306 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near White Pass in Washington State span from developed sites to dispersed areas within Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park. Established campgrounds like Ohanapecosh, La Wis Wis, and Clear Lake North provide facilities for both tent and RV camping, while dispersed options exist around Clear Lake and along forest roads. The camping landscape includes lakefront sites at Rimrock Lake Resort and Dog Lake Campground, with several areas offering cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds sit along Highway 12, providing access to both wilderness areas and recreational lakes.
Road conditions and seasonal closures significantly impact camping availability in the White Pass region, with most sites operating from late May through early October. "All of the Clear Lake campgrounds are closed for two years. Sad. It's a beautiful area though hoping to go back someday," noted one camper about temporary closures. Higher elevation sites often remain snowy until June, while areas near Rimrock Lake open earlier in the season. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with no coverage reported at Soda Springs Campground. Campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions even in summer months, with cool nights common at higher elevations. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly Indian Creek Campground, where proximity to Highway 12 creates a constant background sound.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the White Pass area. At Clear Lake, dispersed sites offer direct lake access with varying levels of privacy. One visitor mentioned, "Very beautiful spot. Has toilets around area, didn't check them as my rig is self sufficient. No other service though but out here it doesn't matter." Weekend crowds can significantly impact the experience at popular sites, with several reviews noting noise issues and inconsiderate neighbors at Clear Lake during peak times. For those seeking quieter experiences, campgrounds like Soda Springs offer more seclusion despite limited amenities. The proximity to hiking trails and Mount Rainier National Park provides additional recreational opportunities, with several campgrounds serving as convenient basecamps for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas and lakes.
"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)."
"Rainer is a must for anyone living in the PNW and this campground allows you to stay in the park but gives you access to plenty of trails, waterfalls and is just a short distance from entrance to the Wonderland"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"White pass hiking and sledding if there’s still snow. Always a great time."
"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."
from $23 - $115 / night
Check Availability"If you are looking for an volunteer opportunity while in the park, check out the Washington Train Association also know as the WTA."
"Large campground located near the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier. Many sites tucked into large trees. Some loops close to main toad so the noise can be an issue, but overall beautiful!"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Great for kids, big playground and easy walk near lake."
"Both of our sites had gorgeous views of the lake. The campground has a cafe and convenience store in the main building. Firewood for sale. Dump station for those without the full hookups."
"We love camping around White Pass WA because it is so close to great hikes and White Pass Ski Resort. We have actually camped here in our RV and then went up skiing in the morning. Mt."
"Easy access to Rimrock lake. A littel road noise but worth the views and access to the lake. No power but several pit tiolets on site."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"There was a woodsy area behind the site where kids could play. The bathrooms are fancy out houses no place to wash hands. Lots of bugs in the evening."
"The lake level was pretty low when we were there so you had to walk out a bit of distance to get to the water."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"23 May 2020 - you can drive to the "Y" intersection for the camp grounds and horse camp, but the snow was so deep that walking is the only option."
"Some are nestled in the trees far away from everyone else. The campground does not have electric hook ups and it would be difficult to bring a larger camper or rv down the trail."
"The vault toilets were very well cared for and didn't have the typical smells and lingering posits that make this type of accommodation so memorable."
"We paid $10 for the site and it was right next to the river. We were tucked in. Right next to the river and the bathroom. There is even garbage dumpsters at the campground @."
"Amazing camp site with a good amount of lakeside camps. Staying in site 41 to 44 guarantees amazing sunrise and sunset views. The lake water is crystal clear. Excellent location if you enjoy hiking."
"nice tall shade trees and beautiful access to the lake. trails are around and a large beach to relax on. sites are large and trees are close enough to hang a hammock. note: road to get here is entirely"
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Big spaces, big trees, big lake. But if you come during the weekend, be prepared for the most inconsiderate, noisy, rude neighbors you've ever found."
"Has toilets around area, didnt check them as my rig is self sufficient. No other service though but out here it doesnt matter. Pack in pack out. Has fire rings all over!"
