Best Campgrounds near Goose Prairie, WA

Goose Prairie, Washington sits at the edge of Mount Rainier National Park, offering a range of camping options from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Bumping Lake Campground and Soda Springs provide developed camping with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The area supports various accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites, and even cabin options at select locations. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, typically from late May through September, with Bumping Lake Campground and Lodgepole Campground both opening around May 20th and closing by late September.

Access to many campgrounds requires driving on forest roads that may be rough in sections. "We found after choosing our camp that we were located close to one of the two toilets posted on the lake," noted one camper about a nearby backcountry site. Elevation changes significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds sitting at higher elevations where temperatures remain cool even during summer months. Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas, particularly at White River Dispersed Camping where visitors report no facilities but excellent proximity to Mount Rainier National Park. Most developed campgrounds require fees ranging from $18-36 per night, while dispersed camping options like White River offer free camping with proper permits.

The proximity to Mount Rainier National Park represents a major draw for campers in the Goose Prairie area. Several visitors mentioned the Silver Springs Campground as particularly appealing due to its location along the White River. A camper described it as having "roomy sites right next to the White River" and noted that "most of the sites are larger than average and mostly separated from other sites." Campgrounds near water features tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors reporting sightings of bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Hikers appreciate the easy access to numerous trails, including those leading into Mount Rainier National Park from campgrounds like Silver Springs, which provides convenient access to Goat Falls trailhead and other hiking opportunities.

Best Camping Sites Near Goose Prairie, Washington (300)

    1. Bumping Lake Campground

    17 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $24 - $48 / night

    "There was a woodsy area behind the site where kids could play. The bathrooms are fancy out houses no place to wash hands. Lots of bugs in the evening."

    "The lake level was pretty low when we were there so you had to walk out a bit of distance to get to the water."

    2. Ohanapecosh Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    42 Reviews
    Paradise, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    $20 / night

    "Great location, so close to the park entrance. An hour or so away from Paradise Inn and Sunrise Lodge. Hiked Silver Falls Trail which was right across from our campsite (E10)."

    "Rainer is a must for anyone living in the PNW and this campground allows you to stay in the park but gives you access to plenty of trails, waterfalls and is just a short distance from entrance to the Wonderland"

    3. White River Dispersed Camping

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

    "It was an absolutely beautiful location, about 10-15 minutes away from the Sunrise Entrance. The first night, I got there after 9pm and there were still plenty of spots available."

    "The campsites are absolutely beautiful—tucked among the trees with stunning views and the soothing, constant sound of the roaring White River nearby."

    4. Silver Springs Campground

    18 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $37 - $84 / night

    "This is my new favorite spot to camp in Washington. The spaces are well distributed, the location right next to the river is beautiful and the site staff were extremely gracious."

    "Recently stayed at site 13 and almost no one else was nearby.

    Most of the sites are larger than average and mostly separated from the other sites."

    5. Lodgepole Campground (washington)

    8 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $24 / night

    "Outhouse noise/smell wasn't an issue as it's right next to the pooper.  Clean outhouses."

    "This is a nice campground we stayed at along our loop around Mt Rainier."

    6. Soda Springs

    7 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $24 / night

    "Disclaimer: We dispersed camp next to this campground. We spent a lot of time in the actual campground though. It has a clean vault toilet for both men and women."

    "Situated alongside Bumping River. mostly level sites. No hookups. No electricity. Water available. Trash receptacles. No cell service."

    7. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 783-6000

    "We drove to the end where the bathroom is and decided to turn around, though it seems that the camp spots do continue after that point."

    "We drove to the end where the bathroom is and decided to turn around, though it seems that the camp spots do continue after that point."

    8. Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    58 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-6626

    $20 / night

    "If you are looking for an volunteer opportunity while in the park, check out the Washington Train Association also know as the WTA."

    "Large campground located near the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier. Many sites tucked into large trees. Some loops close to main toad so the noise can be an issue, but overall beautiful!"

    9. Cedar Springs Campground (WA)

    6 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $22 / night

    "It’s very isolated and a great place if you want to get away from the city!"

    "The campground is super close to Boulder Caves and Bumping Lake; there are also a number of hikes nearby. Two thumbs up from this girl!"

    10. White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    18 Reviews
    Paradise, WA
    18 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "There is also a man who drives around with firewood since you can't bring your own from the outside, and it's very inexpensive."

