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, WA (118)
1. White River Dispersed Camping
Greenwater, Washington19 Reviews•58 Photos•726 SavesThe 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.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington13 Reviews•39 Photos•99 SavesThe 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.
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
3. NF-52 Dispersed Camping
Longmire, Washington7 Reviews•23 Photos•174 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington10 Reviews•15 Photos•93 SavesTents only. Backcountry camping permits are available from the Carbon River Ranger Station (360) 829-9639.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
5. Horseshoe Lake
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington5 Reviews•12 Photos•70 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$18 / night
6. Council Lake
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington6 Reviews•15 Photos•153 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
7. Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park
Randle, Washington3 Reviews•10 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
8. Camp Muir — Mount Rainier National Park
Paradise, Washington3 Reviews•23 Photos•33 SavesCamp 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.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Toilets
- Alcohol
9. Snow Lake Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park
Paradise, Washington2 Reviews•12 Photos•154 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
10. Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area
Goose Prairie, Washington4 Reviews•9 Photos•131 SavesPrimitve 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.
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Tent Reviews in Packwood
985 Reviews of 118 Packwood Campgrounds
Allen K.
Scout
Squaw Rock RV Resort and Campground
It's a good place but the owners
The camping is good but the owners are rude drunks I would not stay here the owners are always on site there mean to campers kids not good atmosphere
- D
DougScout
Lodgepole Campground (washington)
Great campground we have stayed at several times.
This is a newer campground with spacious and private sites away from the river. Sites at riverside are narrow, long, flat, but not so private. While the outhouses in general are pristine, by late summer those in the lower loop are usually over full, you would be better of with a bucket. That said, we need an ADA site and the ADA and a few of the other accessible sites here are very good. This is always on our short notice list of great places to relax.
- JJason S.
Ranger
Bumping Lake Campground
Beautiful lake with nice swimming areas
Stayed here a few days a couple years ago and it was a great place. The campsites are nice and spacious with good privacy from other campers. The lake level was pretty low when we were there so you had to walk out a bit of distance to get to the water. But it's a nice sandy shore so great for the kids swimming and the water is so shallow for a long way out so you don't have to worry about the kids. It's a beautiful lake and nice area.
- JJason S.Ranger
Windy Point Campground
Pretty river and waterfall camping
We stayed here a few days in July and loved it! The river is so beautiful with the waterfall cascading down into the river directly across from the campsite. There is a shallow part near the shoreline where the kids had a great time playing in the river. The river itself is wide and very fast moving. The campsite we stayed in was fairly close to the next one, but we were camping with friends in the next one so it was fine. But be aware, some campsites are very close together. There is some road noise, but mostly you just hear the river.
- JJason S.Ranger
Olallie Lake
Mt Adams views galore!
The paramount feature of this campground is the beautiful Mount Adams directly across the lake. The sites are adequate, flat places to pitch a tent or park a small trailer, but the view of Mount Adams is magnificent. However, the lake is marshy and there's not really a good place for swimming. It's quiet and peaceful wilderness camping.
- JJason S.Ranger
Council Lake
Beautiful lake, quiet and peaceful
This is a lovely lake campground in the forest with gorgeous views of Mt. Adams. The campsites are private and separated. There was a few mosquitoes when we went, but not too bad. It's a quiet a peaceful location and is highly recommended. A jeep trail / atv trail goes steeply up council bluff to a beautiful view overlooking the lake and surrounding forest. Overall, a great location! We originally intended to camp at Lake Takh lakh but when it's already full, this place is an excellent backup plan.
- JJason S.Ranger
Chain of lakes campground
Marshy series of lakes
We didn't camp here, but there's a couple nice campsites near these marshy lakes. Quiet and peaceful but beware the mosquitoes! Great place to fish or just paddle around. The road is pretty rough the last couple miles, not suitable for cars or big rigs or trailers.
- JJason S.Ranger
Takhlakh Lake Campground
One of the most beautiful places in Washington
We camped here for 4 days this summer. It was peaceful and quiet. The view from the camp site is simply stunning. The glassy smooth waters reflect Mt Adam's glacier like a mirror. The campsite we picked was large enough to accommodate our 22 ft trailer plus truck and a Jeep. The outhouse was cleaned daily but can get stinky at the end of the day. There is no official swimming area, but the shoreline has many great places to take a dip in the clear cold water. There was a few mosquitoes but not too bad. Best to go in late summer to avoid the mosquitoes. The road in from Randle is a bit rough at times for a car but doable.
Abrianna M.
Traveler
Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Average campground
Close to lots of hikes and views. A little bit of road noise but not much. Very busy but that’s to be expected at mt rainier. Clean bathrooms and easy check in.
- jjuliaScout
Ohanapecosh Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
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Israel S.Traveler
Oldman Pass Sno-Park
Nice camping spot
Nice area to camp at, vault bathroom close by but there was no toilet paper so bring your own. Does feel like camping in a Parking lot. Trail close by.
Kevin W.
Guide
Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac Dispersed Campsite
FR 81/Bivoiac Dispered Campsight
Right off forest road 81. Group camping with 4-5 places for tents and 2 maybe 3 spots for travel trailers but will need to back in. 2 fire pits and a few walking trails. Solar friendly and level. No bathroom. 1-2 bars with Verizon.
Frank B.Traveler
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Quiet Park
Really liked the park. Everything was good about it. The only thing for me was that we have a rv, and there is electrical hookups but no water hookups.
