Best Campgrounds near Greenwater, WA

Dispersed camping options dot the landscape surrounding Greenwater, Washington, particularly in national forest areas near Mount Rainier National Park. White River Dispersed Camping provides primitive tent sites with river access approximately 15 miles from town, while established campgrounds like Silver Springs and The Dalles offer more developed facilities for both tent and RV camping. The region includes multiple Forest Service campgrounds along Highway 410, providing varying levels of amenities from basic vault toilets to drinking water hookups, with some sites positioned directly along riverbanks.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many forest roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. A camper noted, "The road to get up is all rocks and off-road going up a mountain. 4x4 with traction tires is a must. Kit up. Have a satellite phone, and expect to drive through snow up there at the beginning of June." Most campgrounds near Mount Rainier operate seasonally from late May through mid-September due to mountain snow conditions, with higher elevations often inaccessible until July. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region, particularly in dispersed areas. Permits are required for camping within Mount Rainier National Park boundaries, while National Forest dispersed camping typically allows stays up to 14 days.

River access represents a significant attraction at several campgrounds, with sites along the White River and American River particularly sought after. "The spaces are well distributed, the location right next to the river is beautiful and the site staff were extremely gracious," noted one visitor about Silver Springs Campground. Forest Service campgrounds like The Dalles feature some riverside sites but also include locations adjacent to Highway 410 where road noise can be significant. Campers frequently mention the proximity to hiking trails, including access points to the Pacific Crest Trail and multiple Mount Rainier National Park trailheads. During summer weekends, established campgrounds typically reach capacity by Friday morning, while dispersed sites along forest roads offer more flexibility for last-minute trips but fewer amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Greenwater, Washington (315)

    1. White River Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    12 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."

    2. Tinkham Campground

    44 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $30 - $36 / night

    "Although the Camp Ground and facilities are great at Tinkham, my advice would be to get into your lifted Off-Roader and hit the mountain roads for this camping trip of a lifetime!"

    "It is a small Forest Service campground next to the south fork of the Snoqualmie river. The site well shaded and fairly privet for the most part."

    3. The Dalles Campground

    13 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $32 - $68 / night

    "Beautiful spot but it's right off the highway. Mostly wanted to review to add that there's no VZW service for miles."

    "To be honest I thought the complaint of road noise was a little silly as that is always the trade off when located conveniently off the hwy. However it was so much worse than road noise."

    4. Silver Springs Campground

    18 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    11 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. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    30 Reviews
    Ravensdale, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "There is good system of trails, tons of picnic tables along the river, and good river access to the Green rivers.

    Campground is well maintained, clean bathrooms and showers available."

    "It's close proximity to our house allows us to hook up the trailer after work and include a Friday night in our camping weekend!"

    6. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    10 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."

    7. White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    18 Reviews
    Paradise, WA
    17 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."

    8. Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    58 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    27 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. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    18 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 888-1421

    "Lovely area such beautiful surroundings."

    "Very cool spot with new generation trees growing out of old generation stumps, close to river for water, very popular spot so found a lot of trash but loved the sites and hiking trails nearby"

    10. Kachess Campground

    34 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 852-1100

    $27 - $158 / night

    "Pros

    - Close to Seattle about 1.5 hr - 2 hrs away depending on traffic.

    - It has numbers of walk-in sites with great access to the lake.

    - Lots of loop for kids to ride bike and explore.

    - Great"

    "The Camp sides had good space separating them. oh and the bathrooms didn’t smell. I loved staying here."

