Trout, swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
• Shaded Campsites: Most campsites are well-shaded by mature Douglas fir trees, offering a comfortable and cool environment, especially during warmer summer days.
• Dedicated Group Camping Area: The availability of a large, well-kept group campground with its own covered shelter, fireplace, and sink is a significant highlight, making it ideal for large gatherings and events. Past reviews highlight the positive experience of group campers.
• Access to Mount St. Helens Area: Beaver Bay serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the awe-inspiring Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, with numerous trails, interpretive centers, and unique geological formations like the Ape Caves within close driving distance.
• Recreational Opportunities: Beyond water sports, the surrounding area offers extensive opportunities for hiking and biking, with trails connecting to other parks like Cougar Park. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity.
• Amenities for Comfort: The presence of flush toilets and showers provides a level of comfort not always found in more primitive campgrounds, enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With a play structure in the day-use area and a focus on providing diverse activities, the campground generally caters well to families, although some individual site experiences may vary in terms of privacy.
• Scenic Beauty: The natural beauty of the area, with its clear lake waters and lush forest, creates a picturesque setting for relaxation and outdoor adventure.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Beaver Bay Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 150 Sherman Rd, Cougar, WA 98616, USA

Phone: (360) 238-5251

Mobile Phone: +1 360-238-5251

Beaver Bay Campground accepts reservations for all sites, including individual and group sites. Reservations can typically be made through Recreation.gov or by contacting the managing entity directly. PacifiCorp is the managing entity for the Lewis River recreation sites, including Beaver Bay. For direct inquiries, or to confirm specific site availability, rules, and current conditions (such as fire bans or maintenance updates), it is advisable to call the provided phone numbers. It is always recommended to book well in advance, especially for group sites or during peak season, due to the campground's popularity.

For Washington locals, Beaver Bay Campground offers a compelling and highly suitable option for their next outdoor getaway, particularly for those in Southwest Washington and the greater Puget Sound region. Its strategic location on Yale Reservoir near Cougar makes it an accessible and attractive destination for a variety of recreational pursuits, blending the comforts of a developed campground with the natural beauty of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

One of the primary reasons for its suitability is the sheer breadth of activities available right at your fingertips. For water enthusiasts, Yale Reservoir is a playground, offering everything from boating, fishing, and swimming to more active sports like water skiing and paddleboarding. This means locals can easily launch their boats or kayaks and spend their days on the water, often just a short drive from home. The availability of a boat launch directly at the campground is a significant convenience.

Furthermore, Beaver Bay serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the iconic Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. For Washington residents, this means unparalleled access to an essential part of our state's geological and natural history. Day trips to the Ape Caves, various interpretive centers, and scenic hiking trails are easily managed from the campground, providing enriching educational and adventurous experiences.

The campground's amenities, including flush toilets, showers, and a dump station, enhance the overall comfort, making it a more appealing option for families or those who prefer a less rustic experience. While some individual reviews mention noise or maintenance concerns, the general consensus for group camping is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the well-kept and spacious nature of these sites. This makes Beaver Bay particularly suitable for local clubs, organizations, or large family gatherings looking for a dedicated and functional outdoor space.

In essence, Beaver Bay Campground provides a versatile and engaging outdoor experience for Washingtonians. It balances convenient access with a rich array of activities, making it an ideal choice for a weekend escape, a family vacation, or a group event, all within the stunning natural backdrop that defines our beautiful state.

Beaver Bay Campground

150 Sherman Rd, Cougar, WA 98616, USA