    "Great trail access to the wonderland trail. September is warm by mid day and in the morning and evening there is that cool PNW mountain breeze. Stayed in the A loop."

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Recent Reviews near Goose Prairie, WA

1171 Reviews of 300 Goose Prairie Campgrounds


  • Zachary H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Small Site but Million $ View!

    Solid spot for capable vehicles

    I drive a 2010 tacoma and made it up the mtn road fine, but it was a little janky in spots. Got to camp around 8pm so the “prime” spot was taken and it was hard to turn around at the top since they had a party of three cars parked, but beautiful views of Rainier and there were a few other pull offs on the road with good views.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Salmon La Sac

    Salmon La Sac

    Very busy campground on the weekend, but found one of the last first come, first serve sites on Friday around noon. Pit toilets were clean but stronger than normal smell. Good family oriented campground with swimming hole at bottom of loop.

  • Elena M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Kachess Lake Lakebed

    Beautiful but dirty

    Beautiful view, but very dirty, dusty and noisy, dirt bikes are everywhere.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Council Lake

    Council Lake

    Love this campground! Only a few spot available and was very busy during the Labor Day weekend/week. Went up on Sunday and was lucky enough to share a spot with fellow campers (they were leaving the next morning) but every spot was taken and then some. It did clear out during the week and saw a few people throughout and it began filling back up for the weekend. They have a toilet there but make sure to take toilet paper with you because it’s not always full. We took our paddle boat with us and was a bit worried about how to get it down to the water. I had forgotten how steep it was but had no issue with myself and someone else getting it to the bottom. Once it was there we docked it there for the week and used as wanted. It wasn’t too hard getting back up. I even saw someone wench up their aluminum boat with their truck so you have options. Aside from fishing and boating there was the Council Bluff trail that starts in the middle of the campground and takes you to an amazing view of the mountains and the lake. Overall I enjoyed this trip and will camp here again.

  • F O.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Tinkham Campground

    One night

    Road getting into the campground was horrendous their was alot of road noise but the camp sites were big and clean. And at $32.00 a night with no electric was kind of pricey. The camp host was nice.

  • 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.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Mounthaven Resort

    Like a warm blanket

    First, DO NOT GO PAST THE SIGN where it tells you to stop. If you turn right to the office you will need to back out. We did. The trees are so thick and the spots are separated. It’s wonderful. You have to maneuver your trailer into the spots. The bathhouse is fine with two small “bathrooms”. There is one washer and one dryer at $5 per load. Ouch. There is no real store nearby so have what you need before you get here. WIFI works well; cell service not so much (Verizon). It is beautiful in the woods.

  • Angelo V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    Beautiful campground

    Multiple spots surrounding the airstrip. Im working remote so having enough of a clearing that I can access the internet was important. Starlink gets the job done but my t mobile service was basically non-existent.

    I stayed on the east side of the strip and there is plenty of space and locations to settle. I explored the loop to the south west of the strip and there were some large campgrounds that looked made for groups. Plenty of trails to explore as well. This section had rocks blocking vehicles from driving into the campground, so tents only. There is also an incredibly steep hill near the end of the loop that is absolutely not safe in winter.

    There are two vault toilets on ends of the east side. The southern one was out of tp, so bring your own septic safe stuff just in case.

  • T
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Camp Lakeview

    Ball field camping spots

    Overall very nice but you get what you pay for. Limited fire pits and spots are first come first serve and field is not regularly monitored. Bathrooms are portapotties and no shower facilities. Also it is across the road from main campground.


Guide to Goose Prairie

Camping in Goose Prairie, Washington typically experiences significant temperature variations, with daytime summer temperatures reaching the 80s while dropping to the 40s at night. This area sits at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates across different campgrounds. Bumping Lake Campground opens earlier than many nearby options, with a season running from May 20th through late September.

What to do

Riverside relaxation: Lodgepole Campground offers easy access to American River, with "many places down the road where the water was calmer you could spend the day enjoying the sun," according to one visitor. Several sites feature steps leading directly to the water.

Hiking trails: Many campsites connect to nearby trails. A camper at Ranger Creek Airstrip mentioned "plenty of trails to explore" and noted that the White River can be accessed via hiking paths from the campground. The site sits close enough to Mt. Rainier National Park for day trips.