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Recent Reviews near Greenwater, WA

1371 Reviews of 315 Greenwater Campgrounds



Guide to Greenwater

Camping near Greenwater, Washington, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are great spots to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, including those leading to breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. One camper mentioned, "Pretty big site that is a short drive to paradise. Many hiking trails nearby" at Cougar Rock Campground.
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes around the campgrounds are perfect for fishing. A review from Salmon La Sac noted, "The creek next to some sites was a treat to visit," highlighting the area's fishing opportunities.
  • Exploring Nature: Many campgrounds are surrounded by beautiful forests and rivers. One visitor at Ohanapecosh Campground said, "Absolutely lovely place to stay in Mt Rainier National Park," emphasizing the natural beauty.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A review for Middle Fork Campground stated, "The bathrooms were spotless," which is a big plus for many.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful environment. One camper at La Wis Wis Campground mentioned, "The trees and the river were beautiful," highlighting the serene setting.
  • Accessibility: Campgrounds like Kanaskat-Palmer State Park are conveniently located near amenities. A visitor noted, "It's close enough to where we live that someone could run home if anything major was forgotten."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. A camper at Cougar Rock Campground mentioned, "No cellphone reception and the spots were not the most level," so be prepared to disconnect.
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, especially after September 5th. A visitor at Tinkham Campground shared, "We went during the week and got a spot, but the campground was still pretty full."
  • Fire Restrictions: Be aware of fire bans during dry seasons. A review from Kachess Campground noted, "There’s a burn ban pretty much everywhere, so no fire but we made do."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. One camper at Ohanapecosh Campground mentioned, "There is an awesome playground for kids to play at," making it a great choice for families.
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A review for Tolt MacDonald Park highlighted, "The sites are wide because of the driveway," which can help with family activities.
  • Plan for Nature Exploration: Encourage kids to explore the outdoors. A visitor at La Wis Wis Campground said, "Tons of thimbleberry to snack on," which can make for a fun nature scavenger hunt.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have size restrictions for RVs. A camper at Cougar Rock Campground warned, "This campground is really tight for large RV," so check before you go.
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, choose campgrounds that offer electric hookups. A review for Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "The second loop has electric," which is helpful for RVers.
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Many campgrounds have narrow roads and sites. A visitor at Tinkham Campground noted, "The roads are narrow and spots are narrow to get in and out of," so maneuvering can be tricky.

Camping near Greenwater, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's good to be prepared and know what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any designated campgrounds in Greenwater, Washington?

Yes, Greenwater has several designated campgrounds in the area. Hells Crossing Campground is a National Forest managed campground located along Highway 410 heading toward Mount Rainier National Park. It's a good option during cool and wet summer weather. The Dalles Campground is another designated option offering beautiful spots, though it's situated close to the highway. Note that cell service can be limited—Verizon doesn't work for miles around, while T-Mobile may have better coverage in this part of Washington. Many campgrounds in the Greenwater area fill quickly during summer weekends, so arriving early or making reservations where possible is recommended.

Where are the best camping sites in Greenwater, WA?

Greenwater, WA offers exceptional camping options near Mount Rainier. Silver Springs Campground stands out with well-spaced sites alongside a beautiful river—sites 2-10 are particularly desirable for their proximity to the water. For those seeking a more rugged experience, White River Dispersed Camping provides beautiful riverside spots just 10-15 minutes from Rainier's Sunrise Entrance. These dispersed sites offer a more primitive camping experience with the benefit of being close to the national park. The Greenwater area's proximity to Mount Rainier makes it an ideal base for hiking adventures while enjoying Washington's spectacular natural scenery.

What cabin accommodation options are available in Greenwater?

Greenwater offers limited cabin accommodations compared to traditional campgrounds. While specific cabins within Greenwater proper are scarce, the broader area provides alternatives. For cabin-like experiences, consider Tolt MacDonald Park, which is within driving distance and offers yurts that provide a cabin-like experience in a beautiful floodplain setting. The park is conveniently located near the affluent town of Duvall with its shops and amenities. For more traditional accommodations, private cabin rentals are available through vacation rental platforms in the Greenwater area, especially those catering to Mount Rainier visitors. These typically offer more amenities than campground cabins, including kitchens, bathrooms, and heating systems for year-round comfort.