Looking for an adventure where you can explore Longmire and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Longmire, including sites, reviews, and tips. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Longmire campsites are perfect for tent campers.
The historic Mather Memorial Parkway (State Route 410) is the gateway to a recreational haven. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Rainier. For more excitement, take a spin in the off-road vehicle area at Evans Creek, or zip down the slopes of Crystal Mountain Ski Area. Or if you prefer solitude, escape into the solace of the forest and leave the world behind.
Mather Memorial Parkway Created in 1931, this paved two-lane classic Cascades drive along Highway 410 from Enumclaw to the eastern edge of Mount Rainier National Park presents majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks. More than 200 miles of trails accommodate hikers, horses and mountain bikes. Drive, hike or ride to the Suntop Lookout Cabin at the top of Forest Road 7315. Choose a primitive campsite along forest roads east and west of the parkway. In November buy a permit at the Enumclaw office and take the family out to the woods to cut your own Christmas tree. Most forest roads are unpaved and minimally maintained. Cell phones have limited coverage in the mountains.
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions.
The campground at Mowich Lake is the smallest of the four camping areas within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. The road is unpaved after the first three miles and may be rough. Also, this is a walk-in campground only and fires are not allowed. With all that said, however, it just may be the most pristine and beautiful place to pitch a tent you’ll ever come across, with one of the most magnificent views of the mountain that you’ll find anywhere.
Tents only. Backcountry camping permits are available from the Carbon River Ranger Station (360) 829-9639.
Camp Muir is the preferred basecamp for hikers and climbers attempting to summit Mt. Rainier. It is named after John Muir, renowned naturalist and a member of the sixth group to summit the iconic Pacific Northwest peak. Located at 10,080 feet in elevation, Camp Muir is not a campground in any traditional sense. It is made up of an old stone shelter which is open to the public on a first-come basis, and another outbuilding used by professional guide companies. If the shelter is full, climbers pitch their tents on the rocky scree field. A wilderness and climbing permit are required to access this part of Mt. Rainier Park. Reservations for those permits open in March of each year.
The approach to Camp Muir should not be attempted by anyone without significant mountaineering or route finding skills. The National Park Service offers specific compass bearings to travel through the Muir Snowfield. These bearing should be used in tandem with an accurate topographic map. Because snowstorms and fog events can cause whiteout conditions during any month of the year, traversing the Muir Snowfield to reach the camp is one of the most dangerous sections of the trail. There have been multiple fatalities in groups that got off route in this treacherous glacial area.
Because any night spent at Camp Muir is often a part of a much larger mountaineering attempt, campers must be well-prepared for high alpine conditions. Above treeline means that winds are high and cold, and any tent or shelter should be four-season rated. There are stream crossings during the approach, and, while the water must be treated, Pebble Creek is a good source to fill up containers- there is no water at Camp Muir. Use the ‘blue bag’ system for solid human waste- there is a receptacle at the camp.
A backcountry campsite on the Spray Park Trail in Mount Rainier National Park.
Part of the Northern Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park.
$5 / night
Scout
Wanted to make some headway leaving Mount Rainier towards Seattle and stay somewhere in the middle. Should have camped at Cougar Rock and driven further today. Expensive (30 plus tax) tent camping prices afford you an unlevel pad of weedy haphazardly maintained grass that's actually just the back yard of a house converted into way too many tent sites and two cabins. No fire pit, no picnic bench for my site, not raked after cutting the weeds so grass in EVERYTHING. The best part? The advertised wifi which would add some redeeming quality to the price tag doesn't reach the camping area (even though I could throw a rock to the reception desk from there) AND in the morning you have the blessing of COIN OPERATED showers after already paying for your stay. One single toilet and one single shower at the camp store for all campers.
AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS. Not worth your money when there are plenty of decently maintained forest service sites around with flat camping pads. I only give it 1 of 5 stars because I found something worth about 30 dollars in the parking lot. Otherwise it's 0/5.
Legend
There is no mistaking why the village perched on the slopes of Mt Rainier is called Paradise. Rainier is spectacular! And Mounthaven is so close to the Rainier gate that visitors could stroll over to show their passes or pay those entry fees. Note that the gates are still a distance from Longmire or Paradise. The resort is so close in fact, that upon arriving around 4pm on a Sunday, we waited in a long line of traffic backed up 2 miles past the gate and 1 1/2 past the resort. We were told this only happens on busier weekends, and it certainly held true for our weekdays camping here. Just be aware if time is an issue so plans can be made accordingly.
