Tent campsites near Paradise, Washington surround Mount Rainier National Park at elevations between 3,500-5,500 feet. Camping areas experience dramatic temperature drops at night, even in summer months when daytime temperatures reach the 70s. Snow often remains on trails until July, creating unique challenges for early-season campers.
What to do
Glacier viewing hikes: 5-mile round trip to Summerland Backcountry Campsites offers close-up views of glacial features. "Lots of animal life and plant life. The sites are pretty much as big as you want them to be. The scenery is immaculate," reports Tyler S. The area includes multiple streams for water collection.
Wildlife observation: Early morning provides the best opportunity for marmot sightings. "Lots of marmots, including in the camping areas. Seemed more interested in munching on lupines than bothering us," notes Graham C. from Summerland Backcountry Campsites.
Alpine swimming: Late afternoon dips in alpine lakes offer refreshing breaks from hiking. A camper at Snow Lake Backcountry Campsites reports: "Water was cold but in 85 degree weather was worth taking a dip. Lots of big boulders to cross on the way up."
What campers like
Solitude at river campsites: The sound of flowing water masks road noise at White River Dispersed Camping. "Spots by the river looked kind of close together, so we drove a little further in and found a large secluded spot in the woods," says Reagan S. Another camper found "The campsites are absolutely beautiful—tucked among the trees with stunning views and the soothing, constant sound of the roaring White River nearby."
Night sky viewing: Clear nights provide excellent stargazing conditions from primitive sites. A camper at Sunrise Camp Primitive recalls, "We were there the night of the meteoroid shower and I woke up several times just to watch it. Our spot had trees but we were up on a hill and the trees opened up so we got quite the show."
Protection from elements: The forest canopy creates sheltered tent areas. "The sites are nicely placed far apart so you feel like you are all alone in the wilderness," notes Danielle S. about Sunrise Camp Primitive. This separation allows for privacy while maintaining safety.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Finding unmarked turnoffs requires vigilance. For White River Dispersed Camping, Laurie F. warns: "Hard to find the turnoff 410. Tiny dirt road leads to the river. Spots are close to each other." Another camper suggests, "You have to keep your eye out for the turn off."
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads demand higher clearance vehicles. "The road can be a bit thin, so I would be careful with extra large vehicles. It is also a bit of a challenging road, so low clearance vehicles wouldn't be treated well," notes a White River Dispersed camper.
Insect preparation: Summer months bring significant bug activity to alpine sites. At Snow Lake Backcountry Campsites, one camper advises: "Not a long hike but definitely up a mountain. It took me a while with a bad ankle but was able to. Camping is great but the insects were insane. Bring a bug net."
Tips for camping with families
Short hikes with rewards: Choose accessible tent spots near water features. A camper at Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground reports: "After parking at the trailhead, the road into camp is easy, either by foot or bicycle. The road slowly meanders uphill alongside the Carbon River for 5 miles."
Wildlife education opportunities: Morning and evening offer prime wildlife viewing times. "This campground barely qualifies as backcountry, being little more than a mile from the trailhead at the Sunrise Visitor Center. It is located off of a popular day hike to the Glacier Overlook—which provides an excellent view of Emmons Glacier," explains one Sunrise Camp visitor.
Safety precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "Thank goodness for the bear box. A bear came by our site in the evening, we think since we were the first site on its path. It wasn't too interested in us because we practiced proper bear safety," recounts a Sunrise Camp camper.
Tips from RVers
Alternative site selection: When RV sites fill, consider walk-in tent areas. A Mowich Lake Campground camper suggests: "There are 10 spots, first come first serve, they are arranged in a circle above the day use parking lot. You will have to carry your gear up you cannot park next to your site."
Resource planning: No hookups means bringing all essentials. "Get gas before you go up, the town has signs saying last chance for gas and make sure you have everything you need including water because you will be all by yourself and there is nothing out there," advises Laura F. at Mowich Lake Campground.
Weather preparation: Alpine temperatures fluctuate dramatically. "Even in July there is snow and temperatures reached as low as 40F. Fortunately we were prepared, but you may not be," warns a camper about conditions at Paradise area tent sites.
