Best Tent Camping near Paradise, WA
Looking for tent camping near Paradise? Finding a place to camp in Washington with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Paradise, Washington's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Paradise, Washington (110)
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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- Dispersed
- Alcohol
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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- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
3. 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.
- Reservable
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- Picnic Table
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4. NF-52 Dispersed Camping
7 Reviews•23 Photos•183 SavesPuyallup, Washington- Pets
- Fires
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. 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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6. Eagles Roost Camp — Mount Rainier National Park
3 Reviews•38 Photos•106 SavesMount Rainier National Park, WashingtonA backcountry campsite on the Spray Park Trail in Mount Rainier National Park.
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
7. Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park
2 Reviews•49 Photos•60 SavesParadise, Washington- Phone Service
- Reservable
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- Group
- Toilets
8. Sunrise Camp Primitive — Mount Rainier National Park
3 Reviews•24 Photos•35 SavesMount Rainier National Park, Washington- Reservable
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$5 / night
9. Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National Park
3 Reviews•11 Photos•28 SavesMount Rainier National Park, WashingtonPart of the Northern Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Toilets
10. Snow Lake Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park
2 Reviews•12 Photos•157 SavesParadise, Washington- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
Recent Tent Reviews near Paradise, Washington
1057 Reviews of 110 Paradise Campgrounds
- Devon P.
Scout
Rainbow 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.
Chris L.
Traveler
Wish Poosh Campground
Nice but buggy
Good sites for tent camping but the sites aren't great for an RV.
Ioan P.
Legend
Elkamp Eastcreek
Family business.
This place is broken from paradise!
- 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!
- RRalph D.Scout
Seattle/Tacoma KOA - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Not a good KOA
Decent, but the facilities are a bit rundown and there were three tent sites 5 feet from my door. Staff was friendly enough and 20 mins into Seattle.
Kristen M.GuideSeattle/Tacoma KOA - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Noisy!!
This campground was alright to stay in. The highway right next to the KOA was very busy and noisy all night long, bring earplugs. The tent sites were a joke. You get a small square in a grid of 16 or so squares. Our 10x10 tent took up more than half of the tent site. The neighbor’s tent was 4 feet from ours, offering little to no privacy. The WiFi barely worked, but the showers were nice. The back showers are private rooms which are really nice, especially when camping with little ones to keep them contained. There’s no water or electric hookups for tent campers in the little squares, I had to fill my jug up from a hose on the side of the main building. To access the WiFi you have to make an account, which was annoying also.
- 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.
Lily H.
RangerCougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Really love this campground
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. Beware the squirrels and chipmunks and keep your food secure. Bear box provided.
- BBrent P.Scout
Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Slice of paradise not far from paradise
Bring cash and a card for stay overnight. Card for kiosk and cash for firewood.
Nice campground view of mountain from some campsites.
Also has wash basins at the flush toilets sites for washing dishes. Has recycle bins as well.
Not far from paradise.
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
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!
- 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.
Ariel & John W.RangerElkamp 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.
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.
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.
- 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!
Shay F.Legend
Icewater Creek Campground
Dusty Last Minute Get Away
Tent camped here on a last minute whim. When the weather is not the greatest on the west side, we head to Cle Elum! This is all first come, first served camping. Nothing fancy, vault toilets, tables, fire ring. I would imagine if it was busy, it would be pretty loud and dusty. There is a small dirt bike track the starts here, so if you are looking for pristine quiet, this is not your place. If you come out to the woods to ride bikes, it would be awesome!
The weekend we were there, it was pretty quiet. Played in the creek. I would go back.
- 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.
Guide to Paradise
Tent camping near Paradise, Washington offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes, with various campgrounds providing essential amenities and activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Mowich Lake Campground features picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient choice for families and groups.
- Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground offers reservable sites with picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay in the heart of nature.
- Rocky Point Campground provides electric hookups and trash disposal, catering to those who appreciate a few extra comforts while camping.
Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $30
- Clear Lake Campgrounds charges around $10 for a site, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious campers.
- Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park offers tent sites for approximately $30, providing a peaceful retreat with full hookups.
- Carbon River Camp is accessible via a hike and offers a unique experience for around $20, perfect for those looking to explore the wilderness.
Tips for tent camping near Paradise
- When visiting Eagles Roost Camp, arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak season, as it can fill up quickly.
- At Camp Muir, be prepared for a challenging hike, but the breathtaking views make it worth the effort.
- For a quieter experience, consider camping at Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area, where you can enjoy stunning scenery and a more secluded atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Paradise, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Paradise, 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 Paradise, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 110 tent camping locations near Paradise, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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