We are traveling the Northwest this summer with camp packed in the back of our car, and as such we occupied their only primitive, tent site. The site itself was the most out of the way, quiet, and secluded that we have camped in all summer. It has a water pump onsite, which is quite handy. There is a dumpster close enough to not be a chore. The bathrooms/shower/laundry and pretty close too.
The resort has several hook up sites for RV’s or tents—I don’t believe any were pull-through, but call to confirm. The amenity sites weren’t as private, but they seemed reasonable. The resort prides itself in cabins, and from all accounts they appear to be stocked with all necessities like linens, very nice, well maintained and downright cute.
Firewood is sold onsite, but no other provisions are available at the resort. There is a super extra pricey Grocery-Mart closer to Rainier, and two fairly pricey, better stocked options 5 miles in the other direction. They sell gas there too. Visitors would be wise to come to the area with groceries in their trunk regardless.
The resort has one toilet and one shower. They are quite nice, actually—the cleanest we’ve come upon so far. We were concerned about the number, but overall we didn’t spend a lot of time waiting, if we waited at all.
There is also one coin operated washer and dryer. WiFi is usually good, but no so much at peak times.
The owners James and Zandy were really friendly, and seemed to deeply care about their property as well as their clients.
Guide
Very nicely maintained campground. Get your reservations in the winter before your trip. Spots fill up fast. Bathrooms are clean. Tent sites are nice and provide plenty of room. Tent sites aren’t to close to each other but typical for national parks. Highly recommend this camp ground.
Guide
Beautiful campground USFS several RV Sites, tent sites on the lake water no hookups vaulted toilets very clean. camp host Mike was very helpful with local information
Scout
Let me start off by saying - if there are so many campsites in Washington, why would you want to stay at the same place multiple times???
Ike Kinswa is the place I would stay at repeatedly. Between the incredibly helpful and friendly staff, to the private tent sites, to the water access, we’ve already stayed twice this summer!! So incredibly impressed with this gem!
Guide
Decent coin op showers. Nice walk in tent sites. Nice RV sites. Decent playground. Fishing bridge just a short walk. There's no store or anything. Can buy firewood nearby. Flush toilets. Cleaned regularly.
GuideWas able to get a tent site first come first serve for what wasn't reserved. Very cold and rainy in comparison to campsites outside of the park. Site were private but the bathrooms were a walk.
Guide
2020 prices in the photo. Clean camp with multiple water points. There's 4 or 5 spots large enough for an RV away from the river. Several flat tent camping spots along the river.
We found the location a little noisy because HWY12 run along the north side of the park.
Guide
Only con is road noise from Hwy7. Main through fare to Mt Rainier south entrance and services. Sites may be too close together if park was full. We were one a few campers! We tent camped and had view of Lake Alder. Nice campground host. We'll cared for, clean, organized sites. No sewer or showers, pit toilets.
Traveler
We stayed in the tent camping area. RV section looks very nice too. Had a great time, but next visit will select a site in the lower loop, further away from the interstate noise. Lots of trails for walking/biking and a swim area. Access to the upper stretch of the Yakima River. Clean restrooms and varied site size.
GuideHas tents site to camp at
ScoutThis campground is a strange hidden gem - stick with me through the downsides. Taidnapam is on Riffe Lake, which is created by a dam and as of about 2013 the water levels have been permanently lowered by 30-ish feet. This is bad news for people who only went there for boating and fishing and swimming in the swim area but for some of us it's actually good news.
The campground is slower than it used to be during the summer months due to the lowered water levels - but that means you can often still get a reservation at the last minute, especially for the walk-in tent sites (which is what we use). We have camped for three years now at the walk-in tent sites and it's a bit tougher to access the water but you definitely can still find plenty of places to get in or take a kayak down to the water. There's also lots of fun areas around the edge of the lake to explore that used to be under water - making for interested hiking.
