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Best Tent Camping near Black Diamond, WA

1,198 Reviews

Several tent campsites in the Mount Rainier National Park vicinity offer walk-in opportunities near Black Diamond, Washington. Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground requires a 5-mile hike along Carbon River Road and features designated tent sites with picnic tables and bear boxes. White River and Forest Road 7300 provide dispersed tent camping options with varying levels of accessibility, while Mowich Lake Campground offers established walk-in tent sites within the national park boundary.

Tent campers should prepare for varied conditions when visiting these areas. Sites at Ipsut Creek require wilderness permits and have no vehicle access since the road washed out, creating a bicycle or hike-in only camping experience. Most dispersed areas require campers to pack in all water or filter from nearby streams. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Mowich Lake and Ipsut Creek, but dispersed camping along Forest Roads 7200 and 7300 lacks facilities. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some backcountry areas prohibiting fires year-round while dispersed sites may permit them when no bans are in effect.

The walk-in tent sites throughout this region provide exceptional access to Mount Rainier's wilderness. Forest Road 7300 features creekside tent spots along Huckleberry Creek with small swimming areas. The backcountry campgrounds within Mount Rainier National Park serve as starting points for extensive trail networks. According to one visitor, "Ipsut Creek Campground is an amazing treasure of Mount Rainier Park, accessible only by bicycle or foot after the road to access washed out a few years ago. For those willing to make the easy 5 mile journey to camp, the rewards are great." Tent campers particularly appreciate the lack of vehicle traffic and the resulting quiet atmosphere in these more remote settings.

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Best Tent Sites Near Black Diamond, Washington (83)

    1. Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    10 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    "The road slowly meanders uphill alongside the Carbon River for 5 miles, giving campers majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks."

    "One incredible part about being here is the proximity to Mt. Rainier National Park. We did so many amazing hikes, it was unreal. The weather was perfect so Rainier was out and shinning bright!!"

    2. White River Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 825-6585

    "Right outside the entrance to Mt."

    "If you come here you must leave no trace."

    3. Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    13 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    "The lake is absolutely beautiful and there are so many different trails branching off of it."

    "The sites were your standard, with a picnic table, fire ring, and plenty of trees for shade and cover. There are lots of things to do in the area."

    4. Blake Island Marine State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    27 miles
    Website

    $12 - $45 / night

    "Really fantastic location. Very strict rangers which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Quiet hours are at 10pm which is early for some people so be aware."

    "Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island. It's a great place to stay in the summer months and relax."

    5. Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    26 miles

    "There were many spots right next to the stream. There was a fire ban during our stay but there are many fire pits at each site."

    6. Eagles Roost Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    3 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    28 miles
    Website

    "Pit toilet that isn’t nasty and most sites give you the feeling of privacy and with the waterfall close by there is constant white noise that while not overpowering it drowns out any neighbors."

    "It's a short hike from Mowich Lake, which has it's own campground, but there are only a few spots here, which makes it quiet.

    On the way, you get stunning views of Mount Rainier."

    7. Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    3 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    27 miles
    Website

    "You have to hike-in to get to this campground. When we were there, the river access was washed out, so you have to hike down to get to it. Our knees were killing us by the time we got there."

    "you used to be able to drive and car camp here but the carbon river keeps washing things out. "

    8. Pratt Lake Hike In Campsite

    1 Review
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 888-1421

    "This is a large and Crystal clear Alpine Lake in the Alpine Lakes wilderness. The lake is full of fish so make sure you bring your Pole, beautiful trout were jumping."

    9. Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200

    2 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    26 miles

    "A drive leads out to a flat area with a fire pit It was raining when we pulled in, so views were limited. In the clear morning, we got a beautiful view of Mount Rainier."