Wildlife viewing: While camping in this region, keep watch for diverse wildlife. A visitor at Ranger Creek Airstrip reported: "We saw several moose in the trees" during their drive through the forest. The higher elevation areas attract different wildlife than lower campgrounds.

Sunrise viewing: For early risers, proximity to the Sunrise entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park provides special opportunities. "If you are looking for just a place to camp for the night close to Sunrise to be able to be up early to see 'THE SUNRISE' on the mountain, these sites will do!" notes a White River Campground visitor.

What campers like

River soundscapes: The sound of flowing water enhances many camping experiences near Goose Prairie. At White River Dispersed Camping, a camper appreciated that "the river noise also does a great job of masking any sounds from the nearby road, making for a peaceful, immersive nature stay."

Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer more room than typical camping areas. A camper at Cedar Springs Campground described "huge campsites, good for groups. Right next to a nice stream which drowns out noises at night." The spacing between sites provides privacy not found at more crowded locations.

Natural amenities: The natural environment provides benefits beyond scenery. One camper at White River Dispersed mentioned: "I found a spot tucked super far in that had a small private beach. It was farther from the road so you couldn't see or hear anything." These secluded spots often remain available even when campgrounds appear full.

Old-growth forests: The mature forests surrounding many campsites create special environments. "The sites are absolutely beautiful—tucked among the trees with stunning views and the soothing, constant sound of the roaring White River nearby," reported a visitor to White River Dispersed Camping.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to several camping areas requires navigating rough roads. A visitor to White River Dispersed advised: "The road gets rougher the farther you go" and suggested "a higher clearance vehicle is definitely recommended." Forest roads may deteriorate throughout the season.

Water availability: Water sources vary significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Soda Springs Campground noted there are "clean valeted rest rooms with water available." However, at Lodgepole, a visitor reported: "As of July 7, 2022 there is no potable water at campground, despite what Recreation.gov's website says."

Temperature swings: Be prepared for significant temperature variations. A camper at Ranger Creek Airstrip advised "best in late fall when it's cooler" while another at Bumping Lake mentioned "Always windy and temps drop at night even after warm days so dress accordingly."

Capacity patterns: Visitor volumes follow predictable patterns. One camper at Silver Springs Campground observed: "Like most campgrounds in Washington by Sunday afternoon the campground is empty. For your best camping experience here camp Sunday through Wednesday."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Camping with children requires planning for entertainment. A visitor to Ohanapecosh Campground mentioned "amazing ranger led activities for the kids" among the campground's benefits. These educational programs typically run throughout summer.

Playground access: Cedar Springs offers unique family amenities. One camper noted it has "a playground and stages and has many hikes you can take!" These facilities provide alternatives when children need breaks from hiking.

River safety: When camping with children near water, consider flow rates and temperature. A visitor to Lodgepole mentioned "river was really shallow and cold but refreshing," making it suitable for supervised play but not extended swimming for younger children.

Bathroom facilities: For families, bathroom access ranks as a priority. A camper at White River Campground noted "The bathrooms—both pit and fully functional—were very clean and well kept," which makes camping with children more manageable. Water sources for washing hands are also available at most established campgrounds.

Tips from RVers

Site dimensions: RV campers should research specific site details. At Ranger Creek Airstrip, a camper with a large rig reported: "Plenty of room for larger rigs, very close to a river and lots of woods to explore nearby." They added specific navigation advice: "take the second left at a Y-intersection, and then keep to the left and you won't have any trouble getting in."

Bridge clearances: Larger vehicles face specific challenges. The same Ranger Creek visitor noted "a single-lane bridge when turning in that could be tricky for a motorhome that is towing" but reassured that traffic levels were low enough to manage the crossing safely.

Campground layouts: The arrangement of campground roads affects RV accessibility. A Silver Springs Campground visitor mentioned "the roads through this campground are a bit tight and have a few low-hanging trees, so be aware if you have a larger rig. Our 32' fifth wheel was fine but I wouldn't want to go much longer than that."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Goose Prairie, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Goose Prairie, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 300 campgrounds and RV parks near Goose Prairie, WA and 58 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Goose Prairie, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Goose Prairie, WA is Bumping Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Goose Prairie, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 58 free dispersed camping spots near Goose Prairie, WA.

What parks are near Goose Prairie, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Goose Prairie, WA that allow camping, notably Mount Rainier National Park and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.