Mount Rainier National Park encompasses Ohanapecosh Campground, a National Park Service facility that sits along the Ohanapecosh River in old-growth forest on the park's southeast side. The campground's 188 sites spread across multiple loops, with paved roads leading to dirt camping spots. Most sites remain very shaded due to the abundance of trees, and many back directly to streams or the main river. Vehicle size restrictions limit motorhomes to 32 feet and trailers to 27 feet, with tight roads that challenge larger rigs.
Sites closest to the creek draw the most interest from campers, who often circle the loops looking for waterfront spots during busy periods. The river provides constant background noise throughout the campground. Lee D. notes that "sites on the outside of the loop are more desirable than the ones on the inside as these do not have clear boundary delineation." Privacy varies significantly between loops, with some sites feeling more separated than others.
Flush toilets and potable water serve the campground, though facilities show their age and lack amenities like showers or hot water. Each site includes a bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. A dump station accommodates RVs, while an interpretive trail to hot springs begins directly behind the visitor center. The Silver Falls and Grove of the Patriarchs trails connect from the campground, offering immediate hiking access without driving elsewhere in the park.
Reservations become essential during peak season, when all sites typically fill. Walk-up camping operates after Labor Day on a first-come basis. Cell service remains nonexistent throughout this area of the park. The location requires about 45 minutes of driving to reach Paradise or other main park destinations, making this a quieter base camp away from the crowds. For additional camping options in the region, see camping spots around Mount Rainier National Park.
Book early for summer visits, as sites fill quickly once reservations open.
Description
Overview
Ohanapecosh Campground, on the southeast side of Mount Rainier National Park, is surrounded by old growth forest and crossed by an exceptionally beautiful snow-fed river. Close to Ohanapecosh are popular hikes to Silver Falls. The Grove of the Patriarchs trail is closed to public access until the bridge accessing the Grove is replaced. The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is the mountain itself, a glacier-clad volcano of immense proportions. At 14,411 ft., it dominates the skyline for hundreds of miles. Visitors travel through majestic old-growth forests, past tumbling waterfalls and historic buildings to reach sub-alpine meadows, where world-famous wildflower displays are seen in July and August. Popular activities in the park include sight-seeing, hiking, climbing and camping. Ohanapecosh campground has an elevation of 1,914 feet. Weather is dry, cool and sunny in the summer with daytime temperatures in the 60 to 80-degree range. Even though the eastern side of the park can be sunnier than other areas, weather can be variable and visitors should come prepared.
Recreation
The most popular campground in the park, Ohanapecosh is convenient to both the Paradise and Sunrise areas. Numerous hiking trails originate both in and nearby the facility, including the several trails that lead to Silver Falls waterfall. For visitors who would like to learn more about natural and cultural history, the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center is close by as well.Grove of the Patriarchs - The Grove of the Patriarchs is CLOSED to all public entry due to flooding in November 2021 which caused significant damage to the suspension bridge that provides the only safe access to the area (News Release, 11/17/21). See the attached emergency regulation signed by the Deputy Superintendent. The Grove of the Patriarchs Trail will remain closed until the bridge can be replaced. During the closure, the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot and restrooms have normal seasonal access, along with the Eastside and Silver Falls Trails. Construction to replace the bridge is scheduled to begin summer 2027. In addition to site clearing, the project will require supplies transport, bridge construction, trail reconstruction to meet the new bridge. This process is expected to take several years and construction work is limited to the summer season. Summers represent the only viable construction season in the park due to the heavy snow that blankets the park from roughly November through May.
Facilities
This large campground has 188 individual sites for RV or tent camping situated among the ancient trees. There is drinking water, but no electric hookups. Visitors must use extra caution with food storage, as bear and other animals inhabit the area around the campground.
Natural Features
Ohanapecosh is thought to be a Taidnapam Indian word for "standing on the edge" of the Ohanapecosh River. The river itself is lined with mossy boulders and drains cold, clear water down from higher elevations. Its banks are lined with thick, old growth Douglas fir trees and other evergreens. There is no view of Mt. Rainier directly from the campground, though the mountain dominates the landscape in nearby areas of the park.
Charges & Cancellations
__If a camper does not check-in at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center at the campground window by 12:00pm check-out time the day after the scheduled arrival date, their reservation will be cancelled, the camper will incur a $10.00 service fee, and forfeit the first night's camping fee.
Reservation Info
First come first served
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from October 11, 2025 through May 27, 2026.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from October 11, 2025 through May 27, 2026.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
We now expect the Ohanapecosh Campground rehabilitation project to continue into the spring and early summer of 2026. We will reopen the campground as soon after the completion of the project as possible, but we cannot predict an exact opening date. Information on how to secure a campsite for summer 2026, will be posted to the Mount Rainier National Park website at Campgrounds - Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)prior to the 2026 camping season_._
The dump station at the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed. The nearest dump station is located at the Maple Grove Resort 28 miles west on Hwy 12.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundOhanapecosh Campground — Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington
Directions
Located on State Route 123, four miles north of State Route 12.
Address
208 Ohanapecosh Road
Packwood, WA 98361
Coordinates
46.7311111 N
121.5702778 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 16 min from Yakima, WA
- 2 hrs 57 min from Wenatchee, WA
- 3 hrs 15 min from Seattle, WA
- 4 hrs 1 min from Olympia, WA


























