    10. Hollyhock Farm

    1 Review
    Duvall, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 453-5535

    $35 - $65 / night

    "The sites were secluded from one another within a beautiful forest, the toilet was clean and fairly close to the sites, parking was easy and the host was a total gem! Highly highly reccomended :-)"

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Black Diamond, WA

59 Photos of 83 Black Diamond Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Black Diamond, WA

1198 Reviews of 83 Black Diamond Campgrounds

  • Mary C.
    Jun. 11, 2019

    La Wis Wis Campground

    Ranger Review of GCI chairs at La Wis Wis Campground

    Campground Review

    This campground is at the base of Mt Rainier National Park in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  To get to the campsite, you have to drive down into the ravine of where the Cowlitz River cuts through the campsite. There are many sites on the river, with the rest in the trees covering the expanse of the grounds. Large RV/ trailers can only be in the upper Loop H.

    The road is a one way and for the most part, campers respect the speed limit, though there are some idiots who drive fast through. 

    There are no hookups, so you will be dry camping if you bring an RV. This is very close to Packwood and a great place to stay during Memorial Weekend for their annual Flea Market.  There is no cell service at this site. Site claims to have flushing toilets, but those were removed a few years ago, there are only vault toilets and no showers. Depending on how the snow melt is during the spring, will dictate fishing and camping opening. 

    Product Review

    I had the opportunity to review a GCI Outdoor Backpack Event Chair.  This product is amazing for lugging around from campground to fishing and back. The chair has four different positions for reclining and hard arm supports for getting up and down. There is a large pocket on the back allowing for easy toting of items from car to wherever. The backpack straps make toting a breeze and the clip to close keeps the chair in place. It is very light and easy to transport and has a weight limit of 250, but my very large cousin (300+) was able to sit with no problem. 

    https://www.gcioutdoor.com/camping-chairs/backpack-event-chair/

  • Elliott B.
    Aug. 30, 2017

    Ohanapecosh Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Ranger Review: Leatherman: Signal at Ohanapecosh Campground: Relaxing views of the old growth forest, however you can see every campground

    Campsite Review: This campground is really in a nice area of the old growth forest but it's camping amongst crowds when we went in the high season, the entire 188 sites were filled. There were very few walk-up sites and the rest of the campsites themselves are a decent size but not spaced far enough away from other campers and there is no underbrush to separate you from each other at all. We stayed at site 54 in loop A and had people constantly walking through/by both sides of our campsite to get to the toilets which were located on the next level higher than us. People literally walked right by our fire ring and through our chairs at one point to then hike up the hill instead of traversing around to the right for some stairs. If you can go off season by all means try and do it, but avoid this particular site at all costs…

    The toilet facilities weren’t the nicest ones I’ve been to and could have used a little TLC. The facilities right by us were dirty and a bit rusty. They also had no soap or hand drying instrument what-so-ever (neither paper towels or hand dryer). Thankfully we had these things ourselves, but usually in NP campgrounds you don’t have to bring them yourself to the restroom.

    Amenities: not sure if every site had one, but lots of bear boxes (you’re in bear and cougar (mountain lion) territory), your standard picnic tables, fire rings, plus flush toilets, potable water, & dump station for you RVers |Prohibited: pets off-leash, & firewood gathering (The camp host drives around selling wood if you haven’t already gotten some at a store) we came right during a fire ban, but as soon as it was removed they drove around letting everyone know. There then seemed to be a truck driving around with firewood for sale, I wasn’t able to confirm though as we were headed off to Paradise and then the Olympic peninsula.

    Nearby Hikes: Grove of the Patriarchs, & Silver Falls and not too far from Paradise which is a must do if you happen to come in wild flower season

    Gear Review: As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get the opportunity to test out products and the saving grace for this particular camp site was my testing of the Leatherman Signal (Designed for adventure!!). This is a truly fantastic Leatherman and even if you’ve had them for years you should really check out the newer lines of specialized gear. I had an old PST (pocket survival tool) as a boy scout and had upgraded to the original WAVE, but hadn’t checked them out in years as I still have them and thought what could be better than what I already have. I was wrong. This tool and many of the other lines (skateboarding, surfing, skiing, hunting) are also really worth checking out.

    • This is designed specifically with camping in mind.
    • Really impressed with the new ability to change out components from this and other tools are you wear them down.
    • The hammer is great for knocking in tent stakes into some stubborn ground or breaking up that giant block of ice into some manageable pieces.
    • Great locking functions on the blade, saw and hammer section - nothing comes loose as you’re cutting/hammering away
    • It’s really all the little touches that make this an awesome tool. Like having a sharpener, a built-in fire starter and emergency whistle. These are things that might end up saving your life if you happen to get stranded while out in the woods.

