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Official

Established Camping

White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

The White River Campground is closed to camping for the season. Day use parking will be available as long as the road remains open. Pit Toilet only no water available.

White River Campground, near Ashford, Washington, is a fantastic base for exploring the stunning Mount Rainier National Park. With its picturesque surroundings and access to numerous hiking trails, it’s a favorite among campers looking to immerse themselves in nature.

This campground offers a variety of sites, though privacy can be a bit limited. Many visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery, with one camper noting, “Spectacular scenery” and highlighting the nearby trails that lead to incredible views. Facilities include clean restrooms and a convenient sanitary dump, making it easier for RV campers to settle in.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the Glacier Basin trail starts right at the campground, and the Sunrise area is just a short drive away. Campers have mentioned the lovely creek that flows through the grounds, adding to the serene atmosphere. Just remember, it’s first come, first served, so getting there early is key to snagging a good spot.

While some campers have pointed out the occasional mouse issue, the overall experience is enhanced by the natural beauty and the chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, White River Campground is a great choice for your next outdoor getaway.

Description

National Park Service

Mount Rainier National Park

Overview

White River Campground is available on a first come first serve basis.__ The campround sits at 4,440 ft in elevation, 1200 ft higher than any other campground with amenities in Mount Rainier National Park. For this reason, winter lingers long and comes early. White River often opens at the end of June or early July and stays open in late September. The campground has are 88 campsites that cost $20 a night. There is a 27 ft RV limit and an 18ft trailer limit. Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App to pay the nightly camping fee when you arrive at the campground. Prior to arriving at the campground download the Recreation.gov App to your mobile device and create a Recreation.gov account.

Recreation

There are plenty of hiking opporunities as well as rich ecological sytems that will interest amateur botanists and mycologists.

Facilities

There are plenty of hiking opporunities as well as rich ecological sytems that will interest amateur botanists and mycologists.

Natural Features

This high elevation campground is located near the White River and in a lovely forest. Trails crisscross the campground, including the Wonderland, Burrough Mountain and Glacier Basin Camp Trails.

Nearby Attractions

Trails: Glacier Basin, Burroughs Mountain, the Wonderland and the River Trail.__ The White River Ten miles to Sunrise Five miles from Highway 410 Four miles to the a Ranger Station

Charges & Cancellations

Currently White River is a first-come, first-served campgrounds so there are no cancellations.

Fee Info

<ul> <li>To prevent theft we are now a cashless park.__</li> <li>Use the<a href="https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app/" rel="nofollow"> Recreation.gov Mobile App</a> to pay the nightly camping fee when you arrive at the campground site. Prior to arriving at the campground download the Recreation.gov App to your mobile device and create a Recreation.gov account.</li> <li>You may also pay the $20/night fee at the "iron rangers" with your credit card information, with the ranger (intermittent staffing) or at the White River Entrance fee station on your way out.</li> </ul>
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Location

White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.90241 N
121.641815 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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71%
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4.5

out of 5

17 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2024

First come first serve

This campground is First come first serve. Sites available at 7:00 am each day, but you can stay until 12:00 pm. Get there early to secure a spot. You can get a spot as soon as someone leaves the campsite. Loop C, spot 02 was beauuutiful. Loop B does not have a bathroom or sink.

Site2
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Mimi N., June 17, 2024
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Mimi N., June 17, 2024
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Mimi N., June 17, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2023

Beware of Mice

The campground facilities and layout was great, but if I had known about the problem with the mice beforehand, I would've stayed somewhere else. After I checked in, the camp host mentioned that other campers were finding evidence of mice in their cars, and they told me to keep my car doors closed as much as possible. That wasn't enough because one found it's way into my car at 2am and woke me up while digging for crumbs (all of my food was secure). My site did not have a bear box either which was frustrating. I didn't sleep the rest of the night because I was worried about the mice chewing wires in my car. Wouldn't recommend while the mouse population is still super high.

SiteC2
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2022

Spectacular scenery

Many spots to choose from although none are very private. Several awesome hiking trails in the area

SiteC28
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2022

Great location, nice campground

Love the Sunrise area and this is pretty convenient for a variety of options in the area: the Glacier Basin trail that begins at the camp, or drive up to Sunrise, or the Fryingpan Creek trail to Summerland (what I ended up taking).

I'm usually antsy about going to campgrounds without reservations but had no trouble on a late Wednesday afternoon in August, in fact there were several empty sites when I passed through around 7:30pm.

Restrooms were nice and had sinks for doing dishes. It appeared that all the loops except C loop have bear boxes near the sites. Sites appeared a variety of sizes from fairly large to tiny. Lovely scenery including a creek flowing through the middle of the grounds and of course the river.

