Best Tent Camping near Randle, WA

National forest lands surrounding Randle, Washington offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Council Lake Campground, located south of Randle, provides seven tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings in a forested setting. For more seclusion, NF-52 Dispersed Camping areas north of town offer riverside tent sites with minimal amenities. The Cowlitz Valley area features several tent-friendly locations, while Mount Rainier National Park's walk-in tent sites at Mowich Lake and Snow Lake backcountry campsites provide more regulated tent camping experiences within 30 miles of Randle.

Most tent campsites in the region feature natural surfaces ranging from forest duff to crushed gravel. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the dispersed camping areas, particularly after rain when forest roads become rutted. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Council Lake, but most primitive tent sites require campers to pack out waste or dig catholes at least 200 feet from water sources. Summer brings mosquitoes to many sites, with one camper noting the need for "lots of bug spray, not the organic stuff that fades after 2 hours, but actual Deet." Seasonal fire restrictions often limit campfires during dry periods, particularly from July through September.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking and fishing adventures. At Council Lake, a visitor reported that "only 3 of the 7 sites were occupied" during a summer weekend, making it ideal for those seeking quiet primitive tent camping. The walk-in tent sites at Twin Falls Campground offer what one camper described as "very peaceful" settings, though "some spots were more private than others." Bear activity occurs throughout the region, particularly at higher elevations, so proper food storage is essential for backcountry tent camping. Many dispersed sites along Forest Road 25 provide riverside tent camping with natural sound barriers from flowing water, creating separation between neighboring campsites even when areas become busy during summer weekends.

Best Tent Sites Near Randle, Washington (112)

    1. Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Randle, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-7680

    "It’s off the beaten path so no WiFi or cell service. Very quiet at night which we really appreciated."

    "We stayed in our rooftop tent on one of the back wooded sites and loved it. A urinal planter, trout stocked lake, antique soda machine. Small little gem, would stop here again. Mom and pop shop."

    2. NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Puyallup, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1103

    "We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates."

    "Many of the campers do not understand the rules and they depart with trash and litter everywhere.  Volunteers continue to cleanup after these abusers as well as the Forest Service."

    3. aa

    1 Review
    Randle, WA
    1 mile
    +1 (309) 210-1556

    $60 - $100 / night

    "With amazing views from your site and plenty of nature to explore, its the perfect spot to experience the forests of Washington.  Make sure to check them out and post some pictures on the Dyrt!"

    4. Paradise Pines

    5 Reviews
    Ashford, WA
    15 miles
    Website

    $30 - $45 / night

    "The spot was clean, private, and well-maintained with everything we needed for a comfortable stay—fire pit, flat tent area, and even restrooms nearby."

    "Convenient that it is so close to the entrance of Mount Rainier NP made for a few easy trips to come back and forth in between hikes."

    5. Green River Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Glenoma, WA
    14 miles

    "Really short drive from a bunch of nearby trails. Plenty of maintained camp spots. Flat ground for tents, campfire grill, picnic bench, and an outhouse."

    6. Cougar Rock Group Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    2 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    18 miles
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    $60 / night

    "Sites have tables, bear boxes and fire pits. Restrooms have flush toilets and sinks for dishes. Ranger is available at the adjacent ranger station for check in or any other questions."

    7. Packwood Lake

    2 Reviews
    Packwood, WA
    15 miles

    "This place is the best because the only way to get to the camping spots at Packwood Lake is to hike in or the use of ATV’s."

    8. Council Lake

    7 Reviews
    Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1105

    "Just got back from a quick overnight trip up to Council Lake."

    "Beautiful free campground, vault toilets and great fishing! if you go to the far end of the lake and follow the sound of a waterfall, you'll find one!"

    9. Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    13 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    "The lake is absolutely beautiful and there are so many different trails branching off of it."

    "The sites were your standard, with a picnic table, fire ring, and plenty of trees for shade and cover. There are lots of things to do in the area."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Randle, WA

1152 Reviews of 112 Randle Campgrounds


  • Mary C.
    Jun. 11, 2019

    La Wis Wis Campground

    Ranger Review of GCI chairs at La Wis Wis Campground

    Campground Review

    This campground is at the base of Mt Rainier National Park in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  To get to the campsite, you have to drive down into the ravine of where the Cowlitz River cuts through the campsite. There are many sites on the river, with the rest in the trees covering the expanse of the grounds. Large RV/ trailers can only be in the upper Loop H.

