Such as camping in the national parks, and Mount Rainier is one of our family favorites.
Between meadows in bloom, closing forest canopy and it’s majestic 14,000 feet summit peak on full display at this point; Mt. Rainier is showcasing . But how do you experience the most of this amazing national park?
A few suggest heading to the Visitor Center, others propose backpacking into the wilds and a handful even want to summit. But to us, there is nothing really better than camping at Mount Rainier together.
It is ideal to camp closer inside the park, while exploring mount Rainier. This said, there are only three campgrounds open to the public and they do fill up fast during peak months. Without a reservation, you will need to come early for the few first come first serve sites.
It does take a couple of minutes to find one, but so far it’s worth the investment. After that, you can simply relax more and enjoy the park itself without having to worry about going in an out all day.
We put together this ultimate guide for your camping adventure at Mount Rainier, so you can worry about having fun and less on trying to figure it all out.
Your Guide to Mount Rainier Campgrounds
Mount Rainier National Park has three campgrounds: Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River. Here are a few key details about them:
- All have similar facilities: a fire grate, and some flush toilets & water.
- It costs $20/night at individual sites and $60/cause the evening in team websites.
- All of the campgrounds have RV hookups without electric, water, or sewer services.
- The only thing that they do not have at Cougar Rock Campground is a dump station.
- Since water availability may vary during the season, always have your own supply for a backup.
- The city prohibits sleeping in vehicles outside the campgrounds.
- Camping period shall not exceed 14 consecutive days.
- Campers are limited to six people or one immediate family per site and no more than two tents.
- Some sites may not accommodate larger tents due to varying tent pad sizes.
This insight will make your Mount Rainier camping experience so much sweeter when there are no surprises along the way.
1. Cougar Rock Campground: What You Need to Know
Location: 20 minutes from Paradise
Max RV Length: RV: 35 ft., Trailer: 27 ft.
Reservations: Accepted up to 6 months in advance
Number of Sites: 173 (+5 group sites)
Season: Typically open from late May to late September
The places closest to Paradise include Cougar Rock Campground, with it’s pros and cons. This location is a plus with it’s proximity to Paradise, but Mount Rainier can be difficult to navigate from here.
Paradise is a 20-minute drive away and, at Mount Rainier National Park shuttle buses are not an option so RVers have to pack up for the day and head to Big Sites. Also, the roads at Cougar Rock are pretty tight so RVs over a certain length should not expect to be able get into many of these sites.
Situated here, reservations fill up for the summer and weekends quickly First-come, first-serve sites are available if you arrive early (preferably midweek) to snag one. A bit of a duh conclusion says to camp out in Ashford near by the night before and arrive early, which is probably good advice.
Highlights of Cougar Rock Camping
- During the summer, nightly ranger programs are held at 8:30 p.m. (August times start at 8:00 p.m.) in the campground’s amphitheater and cover everything from animal masks to stargazing with telescopes, while evening campfire programs that run between Memorial Day to Labor Day offer a mix of music performances along nature lore demonstrations appropriate for all ages.
- Children aged 6-11 can participate in the daily Junior Ranger programs at 5:00 pm, which is a fun education for youngsters.
- Nature lovers can hike to their heart’s content from this campground that is surrounded by a lush forest, with the Wonderland Trail and shorter jaunts leading you past Carter Falls or through intriguing Madcap Wood.
- Visiting Mount Rainier and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center?
2. Ohanapecosh Campground: A Cozy Retreat on the East Side
Location: East side, halfway between Paradise & Sunrise
Max RV Length: RV: 32 ft., Trailer: 27 ft.
Reservations: Accepted up to 6 months in advance
Number of Sites: 188 (+2 group sites)
Season: Typically open from late May to late September
Despite the somewhat tongue twisting name, Ohanapecosh is one of easiest campgrounds to use in Mount Rainier National Park. Rather, the shady woodland of this campground in perfect for settling down and relaxing after an exciting day!
Just an hour east down Stevens Canyon Road, Ohanapecosh is the easiest to reach of any of the park’s campgrounds sans winding roads like Cougar Rock or White River. It is not the best starting point for a hike but it will be convenient and comfortable base camp to visit.
But be forewarned that a few sites amongst the lush trees are especially tough to back into, so plan your approach accordingly.
Highlights of Camping at Ohanapecosh:
- The Trails to the Grove of the Patriarchs and Silver Falls start here in S.P. campgrounds as well
- In and out is easy with the highway a few blocks away.
- A short drive away is the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, with more opportunities to explore history inside Ohanapecosh and Beyond
- This park is generally drier than most of Mount Rainier so not very damp.
