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Best Tent Camping near Mount Rainier National Park

1,171 Reviews

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington offers several tent-only backcountry camping options with varying degrees of accessibility and amenities. Notable options include White River Dispersed Camping near the northeast entrance and Mowich Lake Campground near Ashford, which provides tent platforms in a primitive setting. The park features multiple backcountry sites accessible via the Wonderland Trail system, including Summerland, Carbon River, and Sunrise Camp, all requiring permits for overnight stays.

Most tent sites within Mount Rainier National Park have minimal amenities, with many backcountry locations featuring only basic toilet facilities and no potable water. Bear boxes or poles are provided at established backcountry sites like Sunrise Camp and Granite Creek for secure food storage. A recent review noted, "There are community bear boxes to share, no water, and no fire" at Sunrise Camp. Campfires are prohibited in many areas of the park, especially at higher elevations, and permits are required for all backcountry camping, which can be difficult to obtain during peak season. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with snow possible even during summer months at higher elevations.

Higher-elevation tent sites offer spectacular mountain views but require preparation for variable weather. Summerland Backcountry Campsites feature subalpine meadows with dramatic mountain vistas. A visitor commented, "Doesn't get much better than watching the sunset behind Rainier at a flower adorned stream flowing through a subalpine meadow." Sites like Camp Muir serve as base camps for those attempting to summit Mount Rainier, sitting at high elevation with basic shelter options. Walk-in tent sites near Mowich Lake provide access to multiple trail networks, including paths to Spray Falls and Tolmie Peak. Most backcountry tent sites are well-separated from each other, offering privacy despite the wilderness setting, with some campsites requiring significant hiking efforts, steep terrain navigation, and even log bridge or suspension bridge crossings to access.

Map showing campgrounds near Mount Rainier National Park, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Mount Rainier National Park (103)

    1. White River Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 825-6585

    "Right outside the entrance to Mt."

    "If you come here you must leave no trace."

    2. Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    13 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    "The lake is absolutely beautiful and there are so many different trails branching off of it."

    "The sites were your standard, with a picnic table, fire ring, and plenty of trees for shade and cover. There are lots of things to do in the area."

    3. Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    10 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    "The road slowly meanders uphill alongside the Carbon River for 5 miles, giving campers majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks."

    "One incredible part about being here is the proximity to Mt. Rainier National Park. We did so many amazing hikes, it was unreal. The weather was perfect so Rainier was out and shinning bright!!"

    4. Camp Muir — Mount Rainier National Park

    3 Reviews
    Paradise, WA
    3 miles
    Website

    "Highest camp in Washington. Nice solar toilets. The hike up is quite difficult."

    "Camp Muir is located approximately 4-5 miles (depending on snow conditions and route access) from the parking lot in Paradise."

    5. NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Puyallup, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1103

    "We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates."

    "Many of the campers do not understand the rules and they depart with trash and litter everywhere.  Volunteers continue to cleanup after these abusers as well as the Forest Service."

    6. Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    3 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    5 miles
    Website

    "You have to hike-in to get to this campground. When we were there, the river access was washed out, so you have to hike down to get to it. Our knees were killing us by the time we got there."

    "you used to be able to drive and car camp here but the carbon river keeps washing things out. "

    7. Sunrise Camp Primitive — Mount Rainier National Park

    3 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    5 miles

    $5 / night

    "This was the first campground on a multi-day backpacking trip. It's really close to the Sunrise Visitor Center, which I wasn't too happy about."

    "It is located off of a popular day hike to the Glacier Overlook—which provides an excellent view of Emmons Glacier. There are community bear boxes to share, no water, and no fire."

    8. Eagles Roost Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    3 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    8 miles
    Website

    "Pit toilet that isn’t nasty and most sites give you the feeling of privacy and with the waterfall close by there is constant white noise that while not overpowering it drowns out any neighbors."

    "It's a short hike from Mowich Lake, which has it's own campground, but there are only a few spots here, which makes it quiet. On the way, you get stunning views of Mount Rainier."

