Cougar RV Park & Campground

Nestled in the charming town of Cougar, Washington, on the scenic south side of Mount St. Helens, lies the Cougar RV Park & Campground. For local outdoor enthusiasts, this well-regarded establishment serves as a welcoming and convenient hub for exploring one of Washington's most iconic natural regions. Whether you're an RV traveler seeking full hookups, a traditional tent camper, or looking for a cozy cabin retreat, Cougar RV Park & Campground offers a comfortable and friendly base from which to launch your adventures.

Visitors consistently praise the campground for its peaceful atmosphere, well-spaced sites, and the helpfulness of its on-site management. It’s a place where you can unwind after a day of exploration, with minimal road noise and a sense of community among fellow campers. Its strategic location means you're "right down the street from shops/the lake" and incredibly close to major attractions like the famous Ape Caves, making it an ideal choice for Washingtonians looking for a convenient yet immersive outdoor experience. The park is often described as clean, affordable, and highly convenient, earning high marks from those who have discovered its charm.

Cougar RV Park & Campground is precisely located at 16730 Lewis River Rd, Cougar, WA 98616, USA. This places it in the southwestern part of Washington State, within Cowlitz County, and crucially, on the south side of the majestic Mount St. Helens. The town of Cougar itself is a small, quaint community that acts as a gateway to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward, primarily via State Route 503 (Lewis River Road). From Interstate 5, travelers would typically take exit 21 or 22 and head east on SR 503 towards Cougar. The campground is directly on Lewis River Road, making it easy to spot and access for both RVs and vehicles towing trailers. Reviewers have highlighted the convenience of its location, noting its proximity to local shops and lakes, meaning essential supplies are never far away.

While the area offers a sense of being immersed in nature, its direct road access ensures that you don't have to navigate challenging forest service roads to reach your destination. This makes it an attractive option for a wide range of visitors, including families and those with larger RVs. The park's central location also provides an excellent jumping-off point for day trips to various natural attractions, minimizing travel time and maximizing your enjoyment of the Washington wilderness.

Cougar RV Park & Campground prides itself on offering a diverse range of accommodations and essential services designed to cater to various types of campers, from large RVs to tent enthusiasts, and even those seeking a cabin experience.

• RV Sites:
  • Full Hookup RV Sites: Many of these are pull-through, accommodating the largest RVs (some nearly 100 feet long), with options for 30 amp or 50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections. Tents can be added to full hookup RV sites for an additional fee.
  • Partial Hookup RV Sites: These sites typically offer 30 amp electrical service (with some 50 amp options) and water, suitable for RVs up to 40 feet. These are generally back-in sites.
• Tent Sites:
  • Dedicated Tent Sites: Most tent-only sites are large, designed to accommodate 2-4 tents and 2-3 vehicles. Some tent sites are even large enough for dry camping RVs (no hookups; generators allowed).
• Cabin Rentals: The campground offers a variety of cabins to suit different needs:
  • Bunk Style Dry Cabins (Cabins 1 & 2): Pet-friendly, with two sets of bunk beds (twin over twin, full over twin), electricity, heater, fan, fire pit, picnic table, and covered porch. No plumbing inside, but potable water and restrooms with hot showers are nearby.
  • Barn Style Dry Cabin (Cabin 3): No pets allowed, featuring two queen log beds, electricity, heater, fan, microwave, fire pit, picnic table, and covered porch. Potable water and restrooms with hot showers are nearby.
  • Rustic Cabin (Cabin 4): No pets allowed, includes a queen bed, twin bunk bed, kitchenette (small refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, hot plate), full bathroom (shower only), heater, fan, fire pit, picnic table, and covered porch.
  • Chalet Cabin (Cabin 5): No pets allowed, with a queen log bed and two twin mattresses in the loft. No plumbing/water/toilet/shower/kitchen, but has electricity, fire pit, large deck with log furniture, and patio table/chairs. Potable water and hot showers are nearby.
• General Amenities:
  • Restrooms and Showerhouse: Clean restrooms with hot showers are available on-site, a significant convenience for all campers.
  • Wi-Fi: Available to guests (password obtained at check-in), allowing for connectivity though consistent internet access is not guaranteed due to public network usage.
  • Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are provided for guest convenience.
  • Firewood & Ice: Cut, split, and dried firewood, as well as bagged ice, are available for purchase at a self-serve check-in center.
  • Sani-Dump Station: A self-serve sani-dump station is available for RV waste disposal. Mobile dump service is also offered on specific days for a fee.
  • Potable Water: Available throughout the park, including near cabins and RV sites.
  • Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed in the campground and specific cabins, with a nightly fee (leash required).