ScoutSuper well maintained, lots of amenities. There is a giant slip-n-slide style water slide that runs all summer. Main thing to know is that you need to have a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints help you book. It’s technically owned by the church but they’re open to visitors using it. No alcohol and I think it’s closed on Sundays.
ScoutFirst they said they had available spaces then they said they didn't.We drove 50 miles to come out here and they didn't have a space all of a sudden!
GuideHowever you camp, tent or RV, there is a site for you here. Taidnapam is the second Tacoma Power park where I have camped. There are two sides to this campground--the older side which are sites 1-52 are a mix of full hook-ups and partial hook-ups. The newer, larger loop is almost all full hook-ups with a few exceptions that are partial. There are tent spots in-between the two sides. They also have 2 group sites--one with 22 spots of full and partial hook-ups and one primitive group site. We stayed in site 9 with full hook-ups on the older loop. This loop is one big circle with a dividing road so it's kind of like two loops. The rest rooms and playground was in the middle of the first loop. My site had a short trail right to the restrooms/playground area. The playground was pretty awesome! On the far end of the second loop, there is a trail that takes you to the day-use area where there is a second fantastic playground. There was also a sprinkler system there, but we didn't know how to make it work. This area is right next to the river/east end of Riffe Lake. There are no swimming areas however because the lake has lowered over the years. We did ask if there were any swimming areas nearby or a way to get down to the water and they did have a list in the office. We checked out a few of the closer places, but since I have a 4 years old, I did not feel that any of the places were safe enough for her to get down to the water and I did not want to drive miles to get to the next park. One of the fun things about this park are the gnomes up in the trees! I didn't find out until the night before we left, but I guess you can do like a scavenger hunt type of thing to find all the gnomes.
TravelerI’d consider this one of my top 3 free camping spots ever, right next to a lake and surrounded by the Cascade Mountains. Spectacular setting and lots of space for folks to set up in this mostly dispersed campsite.
GuideYou park your car at an upper level and then there’s a small trail that takes you down to a quiet and private river. The lower level hang out spot is right next to the river and would be way cooler if people stopped putting their toilet paper and used up poo powder in the fire circle. I would’ve liked to be able to use the fire circle on the upper level instead, but there was a mound of trash in there as well.
There is a small memorial right next to the upper fire circle that had some offerings left at the base.
TravelerWe tried this spot as our first Boondocking experience. We wanted a place that we could try our equipment out for a couple nights without it being too far and this was perfect. Open area spots are good for 30-40ft rigs no problem, and there are way more tent camp spots for those who want it. Just remember, first come first served…All the other reviews and pictures are pretty accurate so you can trust them. Except for the “road to bumpy”… yea, it’s not a Walmart parking lot.
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.
TravelerLet 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.
Camping spots near White Pass, Washington range in elevation from 2,500 to 4,500 feet, creating variable conditions that affect seasonal accessibility. Most White Pass campgrounds remain under snow until late May, with high elevation sites like Soda Springs sometimes inaccessible through early June. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during days and drop to 45-55°F at night, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature swings.
Hiking trails: Several trails originate from Ohanapecosh Campground with varying difficulty levels. "Ohanapecosh has lots of great trails for most all ages. We took our kids up to Grove of the Patriarchs which crosses a suspended bridge. It does get a bit busy on this trail though. If you keep hiking further it becomes a bit more secluded," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Clear Lake and Rimrock Lake provide trout fishing from spring through fall. "We rented one to get a Geocache that was on an island on the lake. The lake is five miles long with lots of camping spots along the lake," shares a camper at Bumping Lake, where boat rentals cost around $25 per hour at the marina.
Winter recreation: While most campgrounds close seasonally, the area transforms into a winter recreation destination. At Walupt Lake Campground, visitors can access "White pass hiking and sledding if there's still snow," making it a year-round destination depending on conditions.
River access: Many campsites feature direct water access, particularly valued during summer. At La Wis Wis Campground, "Our space was large, and was right on the river, we enjoyed our campfire, and quiet time. Some campsites are pretty tight and the road in the campground is very narrow."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife observation opportunities. "We saw paw prints out on hikes. This is pretty far away from any stores, so make sure you have everything you need before entering the park," mentions a visitor at Ohanapecosh regarding bear activity.