    9. Granite Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    3 miles
    Website

    "You can start at Granite Creek Campground and hike to Sunrise Point which is in the Wonderland trail in the Mount Rainier National Park."

    "We arrived at granite creek after about 2.5 hours on the trail."

    10. Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park

    2 Reviews
    Paradise, WA
    4 miles
    Website

    "The reason I give caution is Mount Rainier likes to create its own weather. Got trapped and a thunderstorm well there with torrential downpours."

    "Doesn't get much better than watching the sunset behind Rainier at a flower adorned stream flowing through a subalpine meadow."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Mount Rainier National Park

68 Photos of 103 Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Mount Rainier National Park

1171 Reviews of 103 Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds

  • Mary C.
    Jun. 11, 2019

    La Wis Wis Campground

    Ranger Review of GCI chairs at La Wis Wis Campground

    Campground Review

    This campground is at the base of Mt Rainier National Park in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  To get to the campsite, you have to drive down into the ravine of where the Cowlitz River cuts through the campsite. There are many sites on the river, with the rest in the trees covering the expanse of the grounds. Large RV/ trailers can only be in the upper Loop H.

    The road is a one way and for the most part, campers respect the speed limit, though there are some idiots who drive fast through. 

    There are no hookups, so you will be dry camping if you bring an RV. This is very close to Packwood and a great place to stay during Memorial Weekend for their annual Flea Market.  There is no cell service at this site. Site claims to have flushing toilets, but those were removed a few years ago, there are only vault toilets and no showers. Depending on how the snow melt is during the spring, will dictate fishing and camping opening. 

    Product Review

    I had the opportunity to review a GCI Outdoor Backpack Event Chair.  This product is amazing for lugging around from campground to fishing and back. The chair has four different positions for reclining and hard arm supports for getting up and down. There is a large pocket on the back allowing for easy toting of items from car to wherever. The backpack straps make toting a breeze and the clip to close keeps the chair in place. It is very light and easy to transport and has a weight limit of 250, but my very large cousin (300+) was able to sit with no problem. 

    https://www.gcioutdoor.com/camping-chairs/backpack-event-chair/

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2019

    South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping

    We stayed here 2 nights and will definitely be coming back. Tons of open sites to choose from right along the river. Designated fire rings but currently there's a burn ban. No vault toilets or picnic tables. Pack it in, pack it out! When we first arrived we spent about 20 minutes cleaning the site we chose after the people whom were here before us. Not such a big deal just a little saddening. #1 rule is to leave no trace. Extremely grateful we get to explore and camp on land that is free. We should all do our part and take care of it. 

    A little surprising that we had cell phone reception with sprint! 

    Near this area there are a lot or activities. Biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking.. to name a few!

  • Elliott B.
    Aug. 30, 2017

    Ohanapecosh Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Ranger Review: Leatherman: Signal at Ohanapecosh Campground: Relaxing views of the old growth forest, however you can see every campground

    Campsite Review: This campground is really in a nice area of the old growth forest but it's camping amongst crowds when we went in the high season, the entire 188 sites were filled. There were very few walk-up sites and the rest of the campsites themselves are a decent size but not spaced far enough away from other campers and there is no underbrush to separate you from each other at all. We stayed at site 54 in loop A and had people constantly walking through/by both sides of our campsite to get to the toilets which were located on the next level higher than us. People literally walked right by our fire ring and through our chairs at one point to then hike up the hill instead of traversing around to the right for some stairs. If you can go off season by all means try and do it, but avoid this particular site at all costs…

    The toilet facilities weren’t the nicest ones I’ve been to and could have used a little TLC. The facilities right by us were dirty and a bit rusty. They also had no soap or hand drying instrument what-so-ever (neither paper towels or hand dryer). Thankfully we had these things ourselves, but usually in NP campgrounds you don’t have to bring them yourself to the restroom.

