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Dispersed Camping

Carbon River

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Carbon River is located near Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. The area features forested terrain with trails leading to the Carbon Glacier and other natural sights. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in winter to highs in the 70s during summer, making it suitable for seasonal exploration.

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Location

Carbon River is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.99974533 N
121.9170245 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Carbon River needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 28, 2025

One lane bridge closed

I go every year, but unfortunately the only bridge to gain access to camping is closed until further notice

Sitenext to concrete bridge
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2024

Tons of places to camp, can be a party spo5

I came on a Friday so i could get up early to go hiking. I put up my hammock around 7pm, nobody's else there. Around 9-11pm a few people including a 5th wheel arrived and spent a bunch of time moving that around. They ran their generator, lights and music until 2:30am. My bad for coming on a Friday. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise and spent time on the bridge taking photos before riding up the gravel road up to the Summit Lake hike.

Lots of spots along the road which I'll utilize next time to avoid the party :)

Sitenear the bridge
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Carbon River by BMRTV , September 1, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2024

Carbon River (first time)

It is currently the beginning of June '24, cold at nights and the mornings. My fiance' and I are sleeping in a tent and it has rained a lot but if you go into the woods, you can still find dry branches for starting a fire. We were set up by the river, mostly quiet and can hear traffic now and then but nothing obnoxious. Would definitly camp here again as it seems we had a prime location.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Carbon River by Flare9 , June 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Carbon River by Flare9 , June 18, 2024
Reviewed May. 14, 2023

Great camping spot but the people....

So first off, this location is beautiful. It is so relaxing! We were so excited when we found a spot with a fire pit. We set up camp and started enjoying ourselves. Here where it gets weird. People were harassing us about camping. We spoke to a ranger and verified that we were at the right spot. She said yes. One person drove past and yelled that you don't belong here. It was super uncomfortable specially considering I had a four year old with me. We ended up packing up camp and hiking into a further remote camp site. It was great after that.

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for camping along Carbon River?

Yes, you need a permit for camping at Carbon River. The area is regulated and requires proper authorization before setting up camp. Visitors should check with rangers to verify they're in the correct camping area, as some campers have reported being questioned about their camping location. It's always best to secure your permit in advance and have it readily available during your stay. The permit system helps manage the number of campers and protect this beautiful area.

Where is Carbon River dispersed camping allowed?

Dispersed camping at Carbon River is allowed in designated areas near the river. Look for spots with established fire pits, as these indicate approved camping locations. The riverside offers several suitable areas for setting up camp. Be aware that access may be limited at times due to bridge closures, so check current conditions before planning your trip. When selecting a site, choose locations that show signs of previous use to minimize environmental impact while enjoying this scenic area.

What amenities are available at Carbon River Campground?

Carbon River Campground offers basic amenities with a focus on primitive camping. Fire pits are available at designated camping spots, allowing for campfires when conditions permit. The area doesn't feature extensive facilities, so campers should come prepared with their own supplies and equipment. The nearby river provides a beautiful natural setting and ambient sound, though the campground can occasionally get noisy with generators and music from fellow campers, particularly on weekends. Weather can be variable with rain and cold nights common, especially in early summer, so pack accordingly with proper rain gear and warm sleeping equipment.