Dog-Friendly Camping near Ashford, WA

Camping options near Ashford, Washington cluster around the southwest entrance to Mount Rainier National Park at elevations between 1,600-2,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-80°F with cooler nights even during peak season. The surrounding forest consists primarily of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and cedar trees that provide natural shade at most established campgrounds.

What to do

Hiking accessible trails: Big Creek Campground offers a convenient 1.8-mile flat trail encircling the campground. "We have 2 little ones, so the close proximity to a small creek was great for the kids. Manager of camp was friendly and even entertained my kids Bigfoot questions! Firewood for sale, picnic bench, fire pit, map with hiking trails in the area, all helpful," notes Marcus M. from Big Creek Campground.

Wildlife viewing: La Wis Wis Campground provides opportunities to see local wildlife while camping in old-growth forest. "The big trees, fresh mountain air and awesome river make this one of the best campgrounds we have ever stayed at. Rope swings and places to jump off just down the road. White pass hiking and sledding if there's still snow," shares Shariah T. from La Wis Wis Campground.

Day trips to Paradise: Elkamp Eastcreek serves as an ideal base camp for Mount Rainier exploration. "It would be a great base for exploring the south side of Mt. Rainier as it is within minutes of the Nisquilly entrance. The majority of the campsites were amid tall trees," reports Shannon H. about her experience at Elkamp Eastcreek.

What campers like

Cedar bathrooms: Mounthaven Resort receives consistent praise for exceptional facilities. "Peaceful, pretty, private, with beautifully clean cedar bathroom/showers and thoughtful touches, like a box of tissues in the laundry and nice-smelling lavender hand soaps provided," writes Phoebe B. about her stay at Mounthaven Resort.

Swimming holes: Rocky Point Campground provides access to Alder Lake. "Dan was such an awesome host. Small campground with around 25 spots. Highly recommend if going to mount Rainier," mentions Jake R. about his experience at Rocky Point Campground.

Privacy between sites: Cowlitz Falls Campground offers well-spaced sites. "Our group stayed in sites A2, A4, A6, and A8. A4 had the most space in within the site for an additional tent, but all were beautiful and well-spaced. With small kids in our group, it was convenient to have the path to the playground right between sites A6 and A8," reports Allyson U. from Cowlitz Falls Campground.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds near Mount Rainier require advance reservations, especially during peak season from July through September. "Due to COVID you have to make reservations to stay here," noted Charyl B. about Big Creek Campground.

Limited amenities: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Ashford offer basic facilities. "It is a shady campground not great for solar. It is a pleasant campground but can be noisy at times as there is a shooting range not too far away," mentions GrandpaMoto B. about Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp.

Weather preparedness: Temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer. "Elkamp Eastcreek is certainly one of them. Every square inch is meticulously maintained. The campsites are far enough apart that they feel relatively private, and most appear completely level. Trees abound. Dogs are welcome!" reports William B. about his experience.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Cowlitz Falls Campground features play areas for children. "Very quiet campground with lots of walking trails and activities. Good place for families - the water is walking distance and seems to provide good fishing opportunities," notes Corrie C.

Pet-friendly hiking: The Ashford area offers numerous dog-friendly campgrounds and trails. "This was a great spot right by the park for us to crash for the night. We pulled in on a Tuesday night and there were lots of spots open. Great sites with a table and a fire pit. Multiple bathrooms throughout the area as well," shares Brittany S. from Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp.

River access: Sites near water provide natural entertainment for kids. "The campsites are pretty close to one another, but several have river access. Toilets are nonflushing, pit-style, but are kept pretty clean. Many sites are reservable while many are first come, first served," explains Stacie H. about La Wis Wis Campground.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose campgrounds with adequate space for larger vehicles. "Loop A & D have utilities for camping with the water Spicket and drains in each loop. Nice, clean bathrooms with showers in every loop. Boat ramp and dump station available for campers," reports Angela S. about Cowlitz Falls Campground.

RV length considerations: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. "We camped one night passing through here. Arrived just before dark and left in the morning. Very spacious sites in the forest," notes Kim G. about Cowlitz Falls Campground.

Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups. "We had one of the best spots with access to the stream. Another great example of a great National Forest Campground," states Bobby B. about Big Creek Campground.