    Amenities: not sure if every site had one, but lots of bear boxes (you’re in bear and cougar (mountain lion) territory), your standard picnic tables, fire rings, plus flush toilets, potable water, & dump station for you RVers |Prohibited: pets off-leash, & firewood gathering (The camp host drives around selling wood if you haven’t already gotten some at a store) we came right during a fire ban, but as soon as it was removed they drove around letting everyone know. There then seemed to be a truck driving around with firewood for sale, I wasn’t able to confirm though as we were headed off to Paradise and then the Olympic peninsula.

    Nearby Hikes: Grove of the Patriarchs, & Silver Falls and not too far from Paradise which is a must do if you happen to come in wild flower season

    Gear Review: As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get the opportunity to test out products and the saving grace for this particular camp site was my testing of the Leatherman Signal (Designed for adventure!!). This is a truly fantastic Leatherman and even if you’ve had them for years you should really check out the newer lines of specialized gear. I had an old PST (pocket survival tool) as a boy scout and had upgraded to the original WAVE, but hadn’t checked them out in years as I still have them and thought what could be better than what I already have. I was wrong. This tool and many of the other lines (skateboarding, surfing, skiing, hunting) are also really worth checking out.

    • This is designed specifically with camping in mind.
    • Really impressed with the new ability to change out components from this and other tools are you wear them down.
    • The hammer is great for knocking in tent stakes into some stubborn ground or breaking up that giant block of ice into some manageable pieces.
    • Great locking functions on the blade, saw and hammer section - nothing comes loose as you’re cutting/hammering away
    • It’s really all the little touches that make this an awesome tool. Like having a sharpener, a built-in fire starter and emergency whistle. These are things that might end up saving your life if you happen to get stranded while out in the woods.

    I give the Leatherman Signal 4.5/5 Stars!

  • J
    Jun. 30, 2024

    La Wis Wis Campground

    Beautiful campground among the trees

    The facilities, while only vault toilets, were always kept clean. The trees and the river were beautiful. We loved that we were only 5 minutes from the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, and about the same distance to Packwood WA for access to amenities if needed. I’d recommend trying to get a site along the river. There was no cell phone signal (T-Mobile) for miles around.

  • Marie L.
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Owhi Campground

    Beautiful spot - not worth the trek

    Cooper Lake is absolutely stunning and admittedly the campsites are situated pretty well for views and privacy but there are definitely Pros and Cons to this campground.

    Pros:

    Right on the lake and if not you get a very private site walking distance to water
    Great hiking trail

    Lake access 24/7

    Lot's of big shade trees

    No internal combustion motors 

    Vault toilets in good shape

    Dumpsters

    Cons: 

    Extremely busy (and LOUD) day use area

    Steep hill and trails to all the sites - pack light and even then it is A LOT of work getting into your site

    $18 for a walk in site...? eh a little steep for me

    Did I mention the loud day use area with lots of screaming kids?

    No bear boxes by the lake so you also have to trek your cooler/dry goods up the hill every night to not attract wildlife.

    All in All this was a solid 3.5 stars.  There were pros to out weight the cons but in the end if I am going to walk that far to haul my stuff into a site I want it to be pretty remote/serene OR be a little cheaper.

  • Kier S.
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Lots of space & fairly private

    I’ve spent a couple of nights up here this year and I LOVE this campground. It is large, but there is plenty of separation and the sites seem to offer fairly good privacy and have a good amount of space. 

    I camp in a hammock and there are a lot of sites that offer enough well spaced trees to set up hammocks.  There are nice fire rings at each of the sites, nice tables and firewood is available at the camp site.  I didn't know before I went, but dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes, BUT they aren't allowed on most trails around the mountain.

    The campground is well situated to get you close to Paradise as well as a ton of hikes nearby. 

