Big Creek Campground

Big Creek is perfect for everyone who is looking for a decent, no-frills campground. Located a short distance from Mt Rainier NP, this is the perfect springboard for any NP adventure or chillax getaway. We were fortunate to snag site #2, which has easy access to the creek and a decent small swim spot to cool off on a hot day. No bathrooms, just vault toilets - and it looks as if a couple are on deck to be replaced as of this writing.

Cute little site just a short drive to the entrance of the park. The host seem sweet and there’s some hiking trails near.

We spent 2 nights at Big Creek and it was ok, nothing to write home about. We arrived on opening day and were one of the first campers, so we had our pick of sites. We chose#42, which was nice--spacious enough for a campervan, 2 humans, and 2 big dogs. Also nice were the 3 trails surrounding the campground (1 mostly flat, about 1.8 miles long, that encircled the campground, the other 2 were uphill hikes with views). The campground itself was ok, some sites more private than others. Bathrooms were pit toilets--no sinks, no showers--but clean enough. I think my biggest gripe (and the reason for the 3-star rating) is that Big Creek Campground just didn't deliver on the "exceptional scenery" part of the website's description. It's a second growth forest with mostly small Doug firs and (I think) vine maples, with a few hemlocks thrown in. I'd say "scrubby scenery" is more accurate.

We love Big Creek! Our campsite was #25. It is a double site with pull through parking for our 17-foot camper. The site has a fresh water spigot at it, and there are several others around the loop. One of a few restrooms is nearby and relatively clean. The campground is small and quiet. Some of the other campsites are much smaller and good for car camping. Big Creek is very close to the entrance to Mount Ranier National Park. There are a couple of nice restaurants between the campground and the park too. This will be our “go to” site for camping on the southside of the park.

We arrived at the NP at 10:30 am on a Friday. The campgrounds were already full, so we quickly backtracked to this one just outside the park. We would most definitely stay at this campground again for any exploring on the southwest side of the NP. Another great example of a great National Forest Campground. We had one of the best spots with access to the stream.

MTB trails right in camp.  Some sites are pretty private.  Right on a creek, swimming hole under bridge near campsite 1.

Great place to camp for our summer trips to Mt. Rainer! We have 2 little ones, so the close proximity to a small creek was great for the kids. Manager of camp was friendly and even entertained my kids Bigfoot questions! Firewood for sale, picnic bench, fire pit, map with hiking trails in the area, all helpful. Tried some fishing, mostly for fun with kids. Nice flat camp area for tents and no memorable issues with mosquitoes. Will keep this one on the camping map.

I had reservations at Cougar Rock inside Mount Rainier NP, but unfortunately they were canceled due to COVID-related issues. This campground made a very nice backup plan. Just a few miles from the park entrance, so not much added travel time. Camp sites are very spacious and much more private than Cougar Rock. Site#6 was right on the creek(it looked like 1-6 were). Pit toilets were smelly but very clean for what they are(but bring hand sanitizer!). Fire wood for sale on site. Overall had a great experience here. If you're looking for backup plans for Cougar Rock or elsewhere, I highly recommend this campground.

I chose to stayed here because of its location. It’s close to the entrance into Rainier NP and there’s plenty of Amazing hikes nearby. I camped alone (I’m a female) and I felt safe. Always important. It’s a primitive campground, which I love. ((Due to COVID you have to make reservations to stay here. 6/5/20))

This is a small and primitive campground with a total of 29 sites. The campground does not have electric hook ups and it would be difficult to bring a larger camper or rv down the trail.

Sites are situated in a circle, with some in the trees and others sitting along Big Creek. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with bbq grate. The site does not have showers and the toilets are the pit style.

There is tons of wildlife and lots of trails and some riverbank to explore. Open seasonally.

It’s a nice simple campground only minutes to the park. We camped here last year. Much quieter than in the park which is what we were looking for.