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57 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 20, 2019

Nice campground close to Paradise

Cougar Rock is a large campground (and the one closest to Paradise) with over 170 sites in six loops.  Note that the maximum allowable length for motorhomes is 35 feet and 27 feet for trailers and 5th wheels. Loops A and E have some sites that are right on the road. Some sites are pull-through and most are spacious with varying amounts of privacy between them. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and a bear box. C1 felt very private, even though it was the first site in the C loop. You can hear the Nisqually River lull you to sleep. Don’t forget to bring your towel to the bathroom as there are no paper towels or air dryers in the bathrooms. The bathroom was reasonably clean but as with all NPS campgrounds, there are no showers. Cougar Rock was a very quiet campground on a Monday in mid-June, even though there were a fair amount of people camping. The campground opened in May; the sites are reservable June 21-September 3 only. If you haven’t reserved a site (and therefore pre-paid), there is a machine that accepts coins and credit cards (but not bills that I could see!) to pay for your campsite. The Wonderland trail is accessible from the campground, but you would have to drive to other trailheads. We are told you can get a great view of Mt. Rainier just across the street on the trail, but we will have to take the ranger’s word on it as the clouds completely obscured the view! No cell service.

SiteC1
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Lee D., June 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Lee D., June 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Lee D., June 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Lee D., June 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Lee D., June 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Lee D., June 20, 2019
Reviewed Apr. 10, 2019

Great National park location

We got a campsite near the back of the campground right next to a trailhead. The spots seemed to be well spread out so we had plenty of privacy. The restrooms were clean and the park rangers were very helpful. Only downfall of being near the trailhead was having backpackers walking through late at night coming back from hikes up the mountain.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2018

Pretty campground but a bit tight

We met some friends at Cougar Rock Campground on Mt Rainier at the end of September thinking we would have no problem getting a site. We ended up getting the very last site in the entire campground. So even if you're going a little later in the season, I would recommend getting a reservation. (And the campground closes in October for the season.) Of course, we ended up at a site right next to the bathroom, which is not my favorite. But once again, lucky to even get a site. The site (C-22) was actually kind of interesting because there is a big rock right behind the fire pit so you can sit on the rock and be a little higher over the campfire. The bathrooms were clean and fine. You really can't go wrong looking at the stars on a clear, September evening on Mt. Rainier.

On Sunday before heading back to Portland, we took the short drive up to Jackson Visitors Center at the top of Rainier where we took some easy walks (can't even call the hikes) around the absolutely gorgeous area. The colors were stunning! Then had some awesome chili at Paradise Inn right next to the visitors center before heading home. Perfect fall weekend.

SiteC-22
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah S., October 6, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2018

Great stay in National Park

We enjoyed our stay at Mt Rainier and loved the hiking the area had to offer. There are multiple shops and restaurants inside the park, making it a great place for the family. We camped in our tent, and were disappointed with the amenities. There are toilets and sinks, but no showers. There is not a good spot to wash dishes, and you lose cell service 45 minutes before getting to the campsite, so be prepared for more primitive camping! Also, bears are real so keep your food locked in the bear containers provided!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah  B., August 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah  B., August 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sarah  B., August 11, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2018

Views for days!

Finding a great place to stay that is near Mt. Rainier National Park is always the best. Cougar Rock Campground is a perfect place to camp if you are wanting to do some hiking within the park. Located in Ashford, you are close to so many hikes, it’s amazing. My family and I did a few hikes a day because we couldn’t choose just 1. The views of Mt. Rainier are incredible on these hikes. You can see Rainier a tiny bit from the campground, too. Wonderland Trail is close by and it’s a perfect hike!! The campground is great, spacious and has the basic ammentities. Definitely get a reservation early, though, because it does fill up very fast. It was full when we got there and checked in around 1pm. They have bathrooms on site, picnic tables and fire pits. There is also a lookout point in the campground where you can see Mt. Rainier. Doesn’t get any better than that!! Highly recommend :)

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sasha W., July 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sasha W., July 27, 2018
  • Morning hike
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  • Can’t get enough
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  • Love it
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Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Great location at Mt Rainier

Great location to camp if you are wanting to be right in the middle of mt rainier. Has easy access to paradise and beautiful hikes. The camp sites seemed a little close together but we still really enjoyed it. Loved the trees and hike to the river. Beautiful views.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Brittany P., July 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Brittany P., July 8, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2018

Great Campground Location

Cougar Rock is a popular campground that gets you close to Paradise, but also an easy run back to Longmire if you need supplies or cell service. Lots of trees, good cover...like most NP campgrounds, get in early in the morn if you want a site. Grill, fire ring, grill plate, bear box, picnic table, all the usual stuff.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Buck R., June 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Buck R., June 28, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2018

large, tidy, with good tree cover, fire rings, and hinged grills to cook fo

This campground is huge! got lost in it a few times... there are tons of great spots with nice fire rings and flat spots for tents. Firewood at the entrance to the campground. Didn’t see any showers but indoor plumbing in the bathrooms. Potable water by all the bathrooms as well. Many sites have pretty good privacy from the other sites even though they are relatively close together

SiteA something
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Greg T., June 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Greg T., June 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Greg T., June 13, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2018

Views, trees, convenience

really convenient campground if you’re going to be in Rainier. Little $$ at $20/night, but well maintained and plenty of spaces in early June! Tables and fire pits available, wood was sold in loop A, we stayed at loop C but didn’t realize that our site (C15) seemed to be lacking a bear box until after we set up camp. Borrowed one from an unoccupied neighboring site, but it could be an issue if it were busier. Also if you stay adjacent to a bathroom, bring an eye mask!

