Best Tent Camping near Packwood, WA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Packwood? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Packwood with tent camping. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Packwood, Washington's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Packwood, Washington (117)
1. White River Dispersed Camping
19 Reviews•58 Photos•737 SavesGreenwater, WashingtonThe historic Mather Memorial Parkway (State Route 410) is the gateway to a recreational haven. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Rainier. For more excitement, take a spin in the off-road vehicle area at Evans Creek, or zip down the slopes of Crystal Mountain Ski Area. Or if you prefer solitude, escape into the solace of the forest and leave the world behind.
Mather Memorial Parkway Created in 1931, this paved two-lane classic Cascades drive along Highway 410 from Enumclaw to the eastern edge of Mount Rainier National Park presents majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks. More than 200 miles of trails accommodate hikers, horses and mountain bikes. Drive, hike or ride to the Suntop Lookout Cabin at the top of Forest Road 7315. Choose a primitive campsite along forest roads east and west of the parkway. In November buy a permit at the Enumclaw office and take the family out to the woods to cut your own Christmas tree. Most forest roads are unpaved and minimally maintained. Cell phones have limited coverage in the mountains.
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions.
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2. Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
13 Reviews•39 Photos•100 SavesMount Rainier National Park, WashingtonThe campground at Mowich Lake is the smallest of the four camping areas within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. The road is unpaved after the first three miles and may be rough. Also, this is a walk-in campground only and fires are not allowed. With all that said, however, it just may be the most pristine and beautiful place to pitch a tent you’ll ever come across, with one of the most magnificent views of the mountain that you’ll find anywhere.
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3. NF-52 Dispersed Camping
7 Reviews•23 Photos•183 SavesPuyallup, Washington- Pets
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
10 Reviews•15 Photos•94 SavesMount Rainier National Park, WashingtonTents only. Backcountry camping permits are available from the Carbon River Ranger Station (360) 829-9639.
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5. Horseshoe Lake
5 Reviews•12 Photos•71 SavesGifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington- Pets
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$18 / night
6. Council Lake
6 Reviews•15 Photos•156 SavesGifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington- Pets
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
7. Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park
3 Reviews•10 SavesRandle, Washington- Pets
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
8. Camp Muir — Mount Rainier National Park
3 Reviews•23 Photos•33 SavesParadise, WashingtonCamp Muir is the preferred basecamp for hikers and climbers attempting to summit Mt. Rainier. It is named after John Muir, renowned naturalist and a member of the sixth group to summit the iconic Pacific Northwest peak. Located at 10,080 feet in elevation, Camp Muir is not a campground in any traditional sense. It is made up of an old stone shelter which is open to the public on a first-come basis, and another outbuilding used by professional guide companies. If the shelter is full, climbers pitch their tents on the rocky scree field. A wilderness and climbing permit are required to access this part of Mt. Rainier Park. Reservations for those permits open in March of each year.
The approach to Camp Muir should not be attempted by anyone without significant mountaineering or route finding skills. The National Park Service offers specific compass bearings to travel through the Muir Snowfield. These bearing should be used in tandem with an accurate topographic map. Because snowstorms and fog events can cause whiteout conditions during any month of the year, traversing the Muir Snowfield to reach the camp is one of the most dangerous sections of the trail. There have been multiple fatalities in groups that got off route in this treacherous glacial area.
Because any night spent at Camp Muir is often a part of a much larger mountaineering attempt, campers must be well-prepared for high alpine conditions. Above treeline means that winds are high and cold, and any tent or shelter should be four-season rated. There are stream crossings during the approach, and, while the water must be treated, Pebble Creek is a good source to fill up containers- there is no water at Camp Muir. Use the ‘blue bag’ system for solid human waste- there is a receptacle at the camp.
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9. Snow Lake Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park
2 Reviews•12 Photos•157 SavesParadise, Washington- Pets
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10. Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area
4 Reviews•9 Photos•135 SavesGoose Prairie, WashingtonPrimitve area below Miner's Ridge outside of the Wilderness.Access by the extremely rough road is limited to hikers, stock and mountain bikes. __Pack It In -- Pack It Out Site.
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Recent Tent Reviews near Packwood, Washington
987 Reviews of 117 Packwood Campgrounds
- Devon P.
