Brandon P.
Scout
ScoutDispersed Camping FS-025
Spooky
A spider crawled on me so I got tf outta there even tho it twas midnight. Drove all the way to Tacoma. Spooky. (I’m not a boomer trust)
Camping near Mineral, WA
316 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Mineral (316)
1. Elkamp Eastcreek
"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 Availability2. Alder Lake Campground
"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 Availability3. Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
"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 Availability4. Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp
"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 Availability5. Ike Kinswa State Park Campground
"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."
6. Big Creek Campground
"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 Availability7. Rocky Point Campground — Alder Lake
"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 Availability8. Mossyrock Park
"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 Availability9. Cowlitz Falls Campground
"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."
10. FR74 dispersed
"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."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 9 min from Olympia, WA
- 1 hr 16 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 22 min from Bremerton, WA
- 1 hr 27 min from Seattle, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Mineral, WA
476 Photos of 316 Mineral Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Elkamp EastcreekB
Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp
Alder Lake Campground
Big Creek CampgroundL
NF-52 Dispersed CampingD
Skate Creek Dispersed
Cowlitz Falls Campground
Golden Lakes Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park
Maple Grove RV Resort (Randle) - KM Resorts
Riffe Lake Campground
Mossyrock Parks
Eagles Roost Camp — Mount Rainier National Park
Recent Reviews near Mineral, WA
1506 Reviews of 316 Mineral Campgrounds
- SSteve M.
TravelerSmall Site but Million $ View!
Slow Climb
Bumpy road all the way to the top but worth every minute of the climb. Nice and peaceful and hardly saw any traffic up there. Sadly I didn’t get to see Rainer until the morning for like 15 minutes until clouds rolled in lol
Ryan M.ScoutDash Point State Park Campground
Pretty but deceiving
I wanted to like this campground, but I wouldn’t stay here again for more than maybe one night.
There are signs EVERYWHERE warning about theft, which immediately tells you something about the area. I didn’t have anything stolen, but I was extremely careful about what I left out.
The biggest problem is that you’re basically on your own after hours. There is no campground host, no posted after-hours ranger number, and no non-emergency number at the campground or through the park’s phone system. The staff hours also seem very limited and inconsistent. I arrived around 6:30 PM and nobody was there, and staff didn’t seem to return until around 9–10 AM.
The bathrooms were dirty, out of toilet paper, and the showers were cold. One morning there was a large unleashed dog in the women’s bathroom that growled at me while its owner was showering. I believe she may have been homeless and using the facilities. Again, there was nobody around to contact about it.
Another night, people were extremely loud until almost midnight. Same problem: no host, no ranger and no non-emergency number. Unless something is serious enough for 911, you’re left to deal with it yourself.
There are also a lot of homeless people and visible drug addicts/drug activity around Federal Way. I had been warned about the area before coming here, and I understand why.
The park itself is pretty and might be fine for a quick overnight stay, but for multiple nights, I wouldn’t recommend it. Between the theft warnings, lack of after-hours staff, weird staffing hours, and no way to report non-emergency problems, I never really felt comfortable settling into my campsite.
- MMike E.Scout
Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Excellent Place Near Mt Rainier
My wife and I came to this campground recently (9/26 - 9/29) and overall it was a great trip. The staff (Rangers) were so friendly and helpful. The site we had for our 20 ft trailer was a pull-through site which was quite level. It was pretty shady and use of our solar panel was minimal. The proximity to Paradise was great. It was incredibly crowded at Paradise despite being so late in September. The campground filled up to full within a couple of hours of our arrival around 2:30 pm. Bathrooms are very basic (flush toilets and only cold water sinks). There was a water bottle filler right outside the bathroom and tasted great. There is no option to fill trailer tanks with water. Their water filler and dump station has been out of order for a couple of years per the ranger, so I don't expect it to be fixed anytime soon. We were told that there was a water filling station in Alder Lake Park but it is a ways from this campground. We brought our own water so didn't need it. Our site itself was great but there is a reasonable amount of debris around other sites. Overall, we would come again.
- Betsy W.
RangerSahara Creek DNR Horse Camp
Very nice!! All you need for great campiing
Very nice! Horse camp but sites 21-30 are for non equestrian campers. Sites are wooded between and large with table, firepits/grill combo, and level wooded spaces. 2 clean, well stocked pit toilets are available. Water faucets available at several locations. WA discover pass but free otherwise. It is patrolled regularly.
Matt G.Rangerlava canyon, Cougar, Washington
Great little place
Road was a little bump but paved. Great little set up off the road. Big enough for tent of car camping. OK cell coverage.
Ryan S.
GuideCarlton Creek Crossing
Great spot out of the way
Its not 5 stars because of its beauty, its because its buried deep in the woods but still on a drivable road, and its free. On a busy weekend I only saw one other sprinter van on the entire road. There are lots of areas to pull off along the road and a few good spots just away from the road if you only have a tent or 4x4 vehicle. This spot has lots of space to turn your rig around but I don't know about farther down the road. No cell service but this spot also had enough clearing to be able to set up our starlink and get decent enough service with that. The road has some pretty big potholes so make sure you've got enough clearance on your rig. I'd say most would be just fine.
Vickie R.ScoutSouth Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping
Misleading Dangerous directions
We attempted to go here. We followed "the dyrt" and then clicked on recreation dot gov link for driving directions which told us to take HWY 12 to SR1200 then SR1000. We even looked it up on google maps and it seemed totally do-able. We'll we made it about 7 miles on SR1000 and came to the top of a very very steep incline. Sent a scout vehicle ahead and they couldn't make it across a big gulley. Saw another small Ford truck attempting to cross towards us at the same area, and they bottomed out and had to turn around. We also had to turn back down SR1000 and go all the way back to HWY 12. We were trying to haul a 24ft travel trailer. Its completely impossible as of 9/2026. Find alternate route, because that SR1000 is dangerous trying to haul a trailer or a camper. Not to mention, the beginning of SR1200 was super narrow and sketchy.
Dustin W.GuideAmerican Heritage Campground
Nostalgic Americana
We had such a wonderful stay at American Heritage Campground! The campground has a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, and you can really feel the history and care that has gone into the property over the years.
We stayed at site 6 which was right by the playground, laundry, pool (closed for the season), and 2 individual bathrooms. There’s more bathrooms in the main bath house with showers! Our site was also able to use the WiFi since it was close to the front of the campground
A huge part of what made our stay so special was our host, Rita. She was incredibly kind, welcoming, and made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Learning that the campground has been in her family for over 40 years makes the experience even more meaningful. You can tell how much pride and love she has for the campground and the people who visit.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, relaxing place to stay in Olympia with a personal touch that you just don’t get at the big commercial campgrounds, we highly recommend American Heritage Campground. We’re grateful we got to meet Rita and experience a little piece of her family’s history. We’ll definitely be back!
Edit: we walked around in the morning and found the farm (sheep and chickens), frisbee golf, horse shoes, volleyball and a pavilion. This would be such a fun spot in the summer!
Guide to Mineral
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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?
What camping is available near Mineral, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mineral, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 316 campgrounds and RV parks near Mineral, WA and 53 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mineral, WA?
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?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mineral, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 53 free dispersed camping spots near Mineral, WA.
What parks are 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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