Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park manages Summerland Backcountry Campsites, a backcountry destination accessible by hiking trail rather than vehicle access. The National Park Service requires reservations and prohibits pets at this site. Campsites sit among trees that provide natural shelter but limit direct mountain views, though nearby subalpine meadows offer clear sightlines to Mount Rainier during sunset hours.

A short downhill walk leads to a stream where campers can collect water, and the area features a fully enclosed privy facility. Marmots frequent the camping areas and surrounding meadows, typically focused on native vegetation rather than camper interactions. Cell service reaches 5G speeds at this elevation. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with potential for sudden thunderstorms and heavy rainfall that may affect hiking plans.

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Location

Public Campground

Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.86518354 N
121.65907536 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2022

Magnificent setting

Doesn't get much better than watching the sunset behind Rainier at a flower adorned stream flowing through a subalpine meadow.

It's even got a fully enclosed privy and 5G cell service -- no issues video chatting with family.

Only knock against it is sites themselves don't quite have a clear view of the mountain as they're well protected by trees. Also a little bit of a walk (downhill) to the aforementioned stream for water, but it's a place we kept going back to for the views anyway.

Lots of marmots, including in the camping areas. Seemed more interested in munching on lupines than bothering us.

Site4
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park by Graham C., August 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park by Graham C., August 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park by Graham C., August 28, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2019

Caution

Beautiful hike. Lots of animal life and plant life. The sites are pretty much as big as you want them to be LOL. The scenery is immaculate. The reason I give caution is Mount Rainier likes to create its own weather. Got trapped and a thunderstorm well there with torrential downpours.

  • Review photo of Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park by Tyler S., June 19, 2019
  • Review photo of Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park by Tyler S., June 19, 2019
  • Review photo of Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park by Tyler S., June 19, 2019
  • (43) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Summerland Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.