Best Campgrounds near Packwood, WA

The small town of Packwood in Washington has several camping options that put you close to Mount Rainier. Cougar Rock Campground inside the national park connects to many hiking trails with good mountain views. Campers also head to Ohanapecosh Campground when they want to hike the Silver Falls Trail and see waterfalls. La Wis Wis Campground sits just six miles from town among old-growth trees with room to spread out. The campgrounds fill quickly in summer, so you'll need to book ahead or show up very early for first-come sites. Most places have basic setups - picnic tables and pit toilets are common at simpler sites. Since bears live throughout this area, you'll need to store food properly when camping. Many locals think fall is the best time to camp near Packwood because the crowds thin out and the leaves change color. The Packwood area works well for both regular campgrounds and more basic camping depending on what you want.

Best Camping Sites Near Packwood, Washington (308)

    1. Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    58 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    12 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
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    $20 / night

    "Lots of trails to hike, pet friendly, and the river is a sight to see. Beautiful."

    "There is an awesome playground for kids to play at, a zipping, bikes for kids to ride and a little bike trail for kids to ride on. Facilities are clean and the staff is very nice!"

    3. La Wis Wis Campground

    29 Reviews
    Packwood, WA
    6 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."

    "Our sight was very big and right next to the river. Camp sites were very spaced out too which was a plus. Close to the town of Packwood as well as the National Park. I highly recommend."

    4. Cascade Peaks Family Campground

    8 Reviews
    Packwood, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 494-7931

    5. Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot

    4 Reviews
    Packwood, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1103

    6. Cascade Peaks Family Camping

    7 Reviews
    Packwood, WA
    7 miles
    +1 (360) 494-7931

    7. Packwood RV Park & Campground

    4 Reviews
    Packwood, WA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 494-5145

    "Packwood which is a small little town next to White Pass is a great place to visit if you want to get away in Washington and be outdoors."

    "There’s a lot of things around walking distance (all within a couple min walk). Also has great showers bathrooms and laundry ($1.75 per load). Tent lot was $10 per person per night."

    8. Iron Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Randle, WA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $27 - $50 / night

    "There is a path from our campsite that join the bigger walking loop around the campground and access to the river. We were there after the July 4th holiday so it was quiet."

    "The campground is super quiet and allows you to get away from it all. There are no services and no cell phone reception so come expecting that."

    9. Walupt Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    White Pass, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Amazing camp site with a good amount of lakeside camps. Staying in site 41 to 44 guarantees amazing sunrise and sunset views. The lake water is crystal clear. Excellent location if you enjoy hiking."

    "nice tall shade trees and beautiful access to the lake. trails are around and a large beach to relax on. sites are large and trees are close enough to hang a hammock. note: road to get here is entirely"

    10. 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."

    "Got here around sunset. Looks like some good camping spots to walk into. Beautiful view of Rainier. There was a little bit of traffic but nothing crazy. Would stay here again."

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Recent Reviews near Packwood, WA

1125 Reviews of 308 Packwood 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • T
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Camp Lakeview

    Ball field camping spots

    Overall very nice but you get what you pay for. Limited fire pits and spots are first come first serve and field is not regularly monitored. Bathrooms are portapotties and no shower facilities. Also it is across the road from main campground.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    Not at all what we were expecting

    I don’t know where on 52 people are finding sites with views, but we drove the entire length of it and didn’t see one spot worth stopping at. I suppose if you don’t mind sleeping five feet from a busy paved road, fine, but these sites are mostly glorified gravel shoulders on the side of the road with no views whatsoever. The one spot that looked ok had a haul trailer and was strewn with laundry and garbage. We tried few other FS roads and gave up and got a nps first come first served site in the park. I’ve found some decent FS sites over the years, but the homeless hobo class seems to have f’d everything up for everyone, and some of these reviews seem like BS. I wouldn’t bother with FS 52 unless your standards for campsites are Walmart parking lots.

  • Kathy M.
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Elk Meadows RV Park

    Beautiful place

    Beautiful place!! Very nice campground. Bathrooms are exceptional. Stayed in site 50. Beautiful view of mountain and meadow!!!