- In the summer, attend nightly ranger programs at the amphitheater. This is a way for both kids and adults as well to enjoy while educating themselves.
3. White River Campground: A True Wilderness Experience
Location: 10 minutes from Sunrise
Max RV Length: RV: 27 ft., Trailer: 18 ft.
Reservations: Not available
Number of Sites: 112
Season: Typically open from late June to late September
It offers some of the park’s roughest terrain and sits directly at the base of Mount Rainier in White River Campground. The remote nature of Lizard Flats combined with its proximity to the alpine meadows at Sunrise checks all our boxes—it also keeps many visitors out, making it one of your best bets for spending a night in true wilderness.
White River is unusual among the parks, for it operates under a first-come, first served policy. It seems that for a campsite at Montana June Creek Campground you must show up in person, but the narrow road limits when and where this is feasible. But it is worth it as White River provides the fastest entrance point to some of Mount Rainier’s greatest trails and scenery.
At the foot of White River Valley, this campground is a short drive from Sunrise Visitor Center and other popular trailheads up Paradise Road. Direct access to the Wonderland Trail, Emmons Moraine, and Glacier Basin
Highlights of Camping at White River:
- Best hiking: The trails here are unrivaled, with wildflower meadows and glaciers giving way to spectacular mountain views (especially on the Wonderland Trail).
- Remove yourself from civilization: Whittemore Gulch is one of the most remote campgrounds I’ve come across and there’s no cell service to mitigate that effect.
- Outstanding Panoramic Scenery: You Can Expose To This Magnificent Landscape Even From The Campground.
Other Campgrounds to Consider in Mount Rainier National Park
Now that we’ve covered the main three campgrounds in Mount Rainier, here are a few other fantastic options if you’re seeking a different experience within the park.
4. Mowich Lake Campground
The most remote campground within Mount Rainier National Park, Mowich Lake Campground is situated on the southwest flank of Mt.
Tent only and first come, first-served early July thru early Oct. The fee free Mowich Lake Campground has 10 walk in sites without water source and campfire restrictions. But the upside is you can camp right below the beautiful lake and have instant access to some of best hikes in that region.
Mowich Lake: Mowich can be accessed by a drive on SR 165, which is winding but passable for the most part.
Highlights of Camping at Mowich Lake:
- Many tent sites are available for free.
- You can explore the lesser trails of park with less crowd.
- Excellent hikes start right from the campground, particularly if you want to explore the western part of Glacier.
National Forest Campgrounds Near Mount Rainier National Park
Great alternatives just minutes from the park include those near its Nisqually, Steven’s Canyon and White River entrances if you can’t score a campsite inside Mount Rainier National Park itself. Note however that the drive times can be different. Paradise is over a 30 minute drive from the Nisqually entrance (west side), and then again you must follow another 30 minutes to get into Steven’s Canyon or Ohanapecosh. On a good day, another 30 to Sunrise from there.
The drive from the Nisqually or White River entrances takes about two hours to reach Mowich Lake or the Carbon River area, so plan ahead if you want to visit one of those areas.
The above-mentioned campgrounds in the National Forest can cost between $18-$20/night and are generally open from mid-May until late September. To reserve please park and trek down to the picnic place for a Mindful Kayaking Session. You can make reservations here. gov no more than six months in advance going forward, potentially locking you a spot for your trip.
The option of these campgrounds is really nice because they give you a great chance to experience the beauty of Mount Rainier without having to be inside park boundaries.
5. Big Creek Campground: A Peaceful Forest Retreat
Max RV Length: RVs up to 60 ft (Hatchery Loop only)
Number of Sites: 26
29 Campsites are tucked in a dense stand of conifer trees at the west end of Skate Creek Road, with some overlooking Big Creek. Picnic tables, pit toilets and drinking water make this spot terminally cheap at just $18 a night. Favil Falls: Another campground in Paradise valley next to the Nisqually River, Favil campgrounds unreserved and open from mid-May until with sites May 15 through September (Cougar Rookampews are full).
Skate Creek Road Camping
This road, aka Forest Road 52 or Skate Creek Road offers free dispersed camping for it’s entire length. Concrete Road But There are Slum Area & Potholes in the way Do note that it is usually shut during the winter months. Located from Packwood, this road provides a more primitive camping experience near Ohanapecosh on Mount Rainier National Park’s east side.
You can stay in Big Creek Campground and Skate Creek Road if you like to be away from the rest of humanity yet close enough for some nature exploration.
6. La Wis Wis Campground: A Solid Alternative to Ohanapecosh
Max RV Length: RVs up to 60 ft (Hatchery Loop only)
Number of Sites: 115
La Wis Was Campground- If Ohanapecosh is all booked up, cease the evening on this reasonably distant campground. The river is within view of only some campsites; you’ll probably be better off in a tent or with a small RV. The Hatchery Loop This parking area is the largest which can accommodate up to 60 feet and long wheelbase RVs.
