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Camping near Mount Rainier National Park

1,332 Reviews

Mount Rainier National Park has good camping spots for both tent and RV setups. Cougar Rock Campground sits on the southwest corner of the park and comes with flush toilets and water spigots, though you won't find showers here. Your campsite includes basic amenities like a picnic table, bear box, and fire pit. The campground sits among thick forests that make the area feel peaceful and quiet. From Cougar Rock, you can hop onto the Wonderland Trail for some solid hiking. Keep in mind there's no cell service around here, so you'll need to plan ahead. When camping near Mount Rainier, always remember to store food properly in the provided bear boxes since wildlife does come through the area. The trails and quiet camping make this a great place to spend a few days outdoors.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mount Rainier National Park (305)

    1. Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    58 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-6626

    $20 / night

    "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!"

    2. Ohanapecosh Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    42 Reviews
    Paradise, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    $20 / night

    "Great location, so close to the park entrance. An hour or so away from Paradise Inn and Sunrise Lodge. Hiked Silver Falls Trail which was right across from our campsite (E10)."

    "Rainer is a must for anyone living in the PNW and this campground allows you to stay in the park but gives you access to plenty of trails, waterfalls and is just a short distance from entrance to the Wonderland"

    3. White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    18 Reviews
    Paradise, WA
    5 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "There is also a man who drives around with firewood since you can't bring your own from the outside, and it's very inexpensive."

    "Great trail access to the wonderland trail. September is warm by mid day and in the morning and evening there is that cool PNW mountain breeze. Stayed in the A loop."

    4. White River Dispersed Camping

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

    "It was an absolutely beautiful location, about 10-15 minutes away from the Sunrise Entrance. The first night, I got there after 9pm and there were still plenty of spots available."

    "The campsites are absolutely beautiful—tucked among the trees with stunning views and the soothing, constant sound of the roaring White River nearby."

    5. La Wis Wis Campground

    29 Reviews
    Packwood, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $22 - $115 / night

    "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."

    "Obviously the river spots are the prime locations but we recently had to branch out and stayed in the more wooded Loop B at site B4. We found we had plenty of space and privacy for a party of 5."

    6. Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

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

    "One reason we wanted to stay here was to be close to lots of beautiful hiking near Mt. Rainier. One of the days we went to Sunrise Visitor Center and did a few hikes within the park."

    "My husband and I just spent a weekend at Mowiche Campground located in Ashford, Washington. We chose this campground because we wanted to be close hikes near Mt. Rainier."

    7. Silver Springs Campground

    18 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $37 - $84 / night

    "We had a dry camping, asphalt parking site next to the restrooms at the end of the loop (near the camp hosts). It was very quiet here and the area is just beautiful."

    "This is my new favorite spot to camp in Washington. The spaces are well distributed, the location right next to the river is beautiful and the site staff were extremely gracious."

    8. Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

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

    "If you are ever in the edge of whether or not you want to travel to Washington and hike, I highly recommend coming. This campground was in the perfect location, too, for some hiking!"

    "Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington States greatest attractions. This waterfall is breath taking."

    9. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 783-6000

    "We drove to the end where the bathroom is and decided to turn around, though it seems that the camp spots do continue after that point."

    "We drove to the end where the bathroom is and decided to turn around, though it seems that the camp spots do continue after that point."

    10. The Dalles Campground

    13 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $32 - $68 / night

    "Beautiful spot but it's right off the highway. Mostly wanted to review to add that there's no VZW service for miles."

    "To be honest I thought the complaint of road noise was a little silly as that is always the trade off when located conveniently off the hwy. However it was so much worse than road noise."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mount Rainier National Park

542 Photos of 305 Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mount Rainier National Park

1332 Reviews of 305 Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds

  • Zachary H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Small Site but Million $ View!

    Solid spot for capable vehicles

    I drive a 2010 tacoma and made it up the mtn road fine, but it was a little janky in spots. Got to camp around 8pm so the “prime” spot was taken and it was hard to turn around at the top since they had a party of three cars parked, but beautiful views of Rainier and there were a few other pull offs on the road with good views.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Salmon La Sac

    Salmon La Sac

    Very busy campground on the weekend, but found one of the last first come, first serve sites on Friday around noon. Pit toilets were clean but stronger than normal smell. Good family oriented campground with swimming hole at bottom of loop.