We love this campground to go to with kids - the walk-in tent sites are great and the water is so shallow now for quite a ways out so the kids can play in the water and the sand/mud along the edge of the lake. There are so many nooks and crannies around the edge of the lake to explore with the kids - and we used an inflatable kayak while there to go across the lake. They also have a scavenger hunt of items hidden around the campground that you can do with your kids (or if they are a bit older they can do on their own) and a playground.
TravelerWe Can’t Thank The Rainbow RV Resort Enough For The Wonderful Stay We Had. They Are A Clean Reasonably Priced RV Camping Site With Tent Camping Available, A Boat Launch A Beautiful Dock And Swimming Area As Well. Thank You To All The Rainbow Resort Staff For Making Our Stay An Enjoyable And Memorable One! Beautiful Place With Amazing Views Of Tanwax Lake! We Look Forward To Staying Again Sooner Then Later! Take Care!
Traveler
The tent sites are right off the parking lot; I was a bigger fan of the backcountry camping. But the lake is this amazingly clear, turquoise blue. You can see the fallen dead wood sitting at the bottom of the lake. Hiking into the alpine was too beautiful for words. I loved the area, but I didn't like the parking lot proximity
Traveler
This camping is great if you do not mind having others near you or if you are fearful of venturing out alone. If you are looking for a secluded location, this is NOT the spot. This location had many amenities. My husband and I tent camped and it included ample space to pitch our tent, a small in-the-ground pit, and a table. We noticed many RVs and many sites had available hookups. There is a nice lake in walking distance for boating, swimming, and fishing.
Ranger
Well maintained campground, full hookups and tent sites available. Sites fairly large & private with tons of old trees and right next to a creek. Bathrooms clean. Fire pits and firewood available from hosts. Easy access to Rainier NP. Hosts super nice. Only thing that would make this place better is more substantial picnic tables which were new but kind of rickety. Would camp here again.
GuideWe spent a weekend tent camping here and I can't wait to go back when it gets warmer and this time bring the Turtle. The campground is meticulously maintained, facilities are super clean, there is a dishwashing station, and a super cute store. The two guys who run the place are super friendly, drive around delivering ice and firewood, and are so welcoming. There is a creek that is fun for kids to play in and a large field to go explore and walk around in. Beautiful location and close to Mt. Rainier NP.
Traveler
Runs along a creek that you can here from all sites. Perfect for tent camping. The site offers picnic tables & a triangle shaped fire pit. The fire pits have a grill grate over top of them that we cooked dinner on at night. The facility only offers vault toilets, they were decent. The trash pick up is at the entry which did not smell & was picked up on Friday’s.
We had a few small visitors including a chipmunk & a field mouse.
Going up the mountain we found a really cool meadow & lake.
Scout
This site is amazing people have already set things up for tent camping. There is space for RV but I recommend your really good with it. Has a fire pit with rocks. Plenty of firewood in woods. If you look hard enough you can find a PRIMITIVE toilet (plywood stand with toilet seat). The area has enough space for group campers. We did also see elk in area coming from south on NF 9038 from Cougar there were other sites we picked this one. Have fun please keep it clean and leave it the way you left it or better for others!
Legend
Tent camped here on a last minute whim. When the weather is not the greatest on the west side, we head to Cle Elum! This is all first come, first served camping. Nothing fancy, vault toilets, tables, fire ring. I would imagine if it was busy, it would be pretty loud and dusty. There is a small dirt bike track the starts here, so if you are looking for pristine quiet, this is not your place. If you come out to the woods to ride bikes, it would be awesome!
The weekend we were there, it was pretty quiet. Played in the creek. I would go back.
Ranger
I believe this campground is under new ownership. You can see they’ve been putting a lot of work into it. Paving roads, landscaping, etc. Looks great and well maintained. RV spots are gravel pads and had water and electric, some had full hook up too. Some spots are better suited for larger rigs (ours was a little tight) but we were only doing a one night stop. Nice grassy spaces and a grassy community area with horseshoe pits. Lake access down by the tent sites. Very quiet and peaceful. Helpful and friendly staff. Would definitely return and recommend.
Guide
See my related reviews for Peninsula Camp ground for more information leading up the final camp site.
Really crowded area with limited parking. However, if you arrive early enough you could occupy one of the few tent sites on the narrow peninsula portions of this area. The facilities here needed some real attention.
