Camping near Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Home to what is, by far, the tallest peak in Washington, Mt. Rainier National Park is a majestic sight to behold. Southeast of Seattle, WA, this is a respite for the city or a destination in and of itself.

Camping in Rainier National Park is straightforward, with one major campground in each section of the park. Ohanapecosh Campgrounds has the greatest number of individual campsites. Mowich Lake Campground in the northwest is the only tent-exclusive primitive camping option. The others offer RV camping, with Cougar Rock Campground having the largest length maximum at 35 feet (27 feet for trailers). The best camping near Mount Rainier National Park during the busy season is in any of the surrounding US Forest Service Land. With options in three directions, you won’t be short on places to camp. Tahoma State Forest near Ashford, WA, is a good option as well.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Rainier National Park (293)

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Recent Reviews near Mount Rainier National Park

1252 Reviews of 293 Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Mount Rainier National Park

Camping near Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning views and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails around the area. At Cougar Rock Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Pretty big site that is a short drive to paradise. Many hiking trails nearby."
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing in the nearby rivers. A visitor at Iron Creek Campground noted, "The river is beautiful and lots of trails around the site."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Ohanapecosh Campground shared, "Absolutely lovely place to stay in Mt Rainier National Park."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One happy camper at La Wis Wis Campground said, "The trees and the river were beautiful."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Alder Lake Park mentioned, "The bathrooms are very nice. They charge a nominal fee for the showers but they have great water pressure and hot water."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. A reviewer at Tinkham Campground noted, "This is a great quiet campground convenient to Paradise."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A camper at Cougar Rock Campground pointed out, "There are several restrooms around the campground and convenient trash and recycling bins, but the dump station was closed."
  • Tight Spaces: Many sites can be cramped, especially for larger RVs. One reviewer at Tinkham Campground said, "The spots were not the most level and a little tight."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "We had a great one-night stay at this park with short notice."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A family at Ohanapecosh Campground enjoyed, "There is an awesome playground for kids to play at."
  • Safety Precautions: Always be cautious around water. A camper at Iron Creek Campground advised, "The river was moving quite fast and seemed turbulent."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Lake Easton State Park shared, "Activities for children such as the Jr. Ranger program."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cougar Rock Campground cautioned, "We had to be cautious parking our 23 ft. van."
  • Water Availability: Be aware of water access for RVs. A camper at Tinkham Campground noted, "There was no water available for filling RVs - just personal bottles."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect the campground's quiet hours. A visitor at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "It was surprisingly quiet!"

Camping near Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's essential to be prepared and informed about what to expect. Happy camping!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Mount Rainier National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Rainier National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 293 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Rainier National Park and 43 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Mount Rainier National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Rainier National Park is Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 56 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Rainier National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 43 free dispersed camping spots near Mount Rainier National Park.

  • What parks are near Mount Rainier National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Mount Rainier National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.