  • Julia B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Camp Lakeview

    Quiet and cozy

    We stayed at site number C10 A in our tent with our children. It was a larger site that sits next to the small creek. It was very pleasant and quiet. The bath house isn’t too far and was usually well stocked and clean. There is a playground next to a volleyball court and basketball court. A small beach with a large dock was available for use during the day as well as a boat launch and fishing dock. The weekends get very busy but during the weeks it is a cozy little community.


Guide to Packwood

Camping near Packwood, Washington, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, including those leading to breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. One camper mentioned, “Pretty big site that is a short drive to paradise. Many hiking trails nearby” at Cougar Rock Campground.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near rivers and lakes, making them perfect for fishing. A review from Ohanapecosh Campground highlights, “Loved having the silver falls trail right next to our site!!”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor at Iron Creek Campground noted, “The river is beautiful and lots of trails around the site.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Takhlakh Lake Campground states, “A campground nestled in dense forest with a perfect view of Mt. Adam’s in the background.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Lower Falls Campground said, “Very quiet with the sound of the falls in the background.”
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and campsites. A review for Eastcreek Campground highlights, “The bathrooms are actually very nice (dare I say upscale!) and clean.”

What you should know:

  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at White River Campground advised, “Get there early to secure a spot.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain amenities like showers or electric hookups. A camper at Alder Lake Park mentioned, “No sewer or showers, pit toilets.”
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be cautious about food storage due to wildlife. A review for La Wis Wis Campground noted, “People were not worried about bears here.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby trails. A review for Ohanapecosh Campground mentions, “There is an awesome playground for kids to play at.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. One camper at Cougar Rock Campground shared, “We made do with no fire but loved having the Carter falls trail across the street.”
  • Pack Games: Bring outdoor games for family fun. A visitor at Iron Creek Campground suggested, “We loved it and cannot wait to go back!”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites are tight for larger RVs. A review for Cougar Rock Campground warned, “This campground is really tight for large RV.”
  • Dump Station Availability: Be aware of dump station closures. A camper at Ohanapecosh Campground noted, “The dump station was closed, and there was no water available for filling RVs.”
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Lower Falls Campground mentioned, “The last 5 miles of road to the campground is a mess.”

Camping near Packwood, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping available near Mount Rainier from Packwood?

Yes, excellent camping options are available near Mount Rainier from Packwood. La Wis Wis Campground is just 5 minutes from Mount Rainier National Park's entrance with spacious riverside sites, clean vault toilets, and convenient access to both the park and Packwood's amenities. Ohanapecosh Campground inside Mount Rainier National Park is about 15 minutes from Packwood, offering pet-friendly sites, hiking trails, and beautiful river views. For experienced hikers seeking high-elevation camping, Camp Muir provides the highest established camp in Washington with solar toilets and spectacular mountain views, though the hike up is challenging. Most campgrounds in the area are open seasonally from late spring through early fall.

What camping sites are available in Packwood, Washington?

Packwood, Washington offers a variety of camping options. Packwood RV Park & Campground provides convenient accommodations right in town with access to amenities and is a great base for outdoor activities like mountain biking to Packwood Lake. Silver Springs Campground is another excellent option with well-spaced sites situated beautifully along a river. The area also features Tower Rock Campground for larger groups with RVs and tents, White Pass Lake Campground for summer recreation, and Cascade Peaks Family Campground for those seeking more amenities. Additionally, several dispersed camping options exist on National Forest land surrounding Packwood for those seeking a more primitive experience.

Where are the best campgrounds near Packwood, WA?

The best campgrounds near Packwood offer unique experiences for different camping preferences. Packwood Lake is exceptional for those willing to hike or use ATVs to reach remote lakeside sites with stunning views, though water is quite cold. White Pass Lake Campground is ideal for summer visitors, providing access to hiking trails and nearby Rimrock Lake. For those seeking riverside camping with more amenities, Iron Creek Campground and Walupt Lake Campground offer reservable sites with water and toilet facilities. Tower Rock Campground works well for larger groups with pets, featuring secluded sites that accommodate both RVs and tents. Most top campgrounds are open from late spring through early fall, with some requiring reservations during peak season.