Cougar RV Park & Campground's location and diverse offerings make it a fantastic base for exploring the rich outdoor landscape of Washington, offering several key highlights:

• Proximity to Mount St. Helens: The campground is ideally situated on the south side of Mount St. Helens, just 13 miles away from the National Volcanic Monument, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the iconic volcano and its surrounding trails and interpretive centers.
• Access to Ape Caves: One of the most popular attractions, the Ape Caves (the third-longest lava tube in the United States), is a mere 8 miles away. This offers a unique caving experience for all ages.
• Surrounded by Lakes: Within a 20-mile radius, four popular lakes await: Yale Reservoir (less than one mile away, with boat ramps and fishing for Kokanee), Swift Reservoir, Merwin Lake, and Merrill Lake. These offer excellent opportunities for fishing (with specific regulations for each lake), boating (often non-motorized or electric only), and various water sports.
• Extensive Outdoor Activities: The surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities for:
  • Hiking: Numerous trails, including those accessible from the Climbers Bivouac Trailhead.
  • Fishing: Beyond the lakes, various creeks and rivers offer fishing prospects.
  • Hunting: Permitted in designated areas of the national forest.
  • Caving/Spelunking: Beyond Ape Caves, other geological formations can be explored.
  • OHV/ATV Trails: Opportunities for off-highway vehicle exploration exist in designated areas.
  • Horseback Riding Trails: Nearby trails cater to equestrian adventures.
  • Foraging: Mushroom and huckleberry picking are popular seasonal activities.
  • Winter Sports: Snowshoeing and snowmobiling are possible during the colder months.
• Peaceful and Welcoming Atmosphere: Customer reviews consistently highlight the campground's "very peaceful" and "very chill" environment, with "friendly staff" and "nice on-site management" who are considerate and accommodating, even for late arrivals.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: Visitors frequently commend the cleanliness of the campground, suggesting diligent efforts by the management to maintain the property.
• Convenience: Its location directly on Lewis River Road, coupled with proximity to the small town of Cougar (offering some shops and services), adds a layer of convenience often appreciated by travelers.
• Variety of Accommodations: The range from full hookup RV sites to basic tent sites and comfortable cabins ensures options for every camping style and budget.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Cougar RV Park & Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 16730 Lewis River Rd, Cougar, WA 98616, USA

Phone: (360) 238-5224

Mobile Phone: +1 360-238-5224

It is always recommended to contact the campground directly or visit their official website (cougarrvpark.com) for the most current information on availability, rates, specific site details, and any seasonal notices or local advisories from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest or Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information for planning your trip.

For residents of Washington State, Cougar RV Park & Campground represents an exceptionally suitable and appealing outdoor destination. Its strategic location on the south side of Mount St. Helens means that one of the state's most iconic natural wonders is practically on your doorstep, providing unparalleled access for exploration. This convenience makes it ideal for weekend getaways or longer vacations without requiring extensive travel time.

The diverse range of accommodations, from spacious RV sites with full hookups to traditional tent sites and charming cabins, ensures that every type of camper can find a comfortable fit. This versatility is a major plus for families or groups with varied preferences. The welcoming and friendly on-site management, as highlighted by numerous positive reviews, contributes significantly to a pleasant and stress-free stay, fostering a sense of community that many local campers appreciate.

Beyond the campground itself, the abundance of nearby activities is a huge draw for Washingtonians who love the outdoors. With four popular lakes within a short drive, opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports are plentiful. The close proximity to Ape Caves offers a unique geological adventure, while the vast Gifford Pinchot National Forest provides endless possibilities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and even more specialized activities like ATV riding or mushroom picking. Even during rainy visits, as some reviewers noted, the natural beauty and array of options ensure there's always something to do or see.

In essence, Cougar RV Park & Campground offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and unparalleled access to the natural splendor of southwestern Washington. It’s an affordable, clean, and well-managed property that acts as a true basecamp for experiencing the region's rich outdoor recreation. For locals, it's not just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it’s an invitation to effortlessly immerse themselves in the wild beauty of their home state, creating lasting memories amidst the forests, lakes, and volcanic landscapes that define Washington.

Cougar RV Park & Campground

16730 Lewis River Rd, Cougar, WA 98616, USA