    There aren’t any showers, but the bathrooms are clean and have flush toilets.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Close to amazing hiking

    This is a popular, reservable campground at Mt Rainier. There are 5 loops with A loop and R(Road) loops not reservable. There is a fancy electronic iron ranger at the ranger station(something the rangers want you to use even when they are in their booth and clearly able to handle reservations). I had a nifty little bridge connecting my car and the picnic table to the the tent pad. I also had kids running through the trees and the middle of my campsite from the sites behind me. Most sites had good hammocking trees, and it looked like all had picnic tables. There is an amphitheater in the campground that had a nice draw of campers for the evening program. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, but no showers. E loop was a no generator zone, which means it was fully booked while I was there. There is a good hike to Carter Falls along the Wonderland Trail, which cuts right through the campground. You are fairly close to Paradise which has more hiking trailheads and a visitor center.

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Cougar Rock Group Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Nice quiet campground

    Well maintained national park campground. Reserve on Recreation.gov. Sites have tables, bear boxes and fire pits. Restrooms have flush toilets and sinks for dishes. Ranger is available at the adjacent ranger station for check in or any other questions.

    Its a dry site - as in no water at the campsites. There is a drinking fountain by the bathroom. The dump station was closed for 2025 season and not sure when or if it will re open.

    Its only $20 in 2025.

  • Greg T.
    Jun. 13, 2018

    Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    large, tidy, with good tree cover, fire rings, and hinged grills to cook fo

    This campground is huge! got lost in it a few times... there are tons of great spots with nice fire rings and flat spots for tents. Firewood at the entrance to the campground. Didn’t see any showers but indoor plumbing in the bathrooms. Potable water by all the bathrooms as well. Many sites have pretty good privacy from the other sites even though they are relatively close together

Guide to Mount Rainier National Park

Tent camping near Mount Rainier National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed spots to choose from, campers can find the perfect setting for their adventure.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Mowich Lake Campground features picnic tables and toilets, making it a comfortable choice for families and groups looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground offers reservable sites with picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a clean and convenient camping experience.
  • Carbon River Camp provides a spacious campground with essential amenities, including toilets, perfect for those seeking a quieter retreat.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At White River Dispersed Camping, visitors can enjoy hiking along the river and exploring the surrounding trails, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Rocky Point Campground is a great launch point for boating and fishing, offering easy access to the lake for water activities.
  • Eagles Roost Camp is perfect for hikers, with trails leading to breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and nearby waterfalls.

Explore these specific local attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access tent camping sites near the Carbon River entrance of Mount Rainier?

Yes, tent camping is available near the Carbon River entrance. Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground — Mount Rainier National Park is accessible via a 5-mile hike or bike ride from the Carbon River entrance since the access road washed out. The campground offers several tent sites with picnic tables and is perfect for those willing to make the journey. Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National Park provides additional hike-in tent sites with basic amenities including toilets. All sites in this area require a wilderness camping permit, and reservations are recommended during peak season.

Are there tent camping sites near Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park?

While there are no tent camping sites directly at Paradise, several options exist nearby. Snow Lake Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park offers tent camping within hiking distance of Paradise. For those wanting to stay in developed campgrounds, Cougar Rock Group Campground is the closest established camping area to Paradise, located about 6 miles away. For a unique experience, experienced mountaineers can tent camp at Camp Muir (10,188 feet elevation) with a permit. All camping in Mount Rainier National Park requires appropriate permits, and sites fill quickly during peak season, so advance planning is essential.

What tent camping options are available within Mount Rainier National Park?

Mount Rainier National Park offers diverse tent camping options. Cougar Rock Group Campground — Mount Rainier National Park provides well-maintained sites with tables, bear boxes, fire pits, and flush toilets. Glacier Basin Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park offers more remote tent camping with beautiful mountain views and bear canisters for food storage. Other options include Sunrise Camp Primitive (walk-in tent sites near the visitor center), Mowich Lake Campground (primitive walk-in tent camping), and various backcountry sites throughout the park. Most frontcountry campgrounds require reservations on Recreation.gov, while backcountry camping requires wilderness permits.

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