313 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Paradise, Washington center on Mount Rainier National Park, where several developed campgrounds provide access to alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and glacier views. Cougar Rock Campground offers tent and RV sites nestled among tall trees, while Ohanapecosh Campground provides riverside camping with access to hiking trails. For those seeking more remote experiences, White River Dispersed Camping areas provide free primitive sites, though these lack amenities like potable water or restroom facilities. Established campgrounds typically feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while some private campgrounds like Elkamp Eastcreek offer additional amenities including cabins and glamping options.
Most Mount Rainier area campgrounds operate seasonally from late May through early October due to heavy snowfall at higher elevations. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds during summer months when capacity is frequently reached. Forest Service roads accessing dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly in spring when snowmelt creates challenging conditions. Permits are required for backcountry camping and some dispersed sites on national forest land. Visitors should prepare for variable weather conditions even in summer, as temperatures can drop significantly at night. As one camper noted about Cougar Rock, "We lucked out and got a spot at this campground on a Saturday in the middle of the busy summer months. It's a perfect spot to explore the park!"
Campers consistently praise the mountain views and forest settings throughout the Paradise region. Sites at Cougar Rock receive high ratings for their proximity to Paradise meadows and hiking trails, with several reviews mentioning the quiet atmosphere despite the campground's size. "Very nicely maintained campground. Get your reservations in the winter before your trip. Spots fill up fast," shared one visitor. Bear-resistant food storage lockers are available at national park campgrounds, an important amenity given the active wildlife in the area. While some campgrounds like Mowich Lake prohibit campfires, others provide fire rings and sell firewood on-site. Water access varies by location, with campsites near rivers being particularly popular during summer months. Cell service is limited throughout the region, especially in valleys and remote areas.
"Super quiet and felt tucked away, not too far from Paradise and Ashford. My neighbors felt close enough for me to feel safe, but far enough away for some privacy."
"Not far from paradise."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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)."
"Walk up only after Labor Day. You circle the campground looking for an open spot, then pay your fee at an electronic kiosk outside the visitor center."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Super close to the southern entrance to the park. Quiet, clean. And so many spots. Try and get a spot near the river but if you want more privacy stay a little walk away."
"We found the cutest spot close to the restrooms and tucked away from everyone else. You’d forget that there were other campers."
from $23 - $115 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"I chose to stayed here because of its location. It’s close to the entrance into Rainier NP and there’s plenty of Amazing hikes nearby. I camped alone (I’m a female) and I felt safe."
"Located a short distance from Mt Rainier NP, this is the perfect springboard for any NP adventure or chillax getaway."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Recently stayed at site 13 and almost no one else was nearby. Most of the sites are larger than average and mostly separated from the other sites."
from $37 - $84 / night
Check Availability"This place is broken from paradise!"
"Rainier as it is within minutes of the Nisquilly entrance. The majority of the campsites were amid tall trees. "
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability
GuideMultiple spots located along NF 580. Saw several big goosenecks and some tent campers. Plenty of site with space and fire rings. Be mindful of fires are allowed at the time you visit. The noise of the river does a pretty good job at drowning out the traffic on the highway.
GuideThis is the VERY last spot on this NF road. So, if someone is there, you’ll have to back track all the way back down to the bottom. There are several sites at the bottom that look pretty level with fire pits by the creek. There were quite a few mosquitoes up at the top as well, so be aware.
ScoutLet me start off by saying we did not stay here overnight, but we did spend enough time dumping to quickly gather an opinion. I agree with the other reviewer about the “not pleasant staff…” very awkward, no privacy, and just generally rude. The place does have hookups and facilities and is in a great location for the park, but this place does not seemingly attract a great crowd and the staff make it feel so uncomfortable it’s not worth it. Prices of $60 for one night are a bit ridiculous as well.
RangerSuper close to the southern entrance to the park. Quiet, clean. And so many spots. Try and get a spot near the river but if you want more privacy stay a little walk away. We booked 3 nights but stayed 2 (only left to go explore other areas of WA). Walking distance is a really badass swimming hole. We will be staying again.
*** no fires right now July 2026*** ***no potable water or showers July 2026
TravelerBeautiful lake. Everyone is congregating next to each other .
TravelerEveryone is all close together. But it’s free. They have bathroom porta potty.
TravelerStayed overnight here ($8). It gets incredibly busy during the day—especially on weekends and throughout July—so you definitely need to arrive early to secure a good spot, though it does get very quiet and peaceful at night. Due to state fire ban requirements, absolutely no campfires or fire rings are allowed on-site. Also, the mosquitoes can get bad, so make sure you come well-prepared with bug spray or netting!
TravelerNice view. And seeing airplanes fly and takeoff.