The Inn at La Wis Wis is a great base camp for adventures up into Mount Rainier National Park or in either of the 2 local hiking and fishing areas. Drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables and fire rings are on the premises — but no electricity.
Situated just outside a National Park checkpoint, and nestled away in relatively dense forest cover, La Wis Wis offers plenty of breathing room along with beeline access to the park proper sans that full-on trad-campground experience.
7. Gifford Pinchot National Forest: Dispersed Camping Opportunities
Past the Steven’s Canyon entrance across Highway 123 is access to dispersed camping (no cost) in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Others have said rigs of all sizes should be able to navigate the area, though it is a single lane gravel road that climbs quite quickly so proceed with caution. For more detailed info, in Overlander app.
8. Silver Springs Campground
Max RV Length: RVs up to 45 feet
Number of Sites: 55
If you prefer to explore the Mt Rainier Sunrise region, then Silver Springs Campground should be a good place to base yourself since it is only one mile from White River entrance. The campground has drinking water, flush and vault toilets picnic tables and fire rings but there is no electricity. Silver Springs is an ideal location for travelers hoping to experience Mount Rainier without actually staying in the park, but its convenient distance still makes it one of our top picks.
9. The Dalles Campground
Max RV Length: RVs up to 40 feet
Number of Sites: 55
The Dalles Campground is conveniently located near the park: four miles north of Silver Springs and only seven miles from Mount Rainier National Park’s White River entrance. Hikers can stroll the John Muir Nature Trail or view the 9.5 ft diameter, 700-year-old “Big Tree,” a Douglas fir located at the western entrance to Kemp Mill Pond Campground. Drinking water is available as well as vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings (no electricity).
10. Lodgepole Campground
Max RV Length: RVs up to 100 feet
Number of Sites: 37
Though Lodgepole Campground is not an ideal RV park for entry into the parks, you can still get away without time-consuming reservations at undergrounds. It takes about 30 minutes to drive to either the Sunrise or Ohanapecosh areas, and there are spacious sites for bigger RVs. You are also within close access to the Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail and the famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), with numerous extra outdoor opportunities just outside of Park.
Full-Service Campgrounds near Mount Rainier National Park
When you are on the trail, roughing it for days sometimes all you want is a hot shower and laundry machines. I get it! It can feel like a road trip, so when you pull into place you have all those comforts. For those who prefer to unwind, there are two options for the more nature friendly.
11. Mounthaven Resort
A good option for less rugged camping near Ashford on the west side is Mounthaven Resort. Just half a mile from the Nisqually entrance, it provides full hookups and free hot showers with coin-operated laundry for your convienience.
Peak months for the campground are June through August, but with only 30 sites (16 available to RVs), they can fill up in advance so it is recommended making your reservations early. Family cabins are also available, as well three vacation rentals should camping be a bit out of your comfort zone. RV Sites from $55/night.
12. Packwood RV
This is a great place to stay for those looking traveling from or exiting Mt Rainier in the SE direction. Packwood RV Campground-SWA This post may contain affiliate links If you’re coming and going on Hwy 123 toward Interstate 90, not only Highway, Larger than Ashford, Packwood has more amenities and services so for those looking some a little comfort on thier journey it makes a suitable stop.
Accommodations near Mount Rainier
If camping is not your thing, there are also several hotels and lodges around the southwest entrance of Mount Rainier- Ashford in particular. This smattering of town is just minutes from the Nisqually entrance to the park, so it’s an easy pick. For those who want to have more of an in-depth experience, consider a day-use or overnight visit at Paradise Inn, which is located within the actual national park itself.
Seattle is a two hour drive and Tacoma only an hour and a half away, both without any cost for parking your car — or additional place to stay. Either city offers plenty of hotels to accommodate Mount Rainier travelers not partial to roughing it outside the comfort zone.
WiFi Tips
We have T-Mobile cell service, which means a signal is almost nonexistent inside national parks—at least until I climb to the top of some distant peak! WiFi is available at the visitor centers, but it’s not very strong and you can only hope to do a few things like text or knot checking email on Mt. Free WiFi is also available at the visitor center in Ashford.
Camping Games
Camping is a time to relax and disconnect with good company, turn off phones, computers (and washing machines) and huddle around one of the most charming campfire games ever. Some of our favorites to load up and play outside in the great unknown, away from WiFi are :
- Settlers of Catan
- Ticket to Ride
- Trekking: The National Parks
- Blokus
- Codenames
