315 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Mineral, Washington provide a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park, with options ranging from established sites to cabin rentals. Elkamp Eastcreek and Alder Lake Park offer amenities for tent and RV camping, while Cougar Rock Campground within Mount Rainier National Park provides a more primitive experience. Most campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and toilet facilities, with several offering electric hookups for RVs. The proximity to Mount Rainier makes these locations popular base camps for exploring the national park's hiking trails and natural features.
Access to many campgrounds varies seasonally, with some sites like Cougar Rock Campground operating only from May to October due to mountain weather conditions. The region experiences heavy snowfall in winter, limiting camping options during colder months. "Clean, beautiful campground with amazing natural scenery everywhere you look," noted one visitor about Elkamp Eastcreek, highlighting the well-maintained facilities common in the area. Road conditions can change rapidly with weather, particularly at higher elevations closer to Mount Rainier. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months when demand peaks. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with better connectivity at lower elevations near towns.
Campers consistently praise the natural setting of campgrounds in the Mineral area, with tall trees providing shade and privacy between sites. Multiple visitors mentioned the peaceful atmosphere and cleanliness of facilities at Elkamp Eastcreek, which features creek access and walking paths through meadows. Water features are common attractions, with several campgrounds situated near creeks, rivers, or lakes that provide recreational opportunities. While some developed campgrounds offer showers and other amenities, they tend to fill quickly during peak season. The region's wildlife viewing opportunities and proximity to both Mount Rainier and Gifford Pinchot National Forest make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts seeking diverse outdoor experiences within a reasonable drive from urban centers.
"In the evening Tom or Brian drive through the park seeing if anyone needs ice or firewood, if there’s not a burn ban, bring a propane fire pit for your camping experience."
"One of the best run and cleanest camp grounds around. Bathrooms and shower are cleaned every few hours. Sites for tents and travel trailer and 5th wheels."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Labor Day weekend was nearly packed full, plus visiting friends and family. It was almost too busy. But after everyone left, it was a lot more peaceful and quiet."
"It's about an hours drive from Paradise, which makes it less ideal than Cougar Rock if that's your destination, but the reservations do not fill up nearly as quickly."
from $35 - $265 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Washington Pass required. Plenty of room for RVs at many of the sites - it was mostly empty when we came."
"An ADA trail is level for walking the dog.
Shooting range is close by, doesn’t bother me but it’s pretty noisy."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"One of my favorite campgrounds in Washington! Lots of camping spots right on Lake Mayfield with tons of trails in and around the campground."
"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."
"I chose to stayed here because of its location. It’s close to the entrance into Rainier NP and there’s plenty of Amazing hikes nearby. I camped alone (I’m a female) and I felt safe."
"Located a short distance from Mt Rainier NP, this is the perfect springboard for any NP adventure or chillax getaway."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Drove in with no expectations, but the view of the lake is beautiful. Only one other person in the whole camp at this time of the year so it was quiet."
"Small campground with around 25 spots. Highly recommend if going to mount Rainier"
from $51 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Driving through and tried to book online day of but you’re not able to. Called in and employee told me there was plenty of camping if we showed up late."
from $25 - $315 / night
Check Availability"Absolutely beautiful campground in Washington state nestled into the woods between Randall and Morton on the Cowlitz River. 4 loops to choose from. 2 with electric and water, 2 geared to tent or dry trailer"
"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."
"We tucked in off of Forest Road 74. Beautiful sites. No toilet. I would have given it a 5 but there was quite a bit of trash."
ScoutThe campground is very small and sites are super close together. Law enforcement is pretty present, not sure if that’s an always thing or just today. But if you dont mess with pigs I wouldn’t stay here. It’s pretty tho
GuideThe only dispersed camping is in the south side of the mountain, and it is disconnected except by hiking trail to the north side. The drive to the north from the south is very very far. We missed out on the north side trails, views etc but the dispersed camping on the south side was excellent. Very clean, interesting geology and waterfalls. Plenty of good spots
GuideWe spent one night here. Beautiful place! There were two portable toilets and sell service was quite bad.
GuideWe spent one night here. Short walk to the riverside.
TravelerQuiet and well maintained campground. 15 minutes to Rainer NP. Easy access to river. Elk and Deer around campground. Large sites. Would stay at again.
ScoutLabor Day weekend was nearly packed full, plus visiting friends and family. It was almost too busy. But after everyone left, it was a lot more peaceful and quiet. Many walking paths for walks (people or with a dog). I wish speakers were actually not allowed. Headphones or ear buds is a more considerate way to listen to music while in close proximity to others.
ScoutWe left someone left trash everywhere
GuideThis park has so much potential. Sites are a decent size with OK spacing, no site has sewer and the line at the dump site gets pretty long on the weekends so plan accordingly. There’s is no true access point to the lake but many walking trails from other campers. No, designated swim area if you are into that sort of stuff. A place where this park shines is the park for kids, it’s well kept (as long as campers pick up after their kids). Bathrooms were a little messy but again, this is mostly due to campers….
This park is pretty big but easy to get around. We stayed at main campground B and it has a lot of sites that are mostly in shade. They have a lot of trees but none messed with backing up or trailer height issues. Overall I don’t think I would book here again unless I needed a last minute spot.
