Cougar Crossing Campground
Currently closed for the early season. Opens May 11, 2026 with sites available via Recreation.gov. Open year-round weather permitting, though Forest Road 19 is not maintained for snow and ice in winter.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Road over Detroit Dam closed May 8- 21
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is closing the road over Detroit Dam from Friday, May 8 until Thursday, May 21 for dam inspections and maintenance. No vehicles will be able to pass over the dam during this time period. Visitors will not be able to cross the dam to access Forest Service roads,…
Cedar Creek Fire Closure
To provide for public safety, a closure order is in place for the following areas impacted by the Cedar Creek Fire.
Terwilliger Hot Springs Nudity, Alcohol, and Closed Times
The following is prohibited: to park or possess an alcoholic beverage in restricted areas, be publicly nude visible from Forest Road 19, and to enter or use Terwilliger Hot Springs between 10 p.m. and sunrise.
Portion of Forest Service Road 1003 (Tom Creek Road) closed
A portion of Forest Service Road 1003, also known as Tom Creek Road, is closed. The road closure starts at the junction of FSR 10 and FSR 1003 and includes the first 4.1 miles of FSR 1003 to the junction with the 1003-416 and 1003-409 roads.
Emigrant Fire Closure Order
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the areas described in this Order on National Forest System lands within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. This Order…
Tamolitch Parking / Trail Construction Closure
Tamolitch Parking and Trail Construction Closure Forest Order.Forest roads 2600-735, 2600-738, and 2600-739: and the area is described as beginning at the junction of Highway 126 and 2600-735 road, west along the 2600-735 road, then northwest to the highwater mark of the east bank of the McKenzie…
Detroit Dispersed Camping Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 USC§ 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the Closure Areas, roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative…
FIRE CLOSURES: Current wildfire closures on the Willamette National Forest
For updates on active fires, visit our fire Incident Information page. Fire Closures:Emigrant Fire Closure Order & Map (updated 10/31/25)Cedar Creek Fire Closure Order & Map (updated 3/23/26)Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure Order & Map (updated 05/22/25)Map of All Fire Closures in…
Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative boundaries…
14 Day Stay Camping Limit
Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any locations on the Willamette National Forest described in this order, overnight, for a period longer than 14 calendar days, in a 30-day period.
Camping Restrictions in Cougar Recreation Area
The Cougar Recreation Area is a specially designated area around Cougar Reservoir. It includes a 1/2-mile strip on either side of Forest Service Road 19 from Hwy 126 to Forest Service Road 1927 as well as Terwilliger Hot Springs, Hidden Lake Day Use Area, areas surrounding Delta Campground, Slide…
Moose and Gordon Dispersed Camping Closure
The purpose of this closure is to prohibit dispersed overnight camping and make these areas available as day-use only. This is to allow river access for all users, reduce conflict, reduce safety concerns, reduce and eliminate health and sanitation issues associated with improper disposal of human…
Special Wilderness Permit, Camping and Fire Restrictions
This outlines special restrictions on the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests.
Occupation Use Restriction in Middle Fork Ranger District
The following acts are prohibited in the areas described in this order within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest.Prohibitions:1. Being in the area after sundown to before sunrise.2. Parking in violation of posted instructions.
About
Cougar Crossing Campground occupies a scenic spot at the southern end of Cougar Reservoir where the South Fork of the McKenzie River flows in. Nestled among mixed conifers along Forest Road 19 (Aufderheide Drive), the campground offers 11 standard nonelectric sites on gravel spurs that can accommodate tents, trailers, or RVs up to 40 feet. Each site features back-in access with a 40-foot driveway. Vault toilets are available but there is no drinking water, so campers must bring their own supply. Firewood is sold on-site and campfires are permitted. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. The campground is the closest overnight camping option to Terwilliger Hot Springs, a popular natural hot spring about a mile away. Recreation opportunities abound in the surrounding area. The Three Sisters Wilderness, French Pete Trail, Box Canyon Trail, and Indian Ridge Lookout are all nearby. When reservoir levels are high, a primitive boat launch across from the campground provides lake access. Dispersed camping is prohibited in the Cougar Recreation Area, so all overnight stays must be in designated campgrounds.
Directions
From 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 south 5 miles to find Cougar Crossing Campground where the South Fork of the McKenzie River enters Cougar Reservoir.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $18 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Help.Willamette.McKenzieRiver@AmericanLL.com | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 822-3381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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