ScoutAbout 0.15 miles off the main dirt road (right off the big curve). Follow it back that 0.15 miles and it dead ends into a fairly large open and flat area surrounded by big towering pine/evergreen trees. Far enough off the main dirt road to never hear anybody drive by. Completely alone and secluded. Fairly deep ruts and steep in 1 section on the 0.15 miles spur to the spot. AWD and moderate clearence and you should be fine. I did it with FWD in a Ford Maverick and made it, though it was a bit tough with how dusty and loose it was. Need minimum that level of clearance. I cleaned up some dead branches to give some more clearance on the side of the road through that section to straddle by.
Near Mount Rainier National Park, camping spots near Paradise, Washington range in elevation from 1,800 to 6,400 feet, creating distinct climate zones and camping experiences throughout the season. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the 30s even during summer months, with frost possible at higher elevations. Many campgrounds require visitors to store food in bear-resistant containers due to active wildlife in the region.
Hiking to alpine lakes: Silver Springs Campground provides direct access to riverside trails and serves as a gateway to Mount Rainier's northeastern attractions. "There is good hiking along the river from the campground," explains Jeff C., while another camper notes, "There is a nice little hike and super cool river spots you can access."
Stargazing in meadows: Elkamp Eastcreek offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from city light pollution. "Acres to gorgeous meadow and evening star viewing," shares Susan S. The campground's location outside the national park boundaries means fewer crowds and better viewing conditions.
Swimming in natural pools: During late summer, the White River offers refreshing swimming opportunities when water levels decrease. At La Wis Wis Campground, visitors appreciate the natural water features: "Rope swings and places to jump off just down the road," notes Shariah T., while another camper mentions, "Water is very cold but there are lots of swimming holes and even a rope swing."
Off-season solitude: September camping at White River Campground offers significantly fewer crowds while maintaining access to key attractions. "Like most campgrounds in Washington by Sunday afternoon the campground is empty. For your best camping experience here camp Sunday through Wednesday," advises Jeff C.
Natural sound buffers: Many campers appreciate the natural white noise at river-adjacent sites. At Big Creek Campground, visitors can select sites based on preferred soundscapes: "We had one of the best spots with access to the stream," shares Bobby B., while at White River, another camper notes, "The sound of soft moving water runs throughout the campground providing a beautiful and tranquil camping experience."
Early access to trailheads: Staying at Mowich Lake Campground positions hikers for early morning starts before day-use visitors arrive. "We did the Tolmie Peak trail and the trailhead is straight off the campground which is super nice," says Megan H., making it ideal for photographers seeking sunrise shots without pre-dawn drives.
Fire restrictions vary by location: Unlike many nearby campgrounds, Mowich Lake prohibits campfires entirely. "No fires allowed. Sadly you cannot build a fire here so it does get really cold at night time because there are glaciers in the park," explains Kevin T.
Reservation windows: For popular campgrounds, planning several months ahead is essential. At Cougar Rock Campground, Zane G. advises, "Get your reservations in the winter before your trip. Spots fill up fast."
Road conditions to dispersed sites: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many dispersed camping areas. At White River Dispersed Camping, Reagan S. reports, "Road gets a bit worse as you drive further, but it was manageable," while another visitor notes, "4x4 / high clearance vehicles recommended - saw some subarus trying to navigate into a cleared area and it was pretty scrape-y."
Ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer educational activities for children. At Ohanapecosh Campground, JE K. shares, "Very family friendly with large and small camp sites. Great for multiple family outings... fun ranger programs."
Protected swimming areas: Families with younger children should seek campgrounds with gentler water access. "Blue hole is breathtaking," notes Laura H. about La Wis Wis, while another camper describes, "The kids had fun riding bikes around."
Multi-site reservations: For family groups, coordinating adjacent site bookings enhances the experience. Mary C. recommends, "There is a group site, but when we have gone we just get a few spaces clustered together on the river. Works well and gives the little ones nice space to play in between camp sites."
Low-hanging branches: RVers should exercise caution on campground access roads. At Silver Springs, one camper warns, "The roads through this campground are a bit tight and have a few low-hanging trees, so be aware if you have a larger rig. Our 32' fifth wheel was fine but I wouldn't want to go much longer than that."
Limited hookup availability: Most campgrounds within the national park have no hookups. At NF-52 Dispersed Camping area, RVers must be prepared for fully self-contained camping, while Big Creek Campground offers potable water but no electric connections. "Very spacious and much more private than Cougar Rock," notes one camper who found it a good alternative to in-park camping.
Dump station locations: No dump stations exist within the national park, requiring advance planning. Simple Joyful Journey notes that Silver Springs "has both dry camping and water/electric hookups, but no dump station," requiring a trip to facilities in neighboring towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Paradise, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Paradise, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 313 campgrounds and RV parks near Paradise, WA and 59 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Paradise, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paradise, WA is Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 60 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paradise, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 59 free dispersed camping spots near Paradise, WA.
What parks are near Paradise, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Paradise, WA that allow camping, notably Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
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