Swimming holes: Natural swimming areas provide relief during summer heat. La Wis Wis visitors recommend: "Be sure to check out Blue Hole, a beautiful swimming hole with a very rocky beach." Another camper adds, "Rope swings and places to jump off just down the road."
Cellular connectivity: Service remains extremely limited throughout the area. "This is a perfect getaway for people looking to unplug as no cell service (tested on sprint, verizon, and google fi) is available," reports a visitor to Soda Springs.
Campsite reservations: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. For Cougar Rock Campground, visitors advise: "Get your reservations in the winter before your trip. Spots fill up fast."
Weekend crowds: Weekday visits offer dramatically different experiences than weekends, especially at dispersed sites. One camper at Clear Lake noted: "If you come during the week, you're going to enjoy quiet, gorgeous dispersed camping... But if you come during the weekend, be prepared for the most inconsiderate, noisy, rude neighbors you've ever found."
Ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer educational opportunities for children. At Ohanapecosh, "Very family friendly with large and small camp sites. Great for multiple family outings... Visitor center in the campground, fun ranger programs."
Swimming safety: Lake and river temperatures remain cold even in summer. A visitor to Rimrock Lake Resort advises: "Great for kids, big playground and easy walk near lake."
Multi-family sites: Some campgrounds offer group areas specifically designed for multiple families. "We go here once a year... Recommend late summer if you want to swim as the river is still moving strong and quickly June/July. Lots of great 'first come first serve sites' on the water," reports a La Wis Wis visitor.
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted access for larger vehicles. A Cougar Rock visitor notes: "The driveways are kind of small," while another La Wis Wis camper adds, "This is an older campground with smaller roads and bigger campsites. This makes it great for tent campers and those with smaller RV's or tent trailers. The larger loud RV's would not fit in the spots or on the roads."
Limited hookups: Most camping areas near White Pass offer minimal services. At Clear Lake North Campground, "We paid $10 for the site and it was right next to the river. We were tucked in. Right next to the river and the bathroom. There is even garbage dumpsters at the campground."
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds prohibit generator use to maintain wilderness atmosphere. Rimrock Lake Resort offers an alternative with "water/electric hookups. Some sites have full hookups but there are super clean bathrooms with showers and porta potties so you're good to go even if you don't have a full hookup site."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campgrounds near White Pass, WA?
The White Pass area offers several excellent camping options. La Wis Wis Campground is a popular choice with sites suitable for tents and RVs, featuring big trees and a refreshing river. Indian Creek (WA) is another great option located close to hiking trails and White Pass Ski Resort, making it convenient for both summer and winter recreation. Other nearby options include Silver Springs Campground along the river, Packwood RV Park in the nearby town, and Hells Crossing Campground. The region also offers dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more primitive experience, particularly along Highway 12 and forest roads in the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Is there a designated White Pass campground with amenities?
Yes, White Pass Lake (Leech Lake) Campground is the designated campground at White Pass with amenities. This campground is conveniently located near seasonal activities including hiking trails in summer and the White Pass Ski Area in winter. It's situated near Leech Lake and not far from Rimrock Lake, offering water recreation opportunities. For those seeking alternative options with amenities, The Dalles Campground offers beautiful sites, though it's located near the highway and has limited cell service. Most designated campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while some like Packwood RV Park offer more extensive facilities including hookups for recreational vehicles.
What is the best time of year for camping at White Pass?
Summer (June through August) is the prime camping season at White Pass when weather is most favorable and all campgrounds are open. Silver Springs Campground is particularly beautiful during this time with its riverside location and well-distributed sites. Late spring (May) and early fall (September) offer less crowded experiences with pleasant temperatures, though higher elevation areas may still have snow in spring. Some adventurous campers enjoy the winter months at Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area and lower elevation sites, especially when combining camping with skiing at White Pass Ski Resort. Early summer typically offers wildflowers, while early fall brings vibrant foliage. Be prepared for cool mountain nights even in summer.
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