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2017

Stars, mountains, buglessness

Best stars you'll see all year if you go on a clear day (go in the summer)! You can see Mount Rainer during the day, and take day trips to hiking trails with mountains and waterfalls and even a gondola near the ski resort. RV friendly and dogs welcome at campsite (just not on trails). Running water, flush toilets, and fire pit available. Not many bugs, might might get cold at night. Ranger apprently does an info talk around 8pm. Book site in advance (fills up quickly). Will have to pay a national park fee to get in.

SiteE023
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Vilija J., July 30, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Vilija J., July 30, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2017

Great spot in Rainier

Loved Cougar Rock but it didn't love us. We flew out there with our Florida gear in September, place was deserted except a few RV’s dispersed, had the place to ourselves, saw no other tents. Place was absolutely gorgeous, quite, and green. We froze to death and only lasted one night before booking it to Paradise to stay in the park motel. Bit of a drive but when in Rainier head out to Mowich Lake, totally worth it!

SiteC Loop
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Laura F., July 26, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Laura F., July 26, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Laura F., July 26, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Laura F., July 26, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Laura F., July 26, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2017

Enjoyable night in Mt Rainier

Arrived around 5pm on a Tuesday in June and had no problem securing a great spot. There were plenty of other visitors, so I imagine the weekend would be packed. The site we stayed in was close to the road, but quiet and beautiful. The wonderland trail is a quick jaunt from the campgrounds. Would recommend, but perhaps liked Ohanapecosh a tad bit more.

SiteB16
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Amy S., July 9, 2017
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2017

Sweet walk up availability

I went when there were no reservations required and found a sweet site. It is good to go in the off season. Reservations are all filled up during the busy season. Off-season for the win!!

SiteB7
Month of VisitJune
  • Bunch of good hammock trees!
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  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Jacob B., June 23, 2017
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2017

Time to relax

So last summer my girlfriend and I were doing a Geocaching quest. We stayed at Cougar Rock a few days while looking for our caches. We really enjoyed having the trees at our camp site for our hammocks. We spent the hot afternoon napping and relaxing in our hammock. It was the best experience ever.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Becky R., June 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Becky R., June 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Becky R., June 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Becky R., June 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Becky R., June 23, 2017
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Great Location to all the hiking Mt Rainier has to offer

This is the closest campground to Paradise, the most popular area and hikes available on Mt Rainier.

This is a classic, I hope once you camp here you come back again every year like we have.

If you are going to do one thing on your trip, take the wonderland trail from your campsite. This is the most accessible location and one of the most spectacular trails.

  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Kayko S., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Kayko S., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Kayko S., October 1, 2016
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Nice sites, great views and close to must dos

This campground is pretty large and each site is set back a little to give you some additional privacy. Although they are mostly non-electric there isn't a tent only section. The sites are all very flat and have tables and fire rings. There are a god number of flush toilets and potable water. You're really close to the paradise visitor center and great hikes.

  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Elliott B., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Elliott B., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Elliott B., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Elliott B., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Elliott B., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Elliott B., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Elliott B., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Elliott B., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Elliott B., October 1, 2016
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2016

Great location!

We lucked out and got a spot at this campground on a Saturday in the middle of the busy summer months. It's a perfect spot to explore the park!

  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Melissa  J., September 27, 2016
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2016

Mt. Rainer...surprisingly amazing!

Very cloudy on the first day....where is Mt. Rainer. Very sunny the next day....oh wow. Mt. Rainer is everywhere! Can see Mt. Rainer from the campground. Amazing. Very quiet, campsites felt private too

  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Michael K., September 22, 2016
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2016

Great View

Camp ground is very nice, clean with great forest, river and mountain views. They are activities in the evening at the ranger station at longmire or paradise. If you are looking for an volunteer opportunity while in the park, check out the Washington Train Association also know as the WTA. The WTA is one of the groups that hold work parties that maintain the trails we all walk on in the park. I have work a few work parties and love the mission, people and all over experience.

  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by iloveitontop R., September 6, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by iloveitontop R., September 6, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by iloveitontop R., September 6, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by iloveitontop R., September 6, 2016
  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by iloveitontop R., September 6, 2016
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2016

Cougar rock

The views of this place are just breathtaking. Everyone should visit at least once in your life. By far one of my favorite places on earth.

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2016

Cougar Rock campground

I showed up without reservations and the host directed me to a perfect spot. There was a bridge leading to a private tent site. The campground was wonderful with restrooms and water nearby. The neighbor campers were all very friendly. The campground is in the Southwest of the national park. This puts it close to some wonderful hiking at Comet Falls, Paradise and so many others. The park officials were happy to help me find great things to do in the time I was there. If you have a chance to get this particular campsite, go for it! I would definitely go back here again and plan to spend at least a week exploring the national park. Tip: fill up with gas before entering the park (there is one right before you enter if you are coming from the west) because it's really big and there are no gas stations inside the park.

  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Art S., July 12, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2016

Great views, out of the way

For the size of this place, it's pretty out of the way (in a good way). There are no fire pits, and the driveways are kind of small, but all of that is incredibly worth it. Great views, incredibly quiet, and amazingly clean. If I didn't live across the country I would camp here every weekend in the summer.

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2016

Cougar rock

There is no need to wait in a long line to get a camp spot. There is plenty with exactly 173.There is no restrooms and fire pits but the price is worth it for the view and experience. The price is $60. The best view of the area is Mt Rainier itself

Reviewed Feb. 9, 2015

Rainer popular - but not too much so.

Great ranger help - we also got to stay for free because it was the last day of the season. Campsites at Cougar roll up and down with small valleys and ridges, giving extra privacy. Rainer Park is gorgeous, larger than life. Well laid-out, everything easy to find, stark colors, plus we saw some wildlife.

  • Review photo of Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Bjorn S., February 9, 2015