ScoutRainbow RV Resort
This place is a steal! (From the customer)
Wanted to make some headway leaving Mount Rainier towards Seattle and stay somewhere in the middle. Should have camped at Cougar Rock and driven further today. Expensive (30 plus tax) tent camping prices afford you an unlevel pad of weedy haphazardly maintained grass that's actually just the back yard of a house converted into way too many tent sites and two cabins. No fire pit, no picnic bench for my site, not raked after cutting the weeds so grass in EVERYTHING. The best part? The advertised wifi which would add some redeeming quality to the price tag doesn't reach the camping area (even though I could throw a rock to the reception desk from there) AND in the morning you have the blessing of COIN OPERATED showers after already paying for your stay. One single toilet and one single shower at the camp store for all campers.
AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS. Not worth your money when there are plenty of decently maintained forest service sites around with flat camping pads. I only give it 1 of 5 stars because I found something worth about 30 dollars in the parking lot. Otherwise it's 0/5.
- ZZane G.
Guide
Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Beautiful old growth forest setting
Very nicely maintained campground. Get your reservations in the winter before your trip. Spots fill up fast. Bathrooms are clean. Tent sites are nice and provide plenty of room. Tent sites aren’t to close to each other but typical for national parks. Highly recommend this camp ground.
- Laura B.Guide
Beaver Bay Campground
Clean
Nice little campground. Sites are a little uneven for tent camping. Clean beach but very cold water.
- BBobbyGuide
Indian Creek (WA)
Indian Creek US 12 Mt. Rainier
Beautiful campground USFS several RV Sites, tent sites on the lake water no hookups vaulted toilets very clean. camp host Mike was very helpful with local information
Cheryl W.Scout
Ike Kinswa State Park Campground
Completely amazing site!!
Let me start off by saying - if there are so many campsites in Washington, why would you want to stay at the same place multiple times???
Ike Kinswa is the place I would stay at repeatedly. Between the incredibly helpful and friendly staff, to the private tent sites, to the water access, we’ve already stayed twice this summer!! So incredibly impressed with this gem!
Raskol B.Scout
Merrill Lake Campground
Mountain top lake campground
Incredible, free, private. Tent sites only, short hike in from parking lot, bring your own everything. Pit toilets, lake access, close to Mt. St. Helens activities. Four miles from Cougar.
- Nicole G.Guide
Taidnapam Park
Decent state park
Decent coin op showers. Nice walk in tent sites. Nice RV sites. Decent playground. Fishing bridge just a short walk. There's no store or anything. Can buy firewood nearby. Flush toilets. Cleaned regularly.
Dominic J.GuideCougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Plenty of FCFS
Was able to get a tent site first come first serve for what wasn't reserved. Very cold and rainy in comparison to campsites outside of the park. Site were private but the bathrooms were a walk.
Eric H.Guide
Willows Campground
Right on the river.
2020 prices in the photo. Clean camp with multiple water points. There's 4 or 5 spots large enough for an RV away from the river. Several flat tent camping spots along the river.
We found the location a little noisy because HWY12 run along the north side of the park.
JanellGuide
Alder Lake Park
Small, well cared for campground
Only con is road noise from Hwy7. Main through fare to Mt Rainier south entrance and services. Sites may be too close together if park was full. We were one a few campers! We tent camped and had view of Lake Alder. Nice campground host. We'll cared for, clean, organized sites. No sewer or showers, pit toilets.
- Paul B.
Traveler
Lake Easton State Park Campground
Nice for the family with a variety of activities.
We stayed in the tent camping area. RV section looks very nice too. Had a great time, but next visit will select a site in the lower loop, further away from the interstate noise. Lots of trails for walking/biking and a swim area. Access to the upper stretch of the Yakima River. Clean restrooms and varied site size.
Brooke M.GuideKnuppenburg Lake Campground
Nice
Has tents site to camp at
- RRachel K.Scout
Taidnapam Park
Gem for Tenters with kids!
This campground is a strange hidden gem - stick with me through the downsides. Taidnapam is on Riffe Lake, which is created by a dam and as of about 2013 the water levels have been permanently lowered by 30-ish feet. This is bad news for people who only went there for boating and fishing and swimming in the swim area but for some of us it's actually good news.
The campground is slower than it used to be during the summer months due to the lowered water levels - but that means you can often still get a reservation at the last minute, especially for the walk-in tent sites (which is what we use). We have camped for three years now at the walk-in tent sites and it's a bit tougher to access the water but you definitely can still find plenty of places to get in or take a kayak down to the water. There's also lots of fun areas around the edge of the lake to explore that used to be under water - making for interested hiking.
We love this campground to go to with kids - the walk-in tent sites are great and the water is so shallow now for quite a ways out so the kids can play in the water and the sand/mud along the edge of the lake. There are so many nooks and crannies around the edge of the lake to explore with the kids - and we used an inflatable kayak while there to go across the lake. They also have a scavenger hunt of items hidden around the campground that you can do with your kids (or if they are a bit older they can do on their own) and a playground.