Bring your kayak, boat, or fishing rod and enjoy your day. I took a couple of photos looking back at it as that was the best way view the area without walking through camp sites.
The air field had a large dumpster and was home to several RVs. There is access to a few more camping spots along the lake shore.
GuideCame last minute during father's day weekend looking for a tent site. The booth host was very helpful letting us know that there was only two spots left and answering many more questions. We were able to find a perfect site for my family of 4. Clean raised tent bed with pea-gravel raked evenly good for 6-7 person tent . Fire pit is decently sized approximately 3x2 with a flip top grill that covers half of it. Paved road gravel parking space big enough for a trailer/camper . Dumpster and water spicket as well as a bathroom with pay to use shower's . ¢50-1 token = 3 minute shower. Small playground with a basketball court by the bathrooms. Lovely river walk trail follows the Yakima River . Activities for children such as the Jr. Ranger program. Gas station is close just cross the highway sells firewood as well . Overall great first time at the campground friendly staff will be coming back.
RangerThe young woman who checked us in was super helpful, offering maps of the area and suggestions. We scored a walk-in tent site ($22.) on Monday in the middle of August without a reservation. We actually camped on the parking lot in our rooftop tent, which was just fine and avoided the additional hookup fees of the alternative RV sites. The walk in sites are situated in a phenomenal little grove and felt partially private. RV sites are generously sized and full of trees. There are a considerable number of both pull in and pull through options. Bathrooms were clean, but there were quite a few spiders. Note that there is no swimming or boating in the lake, due to water levels dropping over 30 ft. Lots of kids enjoyed riding bikes around the campground loops. There are fish cleaning stations and firewood for sale ($5.) Pay showers. Recycling station.
Walk the surrounding trails. The lake, wetlands, and forest are lovely.
This was a convenient stop on the journey between Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens.
LegendI showed up without reservations and the host directed me to a perfect spot. There was a bridge leading to a private tent site. The campground was wonderful with restrooms and water nearby. The neighbor campers were all very friendly. The campground is in the Southwest of the national park. This puts it close to some wonderful hiking at Comet Falls, Paradise and so many others. The park officials were happy to help me find great things to do in the time I was there. If you have a chance to get this particular campsite, go for it! I would definitely go back here again and plan to spend at least a week exploring the national park. Tip: fill up with gas before entering the park (there is one right before you enter if you are coming from the west) because it's really big and there are no gas stations inside the park.
Traveler
Decided to take advantage of the beautiful April 2021 weather and headed out for our first camping trip of the year here. We lucked out with it being their opening weekend, the campground was maybe 50% full and FCFS, we ended up staying in the upper loop site 13. The large site could easily fit a couple of tents, and still had a decent view of the lake!
Pros: Campground location is right on the lake, playground, swim area, boat launch, flush toilets, and showers. Water and electricity hookups in every site. Lower loop sites are right on the water!
Cons: No privacy between sites, expensive ($78 for two nights!), more of an RV campground than tent camping. Can hear HWY 12 at night time. During the day there was heavy machinery running VERY close to the upper loop, maybe expect construction noise this summer? No luck bank fishing. No firewood sold at the campground!
Overall I’d recommend this campground in early spring and late fall. IMO it’s more for RV camping and boaters... Not sure I’d recommend it at all during peak season, sites are very close together! And seems day use area can get extremely busy!
Guide
Beautiful campsite. We tent camped at site 36 - and it was great! We were able to reserve the spot online months in advance which was nice. It was a spacious site and we only had one other camp site next to us and there was lots of space and privacy between us and the other sides were forest and river. The nearest restroom to site 36 is a vault toilet (which was very clean and filled with air fresheners!) but the nicer restrooms with flush toilets and warm running water is just a short walk away. I was surprised we could hear some traffic from our site with being so close to the river but it wasn’t that bad. The park hosts were very friendly and helpful - always driving around with firewood for sale and keeping the bathrooms clean and stocked. As we drove through the campground I did feel that the other sites that weren’t on the river were very small and close together with little privacy - the ones along the river are definitely the ones to try and grab! The river was beautiful and the feeling of being nestled in the mountains and trees was very relaxing. We would definitely recommend this campground.
Tent camping near Longmire, Washington, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can enjoy breathtaking views, outdoor activities, and a chance to connect with nature.
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