TravelerI stayed there for one night on my way back to Seattle, and it was perfect for what I needed. Very quiet back there. The people were all super nice and accommodating. They had a dump site, restrooms outside and heated restrooms attached to the office area. I really loved that two of the permanent residents would do security at night as well. Being a woman and traveling alone, that made me feel very safe. Highly recommend this place!
Campgrounds near Mineral, Washington sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet with dense coniferous forest surroundings that capture significant rainfall, averaging 70-90 inches annually. The camping season typically runs from late May through September, with some locations remaining open year-round despite winter snow accumulation that can reach several feet at higher elevations.
Fishing opportunities: Alder Lake Park offers access to a 3,000-acre reservoir where anglers catch trout, bass and kokanee. "The water is that beautiful blue/green glacier water color. The campground we stayed at did not have designated fire rings, but did have a metal BBQ that we used for the kids to make s'mores on," notes one visitor to Alder Lake Park.
Creek exploration: Sites along waterways provide natural entertainment for families. At Elkamp Eastcreek, "there's a little creek you can walk to very close by they have nice chairs set up you can sit at," according to one camper. The campground features "acres to gorgeous meadow and evening star viewing" with multiple walking paths.
Mountain access: Campgrounds serve as base camps for exploring Mount Rainier National Park. The Cougar Rock Campground inside the national park provides direct trail access. "Great location to camp if you are wanting to be right in the middle of Mt Rainier. Has easy access to paradise and beautiful hikes," notes one visitor, highlighting its strategic position for park exploration.
Private, spacious sites: Many campsites near Mineral feature good separation between neighbors. At Big Creek Campground, "campsites are very spacious and much more private than Cougar Rock. Site#6 was right on the creek(it looked like 1-6 were)," according to one visitor. The campground's proximity to Mount Rainier makes it popular despite its rustic facilities.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise from visitors. "Bathrooms clean. Fire pits and firewood available from hosts. Easy access to Rainier NP. Hosts super nice," notes one camper about Elkamp Eastcreek. Another adds that it features "the nicest campground bathrooms we have ever experienced."
Water features: Lakes and streams enhance camping experiences throughout the area. "Alder lake is a great spot for both swim play and boating. The lake has a blocked off no wake area for those that wish to have swim fun and the rest of the lake is for small motorized water craft," explains one visitor to Alder Lake Park.
Reservation requirements: Most developed campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer. For Ike Kinswa State Park Campground, one visitor advises, "Make reservations early" as "this place books up so fast."
Limited amenities at some locations: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "It's a primitive campground, which I love. Due to COVID you have to make reservations to stay here," notes a visitor to Big Creek Campground. Many sites offer vault toilets rather than flush facilities.
Seasonal access restrictions: Weather determines campground availability. Cougar Rock Campground operates only from "May 25 - Oct 7" according to listing information. Higher elevation sites can experience significant temperature drops even in summer months.
Discover Pass requirements: Some locations require Washington state recreation passes. At Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp, one camper notes "YOU NEED A WA DISCOVER PASS TO CAMP HERE!!! But it is free with the pass. And there's a gas station 5 minutes down the road in Ashford where you can buy one."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Cowlitz Falls Campground, one group appreciated that "with small kids in our group, it was convenient to have the path to the playground right between sites A6 and A8." The campground also features "a ball field" for additional recreation.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites provide nature observation for children. At Alder Lake Park, one visitor appreciated "watching deer from our campsite" and noted their "kids enjoyed playing in the sand" at the beach area.
Bike-friendly loops: Some campgrounds feature suitable terrain for young cyclists. One camper at Ike Kinswa State Park notes it's "very family friendly" with "lots of room for kids to ride bikes" around the campground loops.
Swimming options: Water access varies between locations. A visitor to Rocky Point Campground advises, "If you are looking to swim I highly recommend driving to the main campground" as the immediate shore area "is filled with tons of wood debris."
Site selection considerations: Campground topography affects leveling requirements. At Alder Lake Campground, one RVer reports, "Our site#10 dropped 13 inches between the rear and front axle. A few Lego blocks and jack pads addressed the problem. The campground is on a small hill. Few of the sites are level."
Hookup availability: Electrical and water connections vary between and within campgrounds. At Cowlitz Falls Campground, "A-Loop: water & electric. A mix of shaded and open grassy sites. Outer are pull through, inner are back in. You will find the most private sites in this loop."
Size limitations: Some campgrounds can't accommodate larger rigs. At Big Creek Campground, one visitor notes "it would be difficult to bring a larger camper or rv down the trail" due to the narrow access road and campground layout.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer full services. At Elkamp Eastcreek, one visitor notes "What would improve Elkamp? It would be great to have a dump station. Sewer hookups would be even better."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mineral, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mineral, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 315 campgrounds and RV parks near Mineral, WA and 52 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mineral, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mineral, WA is Elkamp Eastcreek with a 4.9-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mineral, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 52 free dispersed camping spots near Mineral, WA.
What parks are near Mineral, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Mineral, WA that allow camping, notably Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
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