Just west of town is Road 81, which leads to Merrill, McBride and Blue lakes. Just past the town, Cougar Park and Cougar Camp straddle little Cougar Creek. The park, open for day use only May 28 through Sept. 7, has a grassy sunning area, a fishing dock and picnic tables in the woods. There's a separate entrance to the camp, which has 60 tent-only sites. RVs and trailers aren't allowed.
Some sites are right on the lake.
The camp also has a boat launch, though the one at Yale Park is more popular. Past Cougar, the Lewis River Road becomes Forest Road 90, still a good, paved route. Mile 30.5 - Turnoff to Beaver Bay Campground, which is at the upper end of Yale Reservoir. The sites here aren't as secluded as other campgrounds. There's a single boat launch.