Camping near Mount Rainier National Park

Camping near Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning views and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the many trails around the area. At Cougar Rock Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Pretty big site that is a short drive to paradise. Many hiking trails nearby."
• Fishing: Enjoy some fishing in the nearby rivers. A visitor at Iron Creek Campground noted, "The river is beautiful and lots of trails around the site."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Ohanapecosh Campground shared, "Absolutely lovely place to stay in Mt Rainier National Park."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One happy camper at La Wis Wis Campground said, "The trees and the river were beautiful."
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Alder Lake Park mentioned, "The bathrooms are very nice. They charge a nominal fee for the showers but they have great water pressure and hot water."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. A reviewer at Tinkham Campground noted, "This is a great quiet campground convenient to Paradise."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A camper at Cougar Rock Campground pointed out, "There are several restrooms around the campground and convenient trash and recycling bins, but the dump station was closed."
• Tight Spaces: Many sites can be cramped, especially for larger RVs. One reviewer at Tinkham Campground said, "The spots were not the most level and a little tight."
• First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "We had a great one-night stay at this park with short notice."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. A family at Ohanapecosh Campground enjoyed, "There is an awesome playground for kids to play at."
• Safety Precautions: Always be cautious around water. A camper at Iron Creek Campground advised, "The river was moving quite fast and seemed turbulent."
• Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Lake Easton State Park shared, "Activities for children such as the Jr. Ranger program."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cougar Rock Campground cautioned, "We had to be cautious parking our 23 ft. van."
• Water Availability: Be aware of water access for RVs. A camper at Tinkham Campground noted, "There was no water available for filling RVs - just personal bottles."
• Quiet Hours: Respect the campground's quiet hours. A visitor at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "It was surprisingly quiet!"

Camping near Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's essential to be prepared and informed about what to expect. Happy camping!