Cougar Park & Campground: Your Gateway to Mount St. Helens in Washington

Cougar Park & Campground Introduce

For Washingtonians seeking an outdoor escape near the majestic Mount St. Helens, Cougar Park & Campground in Cougar, WA, offers a picturesque setting with compelling amenities. Nestled beside a beautiful lake and surrounded by the natural splendor of our state, this campground provides a scenic and clean environment for families and friends looking to connect with nature. If you're a local planning an adventure to the dramatic landscapes of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the iconic volcano, Cougar Park & Campground could be your ideal basecamp.

Visitors frequently praise the campground's "beautiful" setting and the equally "beautiful" and "clean" lake, highlighting the serene natural environment. The availability of "warm showers" is a significant comfort, especially after a day of exploring or hiking. Furthermore, the "firewood is considerably cheap for it being a campground, and they bring it to you," which is a "nice bonus" that adds to the convenience and enjoyment of your stay. The initial interactions with staff, as noted by one camper, can be very "inviting," setting a positive tone for the beginning of a trip, especially for those planning ambitious excursions like "hiking up the Summit at Mount Saint Helens."

While some experiences with staff and certain rules have generated strong feedback, the core appeal of Cougar Park & Campground lies in its stunning location and its dedication to cleanliness and key amenities. For Washington locals, understanding these aspects can help in planning a successful and enjoyable trip to this scenic corner of our state, particularly if the goal is to immerse oneself in the natural beauty surrounding Mount St. Helens.

Cougar Park & Campground is ideally situated at 17005 Lewis River Rd, Cougar, WA 98616, USA. This location places it within the community of Cougar, Washington, in the southwest part of the state. It is strategically positioned near the Lewis River and, most significantly, serves as a popular gateway to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

For Washington residents, accessing Cougar Park & Campground is generally straightforward. From major population centers like Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington, it's a relatively easy drive north on I-5, then east on State Route 503, which leads directly to Cougar. For those coming from other parts of Washington, access would typically involve connecting to I-5 southbound and then taking the exit for SR-503. The campground's location on Lewis River Road (which is also SR-503 further west) means it's well-connected to the regional road network.

The accessibility is a key advantage for locals, as it places them within close proximity to major recreational opportunities. Being able to easily reach the park allows for more time spent enjoying the natural beauty and less time traveling. Its position near the town of Cougar also means there are some local services available, though visitors should generally plan to bring most of their supplies. The direct access to the roads leading towards Mount St. Helens and other forest attractions makes it an excellent jumping-off point for exploring this unique and geologically significant part of our state. While the gate closing time is a strict rule to be aware of, the overall ease of reaching this destination makes it a convenient choice for a Washington outdoor adventure.

Cougar Park & Campground offers a range of services aimed at making your camping experience comfortable and convenient, particularly highlighting its cleanliness and specific amenities:

Campsites: Provides a variety of campsites, suitable for both tent camping and RVs. While noted for being "pretty close to each other" and potentially "intersecting" unless lakeside, they offer a space for your outdoor stay.
Warm Showers: A significant amenity, campers "appreciate the warm showers," although the review implies there might be a limited number (e.g., perhaps one in men's and one in women's bathroom, or a centralized facility).
Cleanliness: The campground and lake are praised for "how clean they are," indicating a strong emphasis on maintenance and hygiene.
Firewood Delivery: "The firewood is considerably cheap... and they bring it to you," which is a "nice bonus" for convenience.
Restrooms: Clean restroom facilities are available.
Potable Water: Access to fresh drinking water.
Camp Hosts/Staff: On-site staff members are available, with some initial interactions described as "very inviting."
Trash Disposal: Designated areas for waste disposal.
Rules and Regulations: The campground has "a lot of rules," including "no cannabis rule" and "alcohol rule," as well as "dogs rule and the noise rule." Visitors should be prepared to adhere to these.
Strict Gate Shut Time: A particularly enforced rule is the "9 o’clock gate shutting rule," requiring careful planning for late returns.