    I give the Leatherman Signal 4.5/5 Stars!

  • Marie L.
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Owhi Campground

    Beautiful spot - not worth the trek

    Cooper Lake is absolutely stunning and admittedly the campsites are situated pretty well for views and privacy but there are definitely Pros and Cons to this campground.

    Pros:

    Right on the lake and if not you get a very private site walking distance to water
    Great hiking trail

    Lake access 24/7

    Lot's of big shade trees

    No internal combustion motors 

    Vault toilets in good shape

    Dumpsters

    Cons: 

    Extremely busy (and LOUD) day use area

    Steep hill and trails to all the sites - pack light and even then it is A LOT of work getting into your site

    $18 for a walk in site...? eh a little steep for me

    Did I mention the loud day use area with lots of screaming kids?

    No bear boxes by the lake so you also have to trek your cooler/dry goods up the hill every night to not attract wildlife.

    All in All this was a solid 3.5 stars.  There were pros to out weight the cons but in the end if I am going to walk that far to haul my stuff into a site I want it to be pretty remote/serene OR be a little cheaper.

  • Tj J.
    Sep. 21, 2017

    Malaney Creek Farm

    Great Private Camping Getaway

    arrived at the farm and were greeted by the owners. they got on their quads and led us down a private road through a super nice cedar gated entry and showed us our spot. they gave us a quick run down of the place and let us be. our spot was the Trillium site which has a few hundred foot hike from where you park your car and the portable toilet. the site was pretty cool and very secluded. it had a fire ring with some sawn cedar benches, a pile of firewood and a giant old spool for a table. we threw our marmot up and took a closer look. there is a camp box with info, instant coffee, guides to area sight seeing and food along with a log book to write about your stay. there were also some cool led lighting which was great at night. fire ban was on but they put a big candle on the grate of the fire pit so we had something. we kicked around on the trails which look like they are used by horses and motorcycles but not heavily. some interesting plants in the area. they were working on a new trail that is supposed to eventually lead out to the lake but it wasnt complete yet. however it was covered with wood chips and had a hand cut cedar bridge built on it. you gotta see it. sounds like they are constantly evolving the farm looked like a lot of things in the works. definitely will come back for more time here. night time got spooky with coyotes howling in the distance but the morning there were so many birds chirping and singing you couldnt hear yourself think! oh we found a corn hole game in an open area that they have several picnic tables staged at.

  • Kier S.
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Lots of space & fairly private

    I’ve spent a couple of nights up here this year and I LOVE this campground. It is large, but there is plenty of separation and the sites seem to offer fairly good privacy and have a good amount of space. 

    I camp in a hammock and there are a lot of sites that offer enough well spaced trees to set up hammocks.  There are nice fire rings at each of the sites, nice tables and firewood is available at the camp site.  I didn't know before I went, but dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes, BUT they aren't allowed on most trails around the mountain.

    The campground is well situated to get you close to Paradise as well as a ton of hikes nearby. 

    There aren’t any showers, but the bathrooms are clean and have flush toilets.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Close to amazing hiking

    This is a popular, reservable campground at Mt Rainier. There are 5 loops with A loop and R(Road) loops not reservable. There is a fancy electronic iron ranger at the ranger station(something the rangers want you to use even when they are in their booth and clearly able to handle reservations). I had a nifty little bridge connecting my car and the picnic table to the the tent pad. I also had kids running through the trees and the middle of my campsite from the sites behind me. Most sites had good hammocking trees, and it looked like all had picnic tables. There is an amphitheater in the campground that had a nice draw of campers for the evening program. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, but no showers. E loop was a no generator zone, which means it was fully booked while I was there. There is a good hike to Carter Falls along the Wonderland Trail, which cuts right through the campground. You are fairly close to Paradise which has more hiking trailheads and a visitor center.

