Best Campgrounds near White Pass, WA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near White Pass, Washington (295)

    1. Ohanapecosh Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    42 Reviews
    Paradise, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    $20 / night

    "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"

    2. La Wis Wis Campground

    29 Reviews
    Packwood, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $27 - $115 / night

    "White pass hiking and sledding if there’s still snow. Always a great time."

    "We loved that we were only 5 minutes from the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, and about the same distance to Packwood WA for access to amenities if needed."

    3. Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    58 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-6626

    $20 / night

    "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!"

    4. Indian Creek (WA)

    8 Reviews
    White Pass, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $27 / night

    "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."

    5. Bumping Lake Campground

    17 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $24 - $48 / night

    "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."

    6. Rimrock Lake Resort

    9 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 672-2460

    "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."

    7. Soda Springs

    5 Reviews
    Packwood, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1100

    "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."

    8. Walupt Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    White Pass, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $25 - $45 / night

    "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"

    9. Clear Lake Campgrounds

    4 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    6 miles

    "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!"

    10. Clear Lake North Campground

    3 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 653-2205

    "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 @."

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Recent Reviews near White Pass, WA

1106 Reviews of 295 White Pass Campgrounds


  • Chris H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Mounthaven Resort

    Nice spot

    Very clean and quiet. Close to park entrance

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off

    Large open pull off

    Lots of pull offs spots on FS Rd 73 but this spot is very open and it’s the one the GPS guided me to from The Dyrt site.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Couldn’t find it

    The GPS coordinates told me I arrived and there was nothing around me.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park

    Wonderful, kind people!!!

    This campground is an excellent spot to spend some time on your travels! Highly recommend!! Pam and Trevor are wonderful and accommodating hosts!!

  • Adi Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Silver Springs Sno Park

    Great spot near sunrise entrance

    Basically it's an empty lot, a lot of space. Great for one night if you want to be close to sunrise entrance. It's a bit close to the road but in the evening it's very quite. We parked with our RV. It's not perfectly leveled, but will do the trick. There is a sign saying pack out your trash, and that you cannot stay here more than 14 days, meaning it's a legitimate site.

  • Richard H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Elk Meadows RV Park

    Nice campground and facilities.

    Great view of Mt Adams if you can get one of the premium sites. Saw elk and heard elk bugling every morning in the meadow. Very quiet and relaxed.

  • Traci O.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Maple Grove RV Resort (Randle) - KM Resorts

    Stayed Sept 2025

    Enjoyed the large sites and peaceful atmosphere. The staff were friendly and even allowed us to have an Amazon purchase delivered to the campground. Complaints would be the pool was ice cold- unusable. Hot tub jets did not work, and the excessive amount of rabbit poop (not good for dogs) made us keep our pups indoors. Not sure I would come again.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Lake Easton State Park Campground

    Lake Easton State Park Campground

    Had a reservation. Pulled up around 3:30 to the park entrance booth with instructions to check in over the phone. After a short while on hold, was able to complete our check-in. Facilities were clean and fine, but only 1 shower stall in the women's and 1 in the men's for the whole campground. Reviews aren't kidding about the I-90 road noise. This spot was okay for a quick overnight while traveling through the area... but I wouldn't personally make a destination of this place.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

    Solitude

    Loved this. Beautiful, secluded and right off the freeway Strange it is gated, I felt like we were trespassing or something. It’s fine just like everyone says.. lock it behind you. We went straight ahead up the hill. Initially very narrow and overgrown but opens up after a bit. Very steep and Rocky! We car camp in a Wagoneer and it was fine.


Guide to White Pass

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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.