    The road is a one way and for the most part, campers respect the speed limit, though there are some idiots who drive fast through. 

    There are no hookups, so you will be dry camping if you bring an RV. This is very close to Packwood and a great place to stay during Memorial Weekend for their annual Flea Market.  There is no cell service at this site. Site claims to have flushing toilets, but those were removed a few years ago, there are only vault toilets and no showers. Depending on how the snow melt is during the spring, will dictate fishing and camping opening. 

    Product Review

    I had the opportunity to review a GCI Outdoor Backpack Event Chair.  This product is amazing for lugging around from campground to fishing and back. The chair has four different positions for reclining and hard arm supports for getting up and down. There is a large pocket on the back allowing for easy toting of items from car to wherever. The backpack straps make toting a breeze and the clip to close keeps the chair in place. It is very light and easy to transport and has a weight limit of 250, but my very large cousin (300+) was able to sit with no problem. 

    https://www.gcioutdoor.com/camping-chairs/backpack-event-chair/

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2019

    South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping

    We stayed here 2 nights and will definitely be coming back. Tons of open sites to choose from right along the river. Designated fire rings but currently there's a burn ban. No vault toilets or picnic tables. Pack it in, pack it out! When we first arrived we spent about 20 minutes cleaning the site we chose after the people whom were here before us. Not such a big deal just a little saddening. #1 rule is to leave no trace. Extremely grateful we get to explore and camp on land that is free. We should all do our part and take care of it. 

    A little surprising that we had cell phone reception with sprint! 

    Near this area there are a lot or activities. Biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking.. to name a few!

  • Elliott B.
    Aug. 30, 2017

    Ohanapecosh Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Ranger Review: Leatherman: Signal at Ohanapecosh Campground: Relaxing views of the old growth forest, however you can see every campground

    Campsite Review: This campground is really in a nice area of the old growth forest but it's camping amongst crowds when we went in the high season, the entire 188 sites were filled. There were very few walk-up sites and the rest of the campsites themselves are a decent size but not spaced far enough away from other campers and there is no underbrush to separate you from each other at all. We stayed at site 54 in loop A and had people constantly walking through/by both sides of our campsite to get to the toilets which were located on the next level higher than us. People literally walked right by our fire ring and through our chairs at one point to then hike up the hill instead of traversing around to the right for some stairs. If you can go off season by all means try and do it, but avoid this particular site at all costs…

    The toilet facilities weren’t the nicest ones I’ve been to and could have used a little TLC. The facilities right by us were dirty and a bit rusty. They also had no soap or hand drying instrument what-so-ever (neither paper towels or hand dryer). Thankfully we had these things ourselves, but usually in NP campgrounds you don’t have to bring them yourself to the restroom.

    Amenities: not sure if every site had one, but lots of bear boxes (you’re in bear and cougar (mountain lion) territory), your standard picnic tables, fire rings, plus flush toilets, potable water, & dump station for you RVers |Prohibited: pets off-leash, & firewood gathering (The camp host drives around selling wood if you haven’t already gotten some at a store) we came right during a fire ban, but as soon as it was removed they drove around letting everyone know. There then seemed to be a truck driving around with firewood for sale, I wasn’t able to confirm though as we were headed off to Paradise and then the Olympic peninsula.

    Nearby Hikes: Grove of the Patriarchs, & Silver Falls and not too far from Paradise which is a must do if you happen to come in wild flower season

    Gear Review: As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get the opportunity to test out products and the saving grace for this particular camp site was my testing of the Leatherman Signal (Designed for adventure!!). This is a truly fantastic Leatherman and even if you’ve had them for years you should really check out the newer lines of specialized gear. I had an old PST (pocket survival tool) as a boy scout and had upgraded to the original WAVE, but hadn’t checked them out in years as I still have them and thought what could be better than what I already have. I was wrong. This tool and many of the other lines (skateboarding, surfing, skiing, hunting) are also really worth checking out.

