Sunnyside Campground

Overview

Sunnyside Campground is located along the southeast side of Cougar Reservoir at 1,700 feet in elevation. A large grove of conifers provides shade to these campsites. Motorhomes and trailers not recommended due to the steep entrance into the campground.

Recreation

Hiking in the area is outstanding in nearby Three Sisters Wilderness, along Rebel Creek. Hikers will enjoy exploring other trails including the French Pete Trail, Box Canyon Trail, Indian Ridge Lookout, and several day hikes within the Cougar Recreation Area. After a fun day on the lake, relax and enjoy Terwilliger Hot Springs, a day use area along Rider Creek.

Facilities

The campground offers vault toilets and garbage collection. Individual campsites include a fire ring and picnic table. Easy access to the lake is possible from this scenic location. There is no water available, campers will need to bring enough for the duration of their stay.

Natural Features

Situated near the South fork of the McKenzie River on the Willamette National Forest, Cougar Reservoir is part of the Cougar Recreation Area. Wildflower and wildlife viewing are abundant.

Camp site features

Across 13 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: 5 of 13 sites
  • Picnic table: 5 of 13 sites
  • Pets allowed: 5 of 13 sites
  • Longest RV: 21 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people

Directions

From Blue River, travel 4 miles east on Hwy 126 to Aufderheide Drive (FS road 19). Continue on Aufderheide Drive for 9.5 miles; turn left on FS road 1900-500 for .25 miles.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

15 reviews
5 stars
11
4 stars
3
2 stars
1
Maeve B
Loop:Sunnyside
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
We loved camping here! We did have loud neighbors one night, but otherwise the campground was fairly quiet and the facilities were ok. No cell service.
Taylor C
Loop:Sunnyside
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Excellent stay. Clean facilities. Little bit of a hike to a good river swimming spot but worth it. Good Sunnyside camp spots #4 & 5, (across road from each other, both near bathroom, shaded and flat), spots 8 & 9 (right next to each other mostly flat, some sun) spot 12 (small, partially shaded, easy river access, end of loop) spot 10 (where we stayed, large, has a hut someone built, full shade, could fit multiple tents)
Clayton K
Loop:Sunnyside
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Shhhh—Don’t tell anyone what a great campground Sunnyside is.
Taylor N
Loop:Sunnyside
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Very quiet and peaceful location. Close to walking trail and river. Only downside is not having potable water but otherwise very good location to get outdoors.
Karen S
Loop:Sunnyside
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Beautiful and secluded. Lots of space between sites. It's definitely a more rugged camping experience, but worth it if you're up for the hike. :-) One thing to be aware of with site 10, there are a lot of exposed tree roots and rocks that can be a tripping hazard.
Matthew B
Loop:Sunnyside
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
The location was perfectly situated within a tree canopy, which provided good sun blocking and some cooler temps on hot days. There is also a short hike down to a nice pool of water within the river that flows into the reservoir. I would say this is a primo campsite for anyone who is looking to escape for a few days.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Apr 30, 2027 – Sep 6, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Apr 30, 2028 – Sep 6, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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