- MMaria P.Traveler
Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Beautiful hiking & gorgeous lake
The tent sites are right off the parking lot; I was a bigger fan of the backcountry camping. But the lake is this amazingly clear, turquoise blue. You can see the fallen dead wood sitting at the bottom of the lake. Hiking into the alpine was too beautiful for words. I loved the area, but I didn't like the parking lot proximity
- Abigayle W.Traveler
Mossyrock Park
Quaint with Many Facilities
This camping is great if you do not mind having others near you or if you are fearful of venturing out alone. If you are looking for a secluded location, this is NOT the spot. This location had many amenities. My husband and I tent camped and it included ample space to pitch our tent, a small in-the-ground pit, and a table. We noticed many RVs and many sites had available hookups. There is a nice lake in walking distance for boating, swimming, and fishing.
Queen Katie S.TravelerRainbow RV Resort
Luxury RV Camping!
We Can’t Thank The Rainbow RV Resort Enough For The Wonderful Stay We Had. They Are A Clean Reasonably Priced RV Camping Site With Tent Camping Available, A Boat Launch A Beautiful Dock And Swimming Area As Well. Thank You To All The Rainbow Resort Staff For Making Our Stay An Enjoyable And Memorable One! Beautiful Place With Amazing Views Of Tanwax Lake! We Look Forward To Staying Again Sooner Then Later! Take Care!
Ariel & John W.
Ranger
Elkamp Eastcreek
Clean, beautiful
Well maintained campground, full hookups and tent sites available. Sites fairly large & private with tons of old trees and right next to a creek. Bathrooms clean. Fire pits and firewood available from hosts. Easy access to Rainier NP. Hosts super nice. Only thing that would make this place better is more substantial picnic tables which were new but kind of rickety. Would camp here again.
Big_Tan_Turtle _.GuideElkamp Eastcreek
Wonderful place!
We spent a weekend tent camping here and I can't wait to go back when it gets warmer and this time bring the Turtle. The campground is meticulously maintained, facilities are super clean, there is a dishwashing station, and a super cute store. The two guys who run the place are super friendly, drive around delivering ice and firewood, and are so welcoming. There is a creek that is fun for kids to play in and a large field to go explore and walk around in. Beautiful location and close to Mt. Rainier NP.
Kathy B.
LegendMerrill Lake Campground
Merrill Lake
Discover pass required
Merrill Lake, just outside of Cougar, WA feels very remote, despite its relatively close proximity to the Portland/Vancouver area. This campground is best suited for tent camping, as there is only one RV site and sometimes it’s occupied by a camp host.
I met up with some folks who were in tents and occupied the tent spots and spent the night in the parking lot in my van. Several other folks did this as well. You're just a little ways from the campsites that have picnic tables and fire pits.
The lake is the real attraction here. Great for paddle boarding or kayaking. There's a boat launch. Best of all, it's free!
- Danielle T.Traveler
American Forks Campground
Very clean & well maintained!
Runs along a creek that you can here from all sites. Perfect for tent camping. The site offers picnic tables & a triangle shaped fire pit. The fire pits have a grill grate over top of them that we cooked dinner on at night. The facility only offers vault toilets, they were decent. The trash pick up is at the entry which did not smell & was picked up on Friday’s.
We had a few small visitors including a chipmunk & a field mouse.
Going up the mountain we found a really cool meadow & lake.
- MMav S.Scout
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site
"PRIMITIVE" site in Gifford Pinchot NF
This site is amazing people have already set things up for tent camping. There is space for RV but I recommend your really good with it. Has a fire pit with rocks. Plenty of firewood in woods. If you look hard enough you can find a PRIMITIVE toilet (plywood stand with toilet seat). The area has enough space for group campers. We did also see elk in area coming from south on NF 9038 from Cougar there were other sites we picked this one. Have fun please keep it clean and leave it the way you left it or better for others!
- Erin A.Ranger
Riffe Lake Campground
Beautiful Campground
I believe this campground is under new ownership. You can see they’ve been putting a lot of work into it. Paving roads, landscaping, etc. Looks great and well maintained. RV spots are gravel pads and had water and electric, some had full hook up too. Some spots are better suited for larger rigs (ours was a little tight) but we were only doing a one night stop. Nice grassy spaces and a grassy community area with horseshoe pits. Lake access down by the tent sites. Very quiet and peaceful. Helpful and friendly staff. Would definitely return and recommend.