    • This is designed specifically with camping in mind.
    • Really impressed with the new ability to change out components from this and other tools are you wear them down.
    • The hammer is great for knocking in tent stakes into some stubborn ground or breaking up that giant block of ice into some manageable pieces.
    • Great locking functions on the blade, saw and hammer section - nothing comes loose as you’re cutting/hammering away
    • It’s really all the little touches that make this an awesome tool. Like having a sharpener, a built-in fire starter and emergency whistle. These are things that might end up saving your life if you happen to get stranded while out in the woods.

    I give the Leatherman Signal 4.5/5 Stars!

  • B
    Jul. 15, 2017

    North Fork Elk Group Camp

    North Fork Campground on Cispus River

    Stayed two nights in early July, campground was well maintained, vault toilets were clean. No showers, but water available. About 1/3 of campground was out of commission or closed as they took down hazard trees it appeared. Avoid sit #10 as next to the loo, otherwise nice site.

    Mostly tent campers, sites are all good size and most spread out a bit. Campground is located and on the Cispus River so can hear the river from most spots. Of the group camps, the "Beaver" looks the nicest as on the river. Several relatively short trails, but scenic all the river and nice bridge, be sure to visit Layser Cave and Campground falls (nearby on FR23 just before campground when coming in from Randle.

  • j
    Jul. 25, 2021

    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.

  • Kier S.
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Lots of space & fairly private

    I’ve spent a couple of nights up here this year and I LOVE this campground. It is large, but there is plenty of separation and the sites seem to offer fairly good privacy and have a good amount of space. 

    I camp in a hammock and there are a lot of sites that offer enough well spaced trees to set up hammocks.  There are nice fire rings at each of the sites, nice tables and firewood is available at the camp site.  I didn't know before I went, but dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes, BUT they aren't allowed on most trails around the mountain.

    The campground is well situated to get you close to Paradise as well as a ton of hikes nearby. 

    There aren’t any showers, but the bathrooms are clean and have flush toilets.

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Merrill Lake Campground

    discover pass only

    another site where you park and walk in! 8 sites, some are more private than others. 2 vault toilets, fire rings and picnic tables! great lake to kayak on.

  • Amanda
    Jul. 20, 2021

    Dragon's Gate Gardens

    A reservable paradise- expansive solitude, out of a picture book

    I just completed my third stay at Dragon's Gate, and I've now stayed in each of the different sections (Moon Meadow, Giant Crystal, Jessie's Camp). Each gives a completely different but wonderous experience, either with open views of flower pastures and woods, or a more insular green surrounded by trees. Each reservable space is massive.... 4-5 times the size of most campsites. While you may reasonably run into other campers within each section if you go for a walk, you won't even know anyone is in the other sections, its so private. Sing at the top of your lungs or let your dog roam, they won't run into anyone. 

    Its just SO pretty. Each campsite is really well maintained- the roads and campsites are mowed, carving into the meadows. There are porta potties and access to drinking water and a great deal on both wood and eggs. Wooden picnic tables are in each site, and a well appointed fire ring. The hosts are really lovely as well, and overly accommodating. The entire site is organic, so they do ask that you participate in their policies of no charcoal usage and leave no trace.

    Tenino itself is a cute little historic town, with a surprisingly well appointed supermarket and hardware store, and on Saturdays there's a farmers market. 

    Mostly, I love how my dog can safely roam, and how, even when I am completely by myself camping, I still feel safe.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Close to amazing hiking

    This is a popular, reservable campground at Mt Rainier. There are 5 loops with A loop and R(Road) loops not reservable. There is a fancy electronic iron ranger at the ranger station(something the rangers want you to use even when they are in their booth and clearly able to handle reservations). I had a nifty little bridge connecting my car and the picnic table to the the tent pad. I also had kids running through the trees and the middle of my campsite from the sites behind me. Most sites had good hammocking trees, and it looked like all had picnic tables. There is an amphitheater in the campground that had a nice draw of campers for the evening program. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, but no showers. E loop was a no generator zone, which means it was fully booked while I was there. There is a good hike to Carter Falls along the Wonderland Trail, which cuts right through the campground. You are fairly close to Paradise which has more hiking trailheads and a visitor center.


