Map showing campground location near Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Camper submitted image from Sunrise Camp Primitive — Mount Rainier National Park

Sunrise Camp Primitive — Mount Rainier National Park

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Mount Rainier National Park's Sunrise area hosts this hike-in primitive camp just over a mile from the Sunrise Visitor Center, making it one of the more accessible backcountry options among tent campgrounds around Mount Rainier National Park. Sites are spread well apart. The camp has toilets and community bear boxes but no water and no fires permitted, so campers must carry in all water. Shadow Lake sits close by. White River Campground is roughly a mile southeast for those wanting a drive-in alternative. The Sunrise Visitor Center, a short walk away, carries limited food and supplies, which makes this a practical first or last stop on a longer route through the park.

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Map & DirectionsSunrise Camp Primitive is located in Washington near Mount Rainier National Park

Public Campground

Coordinates

46.9125182 N
121.65520275 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Reservable
Toilets

Drive Time

2 hrs 46 min from Yakima, WA
4 hrs 46 min from Seattle, WA
5 hrs 6 min from Olympia, WA
5 hrs 38 min from Bremerton, WA

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Sunrise Camp Primitive

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

A convenient base camp just over a mile from Sunrise Visitor Center with well-spaced sites offering privacy. Basic primitive facilities include bear boxes and outhouses, though restroom conditions received mixed feedback.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Brooke M.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2020

Not bad

Good hike

Danielle S.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2018

Sunrise Walk-In Camp

This was the first campground on a multi-day backpacking trip. It's really close to the Sunrise Visitor Center, which I wasn't too happy about. But It made for a very short first day, which is when the packs are the heaviest, so that was in our favor.

The campground has multiple sites. We arrived late so got one at the far outskirts. We had to walk down a trail to get to the bear box and to use the toilet.

Thank goodness for the bear box. I bear camp by our sit in the evening, we think since we were the first site on its path. It wasn't too interested in us because we practiced proper bear safety in putting all potentially smelly things (including toothpaste) in the bear box and did as the rangers had suggested, and made some noise. He ran off pretty quick. Made for an exciting first night.

The sites are nicely placed far apart so you feel like you are all alone in the wilderness. We were there the night of the meteoroid shower and I woke up several times just to watch it. Our spot had trees but we were up on a hill and the trees opened up so we got quite the show.

All around, it is a great campground.

(10) View All

Celina M.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2018

Beautiful spot off the Wonderland Trail

This campground barely qualifies as backcountry, being little more than a mile from the trailhead at the Sunrise Visitor Center. It is located off of a popular day hike to the Glacier Overlook—which provides an excellent view of Emmons Glacier. There are community bear boxes to share, no water, and no fire. There is also an outhouse but plug your nose for this one! Note that Shadow lake is a small hop, skip, and a jump from the camp. There are also group sites. The camp itself wasn’t very busy when we were around. If can be a great base camp for the Burroughs, or a stopping over point in the Wonderland or many other great trails.

If this is part of a longer trip, Sunrise Village is only a little over a mile away and has some hot food grabs, and minimal groceries. Not sure if there are places to send boxes to here—but putting Wonderland on my to do list personally. Rainier was simply amazing.

Month of VisitJuly

(15) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Sunrise Camp at Mount Rainier National Park?

Sunrise Camp is accessed via a relatively short hike from the Sunrise Visitor Center in Mount Rainier National Park. The trail to the campground is approximately one mile from the trailhead at the visitor center. The hike follows the popular trail toward Glacier Overlook, which offers views of Emmons Glacier. The trail is well-marked and manageable for most hikers, making it an accessible backcountry camping option without requiring a strenuous approach. Be sure to check road conditions before heading to Sunrise Visitor Center, as seasonal closures may affect access.

Is Sunrise Camp a walk-in only campground at Mount Rainier?

Yes, Sunrise Camp is strictly a walk-in backcountry campground. While it's only about a mile from the Sunrise Visitor Center, there is no vehicle access to the camp itself. The short hiking distance makes it ideal for beginners to backcountry camping or as the first stop on a longer backpacking trip when packs are at their heaviest. A backcountry camping permit is required to stay at this walk-in camp.

What amenities are available at Sunrise Camp in Mount Rainier National Park?

Sunrise Camp is a primitive backcountry campground with minimal amenities. The camp features multiple designated campsites, community bear boxes for food storage, and a pit toilet. There is no potable water available at the campground, so visitors must bring their own water or water treatment supplies. The camp's facilities are basic, aligning with its backcountry designation, despite being relatively close to the visitor center. Plan accordingly by packing all necessary camping supplies, including cooking equipment and water.

When is Sunrise Camp at Mount Rainier open during the year?

Sunrise Camp typically follows the seasonal opening schedule of the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park, which is generally accessible from late June or early July through September or early October, depending on snow conditions. The camp closes when snow begins to accumulate in the fall. As a high-elevation location, Sunrise is one of the last areas in the park to become snow-free in summer and one of the first to receive snow in autumn. Always check with Mount Rainier National Park for current conditions and exact opening dates before planning your trip.

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