James B.Ranger
Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200
Beautiful morning view of Mount Rainier
Our daughter told us about this place. You have to climb up a narrow gravel road to get here. A drive leads out to a flat area with a fire pit It was raining when we pulled in, so views were limited. In the clear morning, we got a beautiful view of Mount Rainier. We got decent Starlink signal with a bar of Verizon. Spot would be perfect except prior campers left toilet paper around a bush.
karen C.TravelerGoat Lake/Snowgrass Flat Backcountry Camp
Great primitive camping
The hike is beautiful and the lake at the end is stunning. It was a great place to start gaze
Zarek A.Guide
Elkamp Eastcreek
Best. Spot. Ever.
Went here for a social event and had a blast. Big sites with lovely paths between, wonderful shop with firewood available at any hour (just square up when the place is actually open), clean plumbed bathrooms and a coin operated shower at $0.50/minute. There’s a beautiful meadow, a creek, huge trees. The owners are incredibly friendly and the place is very dog friendly.
- Derrell M.Scout
Kosmos Recreation Area (Tacoma Public Utilities)
Big open area next to lake with Port-o-Potties
Been here many times. Sometimes strange folks show up but they almost always keep to themselves.
Great place to spend some time next to a lake.14 day limit in 30 days.
Josh S.Traveler
White River Dispersed Camping
Could be beautiful
We intended to stay a week, left after 4 days. Could be a beautiful place if not for people.
Pros:
Open space, plenty of room Beautiful View Near the parkCons:
Crowded, even mid week we had close neighbors
Party spot, loud people with loud music
Dirty, we picked up an entire garbage bag of trash just in the spot we were at. Much more in the rest of the area.
Road noise, you're literally right off the road
River is nice, but it's a glacial run off so it's definitely not a swimming area (dirty)
Road in is super rough
Again, overall it could be a nice place. We stayed Wednesday through Saturday after labor day. So not "peak" season and the place was absolutely trashed. Feces, TP, beer cans and bottles, food trash, even car parts litter the area. We did a clean up but barely made a dent.
The first night was quiet and then some locals came and you could tell it was a party area. Loud music, dogs off leash, close neighbors.
We ended up leaving Saturday because it just wasn't enjoyable.
B K.Scout
Iron Creek Campground
Beautiful and private
Beautiful and private campground, we'll be back for sure. Honey hole type toilets and lots of water spigots around. We didn't hike but there seemed to be lots of hiking trails, plus the beautiful river! Despite there being a total burn ban (propane stoves only) there were SEVERAL fires happening all weekend which was disappointing.
Most sites are really private which we loved. We walked through the three loops that were open and made note of the sites that looked most private/flat-ish for a tent/good location. In our opinion these were the best sites we could see: Loop B 24, 52, 47, 44, 39, 38, 36, 31. Loop C 56, 57, 60, 69. Loop D 78, 80, 84 (this one seemed to have an awesome trail leading right down the river!). No cell service so plan accordingly!
- MMichalyn M.Traveler
White River Dispersed Camping
Amazing
Right off the main road, but several sweet camping spots more tucked away and along the river. I’d definitely recommend a higher clearance vehicle if you want to camp deeper near the river due to rocks and tree roots. People need to clean up after themselves though. We pulled up to a spot that was thrashed. That is how free things get shut down.
- Kevin W.Guide
Riffe Lake Campground
Riffe Lake RV/Tent Camping
They have several back-in spots, some with partial hookups and some with full hookups. Most of the spots are well-shaded from the trees. A specific area is designated for tents only, and some cabins can also be rented. It was a 5-minute walk downhill to reach the lake, which had a very long and nice boat ramp deep enough to accommodate just about any boat. Regarding cell service, I got 3 bars of LTE with my iPhone. Overall, it was a nice, quiet, shady place to visit, and I will definitely be back.
- BBella M.Traveler
White River Dispersed Camping
Beautiful spot!
This place was gorgeous. Right off a busy road but with being right by the water it tunes out the noise of the traffic. Plenty of spots and can drive in further to be more secluded if needed.
- BBella M.Traveler
NF-52 Dispersed Camping
Beautiful views but semi busy road
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.
- AAutumn B.Traveler
White River Dispersed Camping
Fantastic camping spot
We had a bit of trouble finding it at first (came from the south of white river), but the little shop down the street has WiFi and we weren’t too far from the entrance. Lots of places to camp, friendly visitors, and overall pretty quiet even with the road right there. The river is so peaceful! Bring a ground sheet for your tents, lots of twigs and foliage.
BMRTVScout
Carbon River
Tons of places to camp, can be a party spo5
I came on a Friday so i could get up early to go hiking. I put up my hammock around 7pm, nobody's else there. Around 9-11pm a few people including a 5th wheel arrived and spent a bunch of time moving that around. They ran their generator, lights and music until 2:30am. My bad for coming on a Friday. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise and spent time on the bridge taking photos before riding up the gravel road up to the Summit Lake hike.
Lots of spots along the road which I'll utilize next time to avoid the party :)
Holbrook P.ScoutNF-52 Dispersed Camping
Amazing Spot Outside of Rainier
We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates. While we didn't have the comfota of our car parked right next to us, we had spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, easy access down to the river, and a fire pit. Unreal spot about 10-15 drive to the entrance of the park. Paved road all the way.
- RRandall B.Scout
Halfway Flat Campground
We plan on a return visit . But will bring a rake
We reserved #8 too. We arrived shortly after 1:00 which is check in time. There was 10-14 people and kids in our site. 1 women spoke some English and said they were in the free site across the road. I told them we reserved it and to get out. They left a mess of watermelon, cantaloupe, orange peel and egg shells, and water bottles. So of course the hornets we thick but we picked up what we could. They also had a ATV which are not allowed in the campground. I could mention about the Forest Service pickup, parked watching this no doing nothing. But I’ve said enough.
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 118 tent camping locations near Packwood, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.