Cougar Park & Campground is highlighted by several features that appeal to campers, particularly those looking to explore the Mount St. Helens area:

Beautiful Setting: Consistently described as "beautiful," both the campground itself and the adjacent lake provide a picturesque natural environment for camping.
Cleanliness: Visitors frequently praise the campground and facilities for "how clean they are," including the "warm showers," which are a significant comfort amenity.
Proximity to Mount St. Helens: Its location is ideal for those planning to visit or "hiking up the Summit at Mount Saint Helens," making it a perfect basecamp for exploring the National Volcanic Monument and surrounding trails.
Affordable Firewood with Delivery: The availability of "considerably cheap" firewood that is "brought to you" is a convenient and appreciated service, enhancing the campfire experience.
Lakeside Access: Being next to a beautiful lake offers opportunities for water-based activities, scenic views, and specific lakeside campsites (though access to the lake from some sites might require passing through others).
Inviting Initial Staff Interactions: Early interactions with staff members, such as "eron," can be "a very inviting experience," contributing positively to the start of a trip.
Clear Rules (though some enforcement varies): While there are "a lot of rules," some are "very reasonable," such as the "no cannabis rule" and "alcohol rule," aiming to maintain a peaceful environment.
Family-Friendly Environment (with caveats): The campground is implied to be generally family-friendly, though some reviews suggest a potentially chaotic feel with "lots of loud screeching children" and a need for greater enforcement of noise/dog rules for those seeking quiet.
Potential for Flexibility (initial): One review mentioned staff initially suggesting they "could figure something out" regarding a late gate return, though this later changed drastically for that particular party.
Direct Road Access: Located directly on Lewis River Road, offering easy navigation.

For reservations or further inquiries regarding Cougar Park & Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: 17005 Lewis River Rd, Cougar, WA 98616, USA

Phone: (801) 280-3233

Mobile Phone: +1 801-280-3233

It is strongly recommended for Washington locals to contact the campground directly using the provided phone numbers for the most current information regarding availability, specific site details, rules, and any reservation policies. Given the detailed feedback about staff interactions and strict gate rules, a direct conversation can help clarify expectations and ensure a smooth visit. While the phone number listed has an 801 area code (Utah), which might seem unusual for a Washington campground, it is the number provided. It's advisable to confirm hours of operation and optimal times to call. Planning your arrival and departure times carefully, especially concerning the 9 pm gate closure, is crucial for a stress-free experience at Cougar Park & Campground.

Cougar Park & Campground presents a compelling option for Washington locals seeking an outdoor adventure, particularly for those drawn to the dramatic landscapes surrounding Mount St. Helens. Its "beautiful" setting by a clean lake and proximity to one of our state's most iconic natural monuments make it a truly unique destination. For Washingtonians, the convenience of affordable, delivered firewood and the availability of warm, clean showers after a day of hiking significantly enhance the camping experience, adding comfort to the wilderness immersion.

While some visitor experiences highlight strict adherence to rules, particularly the gate closure time, and occasional challenges with staff interactions or noise levels, these aspects can be navigated with proper planning and clear communication. The campground's core strengths—its prime location for exploring Mount St. Helens, its cleanliness, and its welcoming initial service—make it a valuable resource for local outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a practical and scenic base for families and friends to create lasting memories in a truly unique geological area of our state, provided they are prepared for a structured environment. For those who prioritize a clean site, a beautiful setting, and direct access to major natural attractions, Cougar Park & Campground remains a viable and attractive option for a Washington camping getaway.