  • Elena M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Kachess Lake Lakebed

    Beautiful but dirty

    Beautiful view, but very dirty, dusty and noisy, dirt bikes are everywhere.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Council Lake

    Council Lake

    Love this campground! Only a few spot available and was very busy during the Labor Day weekend/week. Went up on Sunday and was lucky enough to share a spot with fellow campers (they were leaving the next morning) but every spot was taken and then some. It did clear out during the week and saw a few people throughout and it began filling back up for the weekend. They have a toilet there but make sure to take toilet paper with you because it’s not always full. We took our paddle boat with us and was a bit worried about how to get it down to the water. I had forgotten how steep it was but had no issue with myself and someone else getting it to the bottom. Once it was there we docked it there for the week and used as wanted. It wasn’t too hard getting back up. I even saw someone wench up their aluminum boat with their truck so you have options. Aside from fishing and boating there was the Council Bluff trail that starts in the middle of the campground and takes you to an amazing view of the mountains and the lake. Overall I enjoyed this trip and will camp here again.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    Easy

    If you have access, use it. $50 for FHU. The laundry is fine. The bathhouse is big and well maintained. There are two separate buildings with these facilities. I observed Commons#2. The park is kid of tight for my tastes. But the sites are big and separated from your neighbors. Very comfortable and woodsy. Great place.

  • F O.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Tinkham Campground

    One night

    Road getting into the campground was horrendous their was alot of road noise but the camp sites were big and clean. And at $32.00 a night with no electric was kind of pricey. The camp host was nice.

  • 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.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Mounthaven Resort

    Like a warm blanket

    First, DO NOT GO PAST THE SIGN where it tells you to stop. If you turn right to the office you will need to back out. We did. The trees are so thick and the spots are separated. It’s wonderful. You have to maneuver your trailer into the spots. The bathhouse is fine with two small “bathrooms”. There is one washer and one dryer at $5 per load. Ouch. There is no real store nearby so have what you need before you get here. WIFI works well; cell service not so much (Verizon). It is beautiful in the woods.

  • Angelo V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    Beautiful campground

    Multiple spots surrounding the airstrip. Im working remote so having enough of a clearing that I can access the internet was important. Starlink gets the job done but my t mobile service was basically non-existent.

    I stayed on the east side of the strip and there is plenty of space and locations to settle. I explored the loop to the south west of the strip and there were some large campgrounds that looked made for groups. Plenty of trails to explore as well. This section had rocks blocking vehicles from driving into the campground, so tents only. There is also an incredibly steep hill near the end of the loop that is absolutely not safe in winter.

    There are two vault toilets on ends of the east side. The southern one was out of tp, so bring your own septic safe stuff just in case.

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

When is the best time of year to camp at Mount Rainier National Park?

Summer is the optimal time to camp at Mount Rainier National Park, typically from late June through early September when most campgrounds are fully operational. Weather can still be unpredictable, with some campers reporting cool and wet conditions even in July. Silver Springs Campground offers beautiful riverside sites during the summer months with well-spaced campsites. For those seeking to avoid crowds, consider early June or mid-September when temperatures remain pleasant but visitor numbers decrease. Winter camping is possible for experienced adventurers, but requires proper gear and preparation for snow conditions. Always check current park conditions before your trip, as seasonal road closures may affect access to certain areas.

Can I find camping near specific areas of Mount Rainier like Paradise or Sunrise?

Yes, you can find camping options near both Paradise and Sunrise areas of Mount Rainier. For the Sunrise area, Granite Creek Camp serves as an excellent base, offering direct access to the Wonderland Trail and hiking to Sunrise Point. Near Paradise, La Wis Wis Campground is a fantastic option located just 5 minutes from a park entrance with beautiful old-growth forest and riverside sites. For those seeking a more challenging adventure near Paradise, Camp Muir offers the highest camping in Washington with spectacular views, though it requires a difficult hike to reach. Remember to make reservations well in advance for summer stays.

What are the best campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park?

Mount Rainier offers several outstanding campgrounds, with Ipsut Creek Camp being a favorite for those who enjoy a moderate 5-mile trek along the Carbon River to reach a peaceful, wooded setting. For those preferring drive-in options, White River Campground provides excellent facilities with water and toilets in a convenient location. If you're willing to stay just outside the park boundaries, The Dalles Campground offers beautiful sites, though be aware it's close to the highway and cell service is limited. For maximum privacy and river access, many campers recommend choosing lower-numbered sites at campgrounds throughout the area, particularly those between sites 2-10 when available.

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