- Eric H.Guide
Peninsula Campground
Waterfront property
See my related reviews for Peninsula Camp ground for more information leading up the final camp site.
Really crowded area with limited parking. However, if you arrive early enough you could occupy one of the few tent sites on the narrow peninsula portions of this area. The facilities here needed some real attention.
Bring your kayak, boat, or fishing rod and enjoy your day. I took a couple of photos looking back at it as that was the best way view the area without walking through camp sites.
The air field had a large dumpster and was home to several RVs. There is access to a few more camping spots along the lake shore.
- jjoAnnScout
Cougar RV Park and Campground
Tent sites are large, minimal grass and shade.
The tent sites are very large however they have minimal grass or shade. RV sites are very close to each other. There are two bathrooms of one toilet, shower area combined. The shower is coin operated so unless you plan ahead with quarters you are out of luck. It has a card option but does not work. The bathrooms are also not clean. There are 2 portable toilets that were very clean. They advertise quiet hours after 10 pm but it is not in-forced. There was a group partying until 1am next to us. Neighboring property was also blasting music into the morning. There are many other options in the area I would look into one of those.
Trevor M.GuideLake Easton State Park Campground
Great Family fun.
Came last minute during father's day weekend looking for a tent site. The booth host was very helpful letting us know that there was only two spots left and answering many more questions. We were able to find a perfect site for my family of 4. Clean raised tent bed with pea-gravel raked evenly good for 6-7 person tent . Fire pit is decently sized approximately 3x2 with a flip top grill that covers half of it. Paved road gravel parking space big enough for a trailer/camper . Dumpster and water spicket as well as a bathroom with pay to use shower's . ¢50-1 token = 3 minute shower. Small playground with a basketball court by the bathrooms. Lovely river walk trail follows the Yakima River . Activities for children such as the Jr. Ranger program. Gas station is close just cross the highway sells firewood as well . Overall great first time at the campground friendly staff will be coming back.
Kathleen D.RangerTaidnapam Park
Great people and a stunning place
The young woman who checked us in was super helpful, offering maps of the area and suggestions. We scored a walk-in tent site ($22.) on Monday in the middle of August without a reservation. We actually camped on the parking lot in our rooftop tent, which was just fine and avoided the additional hookup fees of the alternative RV sites. The walk in sites are situated in a phenomenal little grove and felt partially private. RV sites are generously sized and full of trees. There are a considerable number of both pull in and pull through options. Bathrooms were clean, but there were quite a few spiders. Note that there is no swimming or boating in the lake, due to water levels dropping over 30 ft. Lots of kids enjoyed riding bikes around the campground loops. There are fish cleaning stations and firewood for sale ($5.) Pay showers. Recycling station.
Walk the surrounding trails. The lake, wetlands, and forest are lovely.
This was a convenient stop on the journey between Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens.
Art S.LegendCougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Cougar Rock campground
I showed up without reservations and the host directed me to a perfect spot. There was a bridge leading to a private tent site. The campground was wonderful with restrooms and water nearby. The neighbor campers were all very friendly. The campground is in the Southwest of the national park. This puts it close to some wonderful hiking at Comet Falls, Paradise and so many others. The park officials were happy to help me find great things to do in the time I was there. If you have a chance to get this particular campsite, go for it! I would definitely go back here again and plan to spend at least a week exploring the national park. Tip: fill up with gas before entering the park (there is one right before you enter if you are coming from the west) because it's really big and there are no gas stations inside the park.
Guide to Packwood
Packwood, Washington, offers a variety of tent camping options surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- At Mowich Lake Campground, campers can enjoy picnic tables and basic toilet facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature.
- Council Lake features private campsites with trash disposal and toilets, providing a well-maintained environment for visitors.
- Horseshoe Lake offers clean facilities and a picturesque setting, perfect for those looking to relax by the water.
Some prices for tent camping range from $12 to $16
- Camping at Killen Creek costs around $16 per night, providing a peaceful retreat with essential amenities.
- Clear Lake Campgrounds offers a similar price point, making it an affordable option for families and groups.
- For a unique experience, Eagles Roost Camp provides a serene atmosphere at a competitive rate, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Local attractions and activities
- The stunning views from Council Lake make it a great spot for fishing and hiking, with trails leading to breathtaking vistas.
- Mowich Lake Campground serves as a gateway to the Tolmie Peak trail, offering hikers a chance to explore the surrounding wilderness.
- At Horseshoe Lake, visitors can enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking while taking in the stunning backdrop of Mount Adams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Packwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Packwood, WA is White River Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Packwood, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 117 tent camping locations near Packwood, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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