Cougar Park & Campground Photos

Cougar Park & Campground Location

Cougar Park & Campground

Washington Cowlitz County Cougar Lewis River Road

17005 Lewis River Rd, Cougar, WA 98616, USA

Cougar Park & Campground Reviews

Campground is beautiful, and the lake is just the same, and how clean they are, and appreciate the warm showers, The campgrounds are pretty close to each other, you could even say they intersect with each other, unless you have a campground set next to the lake, you have to go through someone’s campground to access it, The firewood is considerably cheap for it being a campground, and they bring it to you, which is a nice bonus. Staff member eron made the beginning of our trip a very inviting experience. We spoke to him before hiking up the Summit at Mount Saint Helens. And when we had told him, we would probably be back after their 9 o’clock gate, shutting rule that we could figure something out.However…There are a lot of rules, some of them are very reasonable, as to the no cannabis rule because that smell would make the entire campground reek. The alcohol rule is understandable as well, But that and the dogs rule and the noise rule is very rarely acted on.However, one rule that they are very strict on is their shut gate time. My Party and I hiked up Mount Saint Helens all day, left the campground at around seven and got back from the mountain at about nine pm, our campsite was about 30 minutes away so we didn’t think it would be an issue but our GPS messed us up and we got back at around 11.We were exhausted from the hike And just wanted to meet up with the rest of our group and go to bed, I had to track over the gate and walk all the way down to the campgrounds barefoot with barely any clothing on that was clean, freezing cold with only a beanie and a headlamp and some shorts. Upon arriving to the staff, who were out and about, I asked the staff member who is different from the one that we met on the first day if he would be OK with opening the gate so that we could come in I explained our situation and made it obvious that we were very tired. Upon hearing this, he politely told me to F off And that the gates are closed for a reason and that we could park and walk over in our dirty or no clothes. As we were frustrated, we decided to figure out a way to get over the spike strip and we did, we parked in our campsite and immediately got ready for bed, upon this the same staff member who seemed to give no effort to my plea for him to unlock the gate, seemed to have a whole lot more energy this time as he came over and bombarded us about how we had just drove past him, as we didn’t wanna deal with this, we told him it wasn’t us, and he walked away and came back and started messing with our car, telling us that our exhaust was warm. After we asked him if he had touched our car, he lied, even though we saw him doing it. One of our members who was reasonably tired, told him that we had been there and he needed to leave, he did for the night, In the morning when we had packed up to leave, he was waiting for us on our way out and told us that we could never come back and that we were flagged in their system, to which we said we would happily be fine with that and leave. Overall, pretty nice campground, not a nice way to end the trip. (to that staff member just so you know while you were asking where I was I was in the tent still wearing my headlamp and socks, laughing at your clueless self)
Jun 21, 2025 · Luke Cunningham
It’s too bad the camp hosts breathe down your neck and make this place so miserable, because the location is gorgeous. I’ve never been to a campground where there were so many rules, and where the hosts “check in” multiple times. Note to all: the “tent only” rule dies not include any sort of truck-bed tent situation. I’ve never had an issue at any other camp, but the two hosts told me I’d have to collapse it and “figure something out” in the remaining two hours of daylight before they lock the gate if I wanted to sleep there that night. Sleeping in my truck bed was fine, but no tent… It was especially infuriating because there were several other pop-ups on rigs and I even saw a trailer. They were clearly on some power trip and delivered this news in an incredibly passive-aggressive & condescending manner. Don’t expect any flexibility or peace at this campground. Aside from the hosts, there were a lot of dogs off-leashes (a rule they curiously chose not to enforce), no boat launch, people wandering in and out of my campsite to access the water, no respect for the quiet hours, and just a generally chaotic feel. I ended up leaving a day early because the hosts put such a sour taste in my mouth. Spend your money somewhere else and do what you came to do… RELAX.
May 26, 2025 · natalie scott
We had a fun trip. Park has added some new sites and updated some of the tables, paths to bathrooms, hot water heaters for showers… etc. Overall still looks and feels like the place we’ve enjoyed multiple years. The camp hosts we met (Aaron and Casey) were wonderful people who we enjoyed chatting with. We wish you guys the best in all your future endeavors!! Thanks as always to PacifiCorp for providing a pretty little piece of nature on the lake for us all to enjoy.
Aug 19, 2024 · Bobbi Jo
I can not say enough good things about Cougar campground. The hosts are welcoming, yet stand up to bad behavior. The grounds are immaculate upon arrival, no trash, even the last persons burnt coals are removed from the firepit, giving you that feeling loke no one has been here for a while.The bathroom isn't a far walk, and we always stay at the furthest site. They have water taps a short distance from each site, so quench your fire or kitchen needs. They added an extra wash station to the back of the restrooms, and there were already a few others.The greatest addition this year is the handicap spaces. As an able bodied person, I never knew what was involved, and now they've made accommodations to be even more inclusive.So freaking cool Cougar Campground, good job!The lake access is great, and such a short drive from town, yet it feels like you're a world away. Our family looks forward to our camping trips at Cougar every year❤️💙💜Ps. I wish I had written down the names of the host's to properly thank them. The gentleman from San Antonio(I hope I got that right) is extremely friendly and kind, driving around on his cart checking on people. Really making you feel like it's your spot and to relax and enjoy.The young couple are just as awesome. I had an issue at check-in and got a little defensive and even whiny. They both had suck great customer service skills, they let me vent, made me feel heard by listening, and didn't get unprofessional or condescending. They really did care about my point of view. It was quite impressive.A+ rating, 10/10, Cougar Campground is like a second home to my family.
Jul 16, 2024 · Ricky Evans
Amazing people work here! So kind and very helpful. They helped my friends and I get a spot immediately, beautiful lake and area. Super clean grounds and bathrooms as well.
May 28, 2025 · Samuel Lopez