Camping near Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington offers a range of camping options from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites within the park and surrounding national forest lands. Established campgrounds like Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River provide traditional camping experiences with various amenities including drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables. White River Campground is particularly popular for its proximity to the Sunrise area, while Ohanapecosh Campground offers a more forested setting near the park's southeast entrance. For those seeking a more primitive experience, dispersed camping is available in select areas of the surrounding forest, including White River Dispersed and Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed areas.
Camping availability varies significantly by season, with most developed campgrounds operating from late May through early October. Winter snow accumulation keeps many areas inaccessible until late spring, and some high-elevation sites may retain snow into July. Reservations are strongly recommended for park campgrounds during summer months, while many national forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. All campgrounds within the national park prohibit pets, though most forest service campgrounds do allow them. Elevation plays a significant role in temperature variations, with higher campsites experiencing considerably cooler nights even in summer. A camper noted, "Mount Rainier likes to create its own weather. Got trapped in a thunderstorm with torrential downpours."
The White River area provides some of the most highly-rated camping experiences, with several visitors mentioning the scenic views and river sounds as highlights. Sites along the White River feature mountain views and the soothing sound of flowing water, creating a peaceful backdrop for camping. According to one visitor, "I was in loop D which is right by the river. Amazing views from my roof tent. Sites are close to each other, but the roaring river drowns out any noise." Backcountry camping requires permits and offers solitude away from the more developed areas. Some campgrounds like La Wis Wis and Silver Springs offer a middle ground with amenities like drinking water and toilets while maintaining a more natural setting. Campfires are allowed at most developed campgrounds but prohibited in certain backcountry locations and during high fire danger periods.