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Cougar Rock Group Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Nice quiet campground

    Well maintained national park campground. Reserve on Recreation.gov. Sites have tables, bear boxes and fire pits. Restrooms have flush toilets and sinks for dishes. Ranger is available at the adjacent ranger station for check in or any other questions.

    Its a dry site - as in no water at the campsites. There is a drinking fountain by the bathroom. The dump station was closed for 2025 season and not sure when or if it will re open.

    Its only $20 in 2025.

  • Sara J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    Beckler creek riverside

    Nice large campsite near the water. There were many campsites along the road. I had to clean up a lot of trash when it got here. Please pack out your own trash and follow other leave no trace rules. The campfire was awesome

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Oct. 3, 2022

    Dosewallips State Park Campground

    Gorgeous location

    This campground is right next to a state park. It’s also very close to a river and lots of woods. We stayed here to see Olympic national park, (I wouldn’t recommend this location to travel to Olympic every day, it was very far.)

    The amenities were nice, bathrooms with warm water (one shower per bathroom.)

    No laundry, no Wi-Fi and both Verizon and AT&T worked with about one bar.

    The sites were level spacious and had a fire ring and picnic table at each. We chose the full hookup option. Firewood could be purchased through the camp host.

    The best part about this day was the surrounding area. Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles.

Guide to Black Diamond

Tent campsites near Black Diamond, Washington offer access to the northwestern slope of Mount Rainier at elevations ranging from 2,300 to 5,700 feet. The campgrounds in this region typically receive over 70 inches of annual rainfall, creating a dense temperate rainforest environment that's unique to the Pacific Northwest. Most dispersed camping areas remain snow-covered until mid-June, with higher elevation sites retaining snowfields well into July.

What to do

Hike to alpine lakes: Pratt Lake features crystal clear water and excellent fishing opportunities. "The lake is full of fish so make sure you bring your Pole, beautiful trout were jumping. There is potable water here but campfires are not allowed close to the lake," notes one visitor.

Explore waterfalls: Multiple cascades dot the region within 10 miles of most campgrounds. Eagles Roost Camp offers "So many beautiful views of the mountain and amazing waterfalls. We came across a black bear eating berries and we trekked through some snow."

Visit suspension bridges: Several backcountry trails feature remarkable river crossings. At Carbon River Camp, "if you didn't cross it on your way, go take a look, it's one of the best suspension bridges I have been on."

What campers like

Solitude in backcountry sites: The effort required to reach remote sites keeps crowds minimal. "The sites are separated from each other, so much so that while I knew there were others there, I never heard or saw them," reports a Carbon River camper.

Creekside camping spots: Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off provides "Lots of great creekside campsites along Huckleberry Creek with small swimming spots and fire pits to enjoy."

Morning mountain views: Wake up to dramatic landscapes at higher elevation sites. At Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200, "In the clear morning, we got a beautiful view of Mount Rainier. We got decent Starlink signal with a bar of Verizon."

Wildlife encounters: The Mount Rainier wilderness hosts diverse animal species. An Eagles Roost visitor mentions, "We came across a black bear eating berries and we trekked through some snow."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. At White River Dispersed Camping, "The road can be a bit thin, so I would be careful with extra large vehicles. It is also a bit of a challenging road, so low clearance vehicles wouldn't be treated well."

Water sources require filtration: Streams provide the primary water source at dispersed sites. "We filtered our water at the stream with the log bridge," notes a Carbon River camper.

River erosion creates hazards: Several sites have experienced washouts. One White River Dispersed camper warns, "Be careful of getting too close to the river because it looks like the earth can erode and break away into the river (why the trees collapse)."

Toilet facilities vary widely: Established campgrounds offer vault toilets while dispersed sites have none. At Eagles Roost, "The toilet is town the hill on the way to site 7 and has 2 walls and I am happy to report that being out in the open keeps the stink down a bit."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with natural play spaces: Look for camping areas with shallow creek access. White River Dispersed features "plenty of spaces and camping areas. Nice view of the river" with wading spots in summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Black Diamond, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Black Diamond, WA is Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground — Mount Rainier National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Black Diamond, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 83 tent camping locations near Black Diamond, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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