Guide to Randle

Randle, Washington sits at 1,083 feet elevation where the Cowlitz and Cispus Rivers meet, surrounded by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, with July and August being the driest months. Tent camping sites in this area range from well-maintained established campgrounds to remote backcountry locations accessible only by hiking several miles from trailheads.

What to do

Fishing at stocked lakes: Council Lake offers trout fishing in a serene setting. "The trout fishing is good here. Boats are allowed, but electric or hand operated only," notes one camper at Council Lake, who also spotted "a river otter basking in the shallows, and several eagles diving for fish."

Hiking to scenic viewpoints: From Mowich Lake Campground, campers can access multiple trails. "We did the Tolmie Peak trail and the trailhead is straight off the campground which is super nice," says a visitor to Mowich Lake Campground. Another hiker adds, "Council Bluff trail starts in the middle of the campground and takes you to an amazing view of the mountains and the lake."

Wildlife viewing: Areas around Paradise Pines offer opportunities to see local wildlife. "The wildlife (deer) that wandered through every morning was delightful," mentions one camper at Paradise Pines, who enjoyed the peaceful setting near Mount Rainier National Park entrance.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campers value separation from neighbors. At Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park, a visitor appreciated that it's "remote and serene" and that "you can walk to the river or leave the campground to walk on the road (which isn't very busy)." Another noted it's "quite remote so not the place to go if you want to stay connected to the outside world."

Clean facilities: Even rustic campgrounds maintain serviceable amenities. "Sites have tables, bear boxes and fire rings. Restrooms have flush toilets and sinks for dishes," reports a visitor to Cougar Rock Group Campground, adding "It's a dry site - as in no water at the campsites. There is a drinking fountain by the bathroom."

Accessibility to rivers: Many sites offer water access. One camper at NF-52 Dispersed Camping shares, "We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on the forest road before these actual coordinates. While we didn't have the comfort 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."

What you should know

Road conditions vary widely: Some campgrounds require navigating rough roads. A camper warns that Mowich Lake Campground has "a gravel road to get up there, it's like 15 miles long and it's rough. Not the worst road I've ever been on but it wasn't fun and it felt like you had to drive it forever."

Insect activity: Be prepared for seasonal bug problems. "Yellow jackets can be aggressive, so be alert," notes a Council Lake visitor. Another camper at NF-52 Dispersed Camping mentioned, "There can be a lot of bugs, but there are lots of sites, and the view of rainier is amazing."

Temperature fluctuations: Even summer nights can be cold. A Mowich Lake camper cautions, "Even in July there is snow and temperatures reached as low as 40F. Fortunately we were prepared, but you may not be."

Toilet facilities: Amenities vary widely between sites. One Council Lake visitor described the facilities as "rustic, to put it kindly, so be prepared" and advised to "BYOTP, because you never know if or when it's been supplied."

Tips for camping with families

Bring portable water containers: Most dispersed sites lack water sources. "It's a dry site - as in no water at the campsites. There is a drinking fountain by the bathroom," explains a Cougar Rock camper who recommends bringing containers to fill and carry back to your site.

Pack entertainment options: Fishing can be family-friendly. At Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park, "There's a trout pond onsite and you can pay a small fee to fish, don't even need your own gear or a license," making it ideal for beginners and children.

Consider private campgrounds: Some families prefer more controlled environments. A visitor to Paradise Pines shared, "Our family loves staying in private camp sites. With little kids you really can't beat it! It's quiet and private while being so close to Rainier!"

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions apply: Many forest roads aren't suitable for larger vehicles. A Council Lake visitor advised, "It's a bit of a bumpy road in, most cars should be fine, but no RVs or long trailers. There's only 7 sites with 1 being the premium, on top of the hill, with a bit of a lake view."

Limited hookup options: Some RV sites offer basic amenities. "We stayed here in our RV and really enjoyed the peace and quiet. The sites have full hook ups," notes a Tower Rock RV Park visitor, who appreciated the remote setting despite limited connectivity.

Bring sufficient supplies: Remote locations mean limited services. "It's quite remote so not the place to go if you want to stay connected to the outside world. I don't even think we had cell coverage," explains an RVer who stayed near Randle, emphasizing the need to arrive fully stocked with necessities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Randle, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Randle, WA is Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Randle, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 112 tent camping locations near Randle, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.