None of our group had cell service but if needed it's a short drive away: we had 5G at the Fryingpan Creek trailhead.

SiteC22
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2022

Lots of downed trees

A lot of the campground is closed right now with trees down. Park was closed beyond the campground when we were there because of snow.

Sitec25
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Bradee A., June 29, 2022
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Bradee A., June 29, 2022
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Bradee A., June 29, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2021

Rainier camping at it finest

Bring your tent or RV for a great getaway from the city life. Tons of hikes and scenery to keep you busy.

SiteA loop
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by brent , October 24, 2021
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by brent , October 24, 2021
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by brent , October 24, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2020

Best Campground Ever

Not much to say except that it’s a great campground. Lately, it’s difficult to get a spot. Some sites are closed and there’s been an increase in traffic during the pandemic, but if you get a spot then you’ll be happy.

  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by John T., September 1, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2018

Camping in Mount Rainier

Very nice area. Bathrooms are available, which helps immensely for folks with children, and camping spots are plentiful. There is also a man who drives around with firewood since you can't bring your own from the outside, and it's very inexpensive.

  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Nadia L., October 18, 2018
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Nadia L., October 18, 2018
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Nadia L., October 18, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2018

Fantastic campground

My first time camping in WA, so I have nothing to compare it to but being from the east coast it’s probably the best campsite I’ve ever stayed at.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Colin P., September 18, 2018
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Colin P., September 18, 2018
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Colin P., September 18, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2018

Remote, rustic, and beautiful.

Well worth the extra drive to get to the back side of the mountain, this campground is just down the road from the Sunrise visitor center with a few trails right through the campsite. On one end, Loop A offers more secluded sites with tiny waterfalls and streams running through it. At the other, Loop D is more flat and open but overlooks the nearby river. Plenty of options to suit all tastes. There is running water but no electricity in the bathrooms like the other major campgrounds at Rainier.

  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Scott T., July 28, 2018
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Scott T., July 28, 2018
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Scott T., July 28, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2018

Gorgeous!!

Mt. Rainier holds a special place in my heart. The hiking within the Mt. Rainier National Park is spectacular. I love the views of this gorgeous mountain. I’d recommend staying at this campsite. It’s great, clean and a medium size campground. Highly recommend making reservations ahead of time especially in the summer months. The road to this campground is closed during the winter months because of snow, just FYI. The hiking around this area is to die for! Some of my favorite!!! No dogs allowed in the National Park hikes. Gorgeous area during the summer time when the flowers are blooming! Love love love this area!!! Campground has picnic tables and fire rings, as well as a bathroom on site.

Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sasha W., July 25, 2018
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Sasha W., July 25, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2018

Great Spot

Great campsites with pad and not busy. Can find opening any time of the day!

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

Great last minute, no reservation necessary

We went last minute with three families comprising of about 10 kids and 6 adults! great family campground with a little 1 mile hike to views of the mountain. Each camping spot has a place to park, a table, fire pit, and a bounty of beautiful stumps and logs from the old growth forest. As expected, you’ll see and be near other campers. However, the trees are thick and we felt plenty of privacy. Great go-to weekend place to camp!

  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by Lance R., June 14, 2018
Reviewed May. 24, 2017

Chilly and Beautiful

After a few months of preparation and waiting we were final able to camp here in Rainier National park. It was really beautiful. Our site was pretty big for only the two of us. There are over 25 sites here but it was still filled with people. Id make reservations as soon as possible. The wonderland trail cuts through the campgrounds and we saw a few backpackers resupplying and staying the night here.

The Rangers here were quite friendly and helpful. They had programs for the kids to do and even went around to the sites and asked if they needed assistance. We were able to fit 2 two person tents and still had the space for a couple more. There are toilets and drinking water.

SiteD30
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by jasmine L., May 24, 2017
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by jasmine L., May 24, 2017
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by jasmine L., May 24, 2017
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2016

White River Campground

The sound of soft moving water runs through out the camp ground providing a beautiful and tranquil camping experience. The sites are a good size and have trees for hammock lodging. Fire rings/ grill, bathrooms and a place to wash dishes. The park has a few activities and programs going on in the evening that are educational and fun. No cell service or wifi so remember to save a map for off line use. Great trail access to the wonderland trail. September is warm by mid day and in the morning and evening there is that cool PNW mountain breeze. Stayed in the A loop. Nice waterfalls at a few of the sites.

  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by iloveitontop R., September 6, 2016
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by iloveitontop R., September 6, 2016
  • Review photo of White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park by iloveitontop R., September 6, 2016
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there cell phone reception at White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is poor.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park?

    There are 108 campsites at White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts