Camping near Mount Rainier National Park

Q: Is camping allowed in Mount Rainier National Park?

Yes, camping is allowed in Mount Rainier National Park . There are several campgrounds within the park, including Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, White River, and Mowich Lake. Some campgrounds require reservations, while others are first-come, first-served. Dispersed camping is not allowed within the park, but backcountry camping with a permit is an option for those looking to explore the wilderness areas. Keep in mind that amenities and services may vary depending on the campground, and always check for any park alerts or closures before planning your trip.

Q: Can you sleep in your car in Mount Rainier National Park?

In Mount Rainier National Park , you cannot sleep in your car along the roadsides or in parking lots. However, there are designated campgrounds within the park where you can park your vehicle and sleep inside it. To find campgrounds within Mount Rainier National Park that allow vehicle camping, visit Hipcamp.

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Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mount Rainier National Park adventure.

Adventure on a glacier! The grandest park of the Pacific Northwest beckons you!

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Mount Rainier National Park

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Mount Rainier National Park

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White River Campground

112 sites · RVs, Tents In Mount Rainier National Park

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Cougar Rock Group Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Mount Rainier National Park

If you're camping at Mowich Lake, take the 6+ mile trail up to Spray Park! Stop ar the waterfall to see the fantastic, multi-tiered falls and then continue on for stunning views of Mount Rainier (and some wildflowers if the season is right)!

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(8)

Mowich Lake Campground

10 sites In Mount Rainier National Park

Beautiful campground. Sites are well spaced, plenty of room too explore, and amazing views. This was right behind our site! Would highly recommend.

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(13)

Ohanapecosh Group Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents In Mount Rainier National Park

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(8)

Mowich Lake Group Campground

3 sites In Mount Rainier National Park

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Cougar Rock Campground

186 sites · RVs, Tents In Mount Rainier National Park

Ohanapecosh campground has amazing campsites! Surrounded by giant trees, with campsites right along a beautiful creek. Sounds of the creek blocked out all noise. Nice short hike nearby

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Ohanapecosh Campground

195 sites · RVs, Tents In Mount Rainier National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Mount Rainier National Park

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Riverside Camping Near Mt Rainier

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elbe, WA

Welcome to our campsite located near Mt. Rainier. Our property is close to the Nisqually River on one side and the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad track on the other. The entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park is just a 15-minute drive away, making our campsite a convenient base for exploring the park. Enjoy fishing, hiking, and watching the scenic railroad pass by. Our campsite offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Whether you're here for the outdoor activities or just want a quiet spot to camp, we look forward to hosting you.

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Dean’s Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Auburn, WA

Welcome to Dean’s! Eight minutes off Highway 18 lies 11 acres of mostly undeveloped land. Dean's is a beautiful, bare-bones place to rest between national parks, before or after crossing the US / CA border, or to set up base camp to explore Seattle / Tacoma. Our main driveway is CLOSED this year for repairs. We have alternate arrival instructions for you after you book. These instructions add about 7 minutes (totaling 8 minutes) from Highway 18 to the campground. Our location is convenient. We are just minutes from Auburn city limits. Road noise, planes, Pacific Raceways, and freight trains are audible here even if muffled by the trees. Our distant neighbors occasionally indulge in target shooting. This doesn't last long. Please call us immediately with any concerns. We have a brand new neighborhood in construction on one of our property lines. Heavy machinery is in use around 8 am and usually finished by dinner time. In order to provide safety and peace, hosts live just outside the campground and closely manage happenings. All our sites have 2-4 persons occupancy in hopes of deterring parties. Our quiet hours are 8pm-8am so we can rest up for the next day’s adventures. We ban fires during the peak of summer to avoid the issue of wildfires entirely. Propane stoves are welcome. We do not have a check in cut-off time tho reservations do need to be made before midnight. We have zero tolerance for hateful, abusive, or discriminatory behavior toward people, belongings, and wildlife. With that being said, the 40+ year old trees and distance between the campsites provides space for you to bring and create your own vibes. Hosts should only approach you with safety or quiet hour concerns. They are available 24 / 7 for any questions or requests you may have. Feel free to reach out any time (our phone number can be found on Google).

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Wildfern Grove

8 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Buckley, WA

Learn more about this land: Immerse yourself in tranquility at our unique sanctuary nestled on 40 acres of pristine Pacific Northwest forest. Our property offers a captivating blend of intentional community living, event hosting capabilities, and short-term rentals.Find solace in one of our beautifully crafted yurts, each designed to provide a comfortable and harmonious living space amidst the towering trees. Step outside your yurt and into a relaxing meadow, perfect for quiet reflection or gathering with friends and family under the vast, starlit sky. Whether you seek a transformative community experience, a memorable event venue, or a peaceful retreat, our haven offers an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with nature and yourself. 10 minutes from Bonney Lake, 15 minutes from Lake Tapps and one hour from Mt Rainier. We have 40 acres of sloped land with trails, wildlife, and nature to explore. Your yurt/tent site has territorial views of South Prairie, and includes a fire pit. Owners live on the property about a quarter mile away from the tent site, where you will find a communal kitchen and bathroom available for use.

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Wilderness Path

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Ashford, WA

Our rental property was once a mini Rail Road with full size locomotive's, train cars, pumper cars and more. My dad & grandpa layed all the tracks & put together the buildings in the 1970's. Once done my grandma sold tickets to the tourist and my grandpa ran the engine around the 7 acre oval track pulling a train car full of happy tourist through the woods over the train bridge and past the big water tower back to their vehicles so they could finish their journies with a drive to Mt. Rainier. There is a lot of history on this property for our family and we hope by sharing it with others they will be able to experience some fun here as well.

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The Village at Rainier

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Ashford, WA

True glamping experience! The Village has your choice of a private cabin with RV pad that include electric and water. Cabins have 1/2 baths and group firepit. Site is located right at base-camp for Mt Rainier. Private access to the Nisqually River and 10 minutes to the entrance of the National Forrest. Everything you could want for camping, a romantic getaway, or climbing/hiking Mt Rainier. Check in time is 5:00 pm Check out time is 11:00 am

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(360)

Cedar River Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hobart, WA

The Cedar River Retreat is its own little oasis. Located past an old fisherman's community along the river, close to shopping and stores but tucked away from it all just enough to reconnect with nature. This plot was purchased in 2016 and we hope you have a great time creating memories like we have over the last few years. We currently have an off-grid cabin, RV site and a tent camping only site. The outdoors are for everyone! We are excited to host you soon! Happy adventuring! Follow us on Instagram- @cedar_riverretreat

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The Healing Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Yelm, WA

Come enjoy your stay with farm animals! When you get here you will get a tour of the farm and introduced to all the animals. After, you can spend as much time with them. We have chickens, turkeys, ducks, goats (baby goats coming this spring!), livestock guardian dogs, wallabies, two capybara's, a porcupine, guinea pigs, patagonian mara's, alpacas, a llama, ponies, cats, rabbits, and a tortoise. We milk the goats every morning so let us know if you want to learn how to hand milk a goat! We love our animals and each one has a specific purpose they fulfill. Enjoy some quiet time in nature and with all the animals. We encourage to just sit and hang out with the animals and be in the present moment. Animals are very healing. We are about an hour from Mount Rainier National Park, an hour and a half from Seattle and Portland and Olympia is only 30 minutes away. To see more of what we do and more of the animals, add us on Instagram@thehealingfarmwa or check out our website thehealingfarmwa.com We are happy to share our space with others! -Jason and Kat

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Honeysuckle Meadery

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Rainier, WA

Welcome, to the Meadery, we are a working winery with several other interests to investigate as well. Come learn about making Mead. We have an annual cider press in late September or early October as well. Want to learn how to Roast your own coffee bean? Or maybe you are competitive and want to race 132 or 124 slot cars on a Carrera 124 Digital Track. There is also a nice walk in the woods, and if it is hot you can float down the Deschutes River that is very close by. Pitch your tent in a few areas you pick, there are Mountain Bike and Little kid ATV trails around the property as well. For more extensive ATV trails Capital Forest is about 30 minutes away. If you have a Weyerhaeuser permit for the area near me the gate is 2.5 miles away. There is a winery on site and an outside tasting area with a fire pit. Each camp site also has their own fire pits. Two bathrooms with showers. There are powered and non-powered RV sites. Water is available at the water station but not directly at the camp sites. We are pet friendly. We offer firewood for sale on site, camp fires permitted outside of a burn ban. We do not provide garbage service, we expect everyone to carry out what they bring in. Guests love staying here: "Dean's acreage is a dream! We stayed there in our motorhome and absolutely loved it. We have two dogs and they are picky about making friends but adored Deans dogs. They are the sweetest and make the camping even more enjoyable. Dean was kind enough to show us his Meadery and the property so we felt comfortable exploring and walking around. We would definitely recommend it for other campers whether you have an RV, tent, van, etc. For reference we comfortably parked our 31 ft motorhome and we were able to hookup to electricity (only available in one spot so inquire with dean!). There is a shower and toilet available for use in a separate building from his home in the backyard."

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Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Vashon, WA

Visit Vashon Island and relax on this private estate property. Camp near the bluff, overlooking Puget Sound, walk the trail down to the beach and enjoy 1000 ft. of secluded beach. You can camp in the field by the bluff, or in the forest on either side of the driveway. The island boasts great coffee hangouts, galleries, wineries, restaurants (Earthen, The Ruby Brink, The Hardware Store Restaurant), Snapdragon and others. Minglement, the Burton Coffee Stand, and Cafe Olio Vino have great coffee. Thriftway is a great grocery store. The Burton Store is worth a visit if you are coming from the Tacoma/Pt. Defiance ferry as you will pass it on your way to the property. There a galleries, shops and restaurants in the town of Vashon and also in Burton. Vashon Center for the Arts, O-Space and the Chamber of Commerce have events that might be of interest. Bikes, E-bikes, paddle boards and kayaks can be rented from Vashon Adventures and Vashon Bikes.They also rent tents and some camping equipment. Outdoor fires are by permission only. There are sometime burn bans for air quality and/or high fire danger. Generally, fires are allowed AT THE BEACH, below the high tide line, between October 1 and June 15, but there are various reasons they may not be allowed (air quality bans, windy conditions, etc.) Any fire you light must be put out COLD (no steam, no heat) with water and buried with sand before leaving them unattended. You are responsible for any damage or injuries caused by a fire you start, so please be careful! Please note: It is very important that the number of people on site is accurate. Please contact Hipcamp to change the number of people - there currently is no way to do that on the site?! There is an additional charge per person above the base 2 person rate. If for some reason hipcamp doesn't automatically add in this charge, so we will request it separately. It must be paid in full prior to arrival. There is no outdoor music at any time. Quiet hours are 8 pm to 10 am. There is no picnic table or any amenities, but you can fill up water at our barn if needed. DO NOT USE THE WOODS AS A BATHROOM. It is necessary to bring your own latrine. Please clean up after your pet. Dogs must be leashed AT ALL TIMES in the field. If no one is around at the beach, they can be off leash, but leash up if anyone approaches until they pass. Please never leave your dog unattended outside where barking will disturb the peace. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Looking forward to hosting you! Lisa 206 498 4359 Larry & Sherry 206 295 4564/206 295 7333 Andre 206 335 6731 Emergency 911

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Mountain Lavender Escape

5 sites · RVs, Tents47 acres · Randle, WA

Nestled in the heart of Randle, Washington, Cowlitz Falls Lavender Co. offers a serene camping area on a farm surrounded by the stunning Cascade Mountain Range and is central to Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and the Mount Adams wilderness. Our farm serves as a haven for nature lovers, providing convenient base camp access to an abundance of outdoor activities including exploring lakes, caves, waterfalls, trails, and the picturesque Cowlitz River. Established in 2014 with camping areas first introduced in late 2022, our farm has transformed neglected land into a thriving lavender paradise with more. Campers can choose from a site directly near the lavender field or several more private sites in the peaceful forested area which also have trail access to the fields. A property loop walking trail is accessible by all campers and is the perfect warm up walk or evening cool down. We now feature a wood-fired outdoor shower for the ultimate camping experience and are excited to offer increasing rustic homestead style amenities for off-season or colder climate campers while actively increasing the care and management our forested land. Immerse yourself in nature at Cowlitz Falls Lavender Co. and create unforgettable memories amidst the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We have sites for differing weather conditions, vehicle types, or optimum sky viewing so contact us if you need any help picking the perfect spot.

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MOUNTAIN MAMA

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Morton, WA

Nature's Paradise! This property is divided into 2 different sections. Lower property has 2 sites with easy access and full hookups and great views of Mt. Rainier with a large pasture and trees that surround the area to provide privacy. Upper property is one large leveled space with lots of privacy that backs up to the forest with incredible views. SO many trails and places to explore in this area. Conveniently centered between the Nisqually Mt Rainier National Park entrance (15 mins) and the town of Morton (15 mins) for major restaurants and shopping. Mineral Lake is just a mile or so down the road for all your water sporting activities. You can rent kayaks and boats there. Morton has a Thriftway grocery store (the largest grocery store in all the surrounding Mt Rainier towns) as well as a variety of restaurants, a brew pub with an amazing wood fired pizza truck and various other amenities.

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Elysian Retreat

10 sites · Tents15 acres · Orting, WA

Welcome to our tranquil retreat on 15 acres of diverse landscapes at Elysian Retreat in Orting, WA. Our property offers a harmonious blend of open pasture, lush tree cover, and dense woods, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventure. Access the Carbon River and Orting Foothills trail via our coded gate in the NW corner of our paddock. You'll enjoy a 5-minute walk or bike ride along a small, maintained path that opens up to a beautiful view of the Carbon River. (Map included in our Hipcamp images) As you explore our serene surroundings, you'll discover a peaceful small stream meandering through the property, offering a constant flow of natural beauty and wildlife. Watch for majestic elk, graceful deer, vibrant waterfowl, and elusive fish as they frequent the stream, creating a symphony of sights and sounds. Our friendly herd of five horses & four goats roam freely within the fenced area, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of our retreat. They're always eager to greet visitors and may even offer a helping hoof as you set up camp or simply relax under the shade of a tree. Whether you prefer to unwind with a good book beside the babbling stream, take a stroll through the woods, or simply soak in the serene ambiance of nature, our property offers endless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Parking is available within the securely locked pasture, ensuring easy access to your vehicle throughout your stay. In rare instances of excess rain, alternative parking arrangements will be made to ensure your safety and convenience. We have Portable Fire Pits that are free to use while staying with us and we try to supply firewood (please contact us before your stay to ensure we have stock). Additionally, we have 1 porta-potty located at the gate for camper use and a dumpster for trash. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature at our picturesque retreat. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the beauty of our land with you. 5 Min to Downtown Orting 40 Min to Rainier National Park 45 Min to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

The best camping near Mount Rainier National Park guide

Overview

About

Have you ever wanted to walk on a glacier covering an active volcano? You're in luck, this is most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states.

Maybe you'll want to explore wildflowers in the spring or hike to a waterfall. Cyclists can challenge themselves with rides that gain almost 4,000 feet in elevation.

Prefer to hike? You've got 260 miles of trails (all levels) to choose from—so get started! If you want to actually climb the mountain (14,410 feet!), you'll need a permit plus ice-climbing gear. Fishing isn't great here, so leave the poles at home—But bring your kayak or canoe to explore Mowich Lake.

The historic National Park Inn is open year-round, and Paradise Inn accepts guests spring through fall. You say you'd rather camp? (We would, too!) Hook up your RV at 3 separate campgrounds, or hike into the primitive tent campsites at Mowich Lake Campground.

When to go

The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the roads are clear. However, the park's beauty transforms with each season, offering unique experiences year-round. Winter visits can be magical, but come prepared for road closures and heavy snowfall.

Know before you go

Always check the current road status and weather conditions before planning your visit to ensure accessibility.
Carry tire chains in your vehicle from November 1 to May 1, as they are mandatory within the park during this period.
Visitor centers and facilities have varying operating hours; confirm these times to make the most of your trip.
Accessibility is a priority at Mount Rainier; learn about the park's efforts to accommodate all visitors.
For your safety, familiarize yourself with winter hazards such as avalanches if you're visiting in the colder months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed in Mount Rainier National Park?

Yes, camping is allowed in Mount Rainier National Park. There are several campgrounds within the park, including Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, White River, and Mowich Lake. Some campgrounds require reservations, while others are first-come, first-served. Dispersed camping is not allowed within the park, but backcountry camping with a permit is an option for those looking to explore the wilderness areas. Keep in mind that amenities and services may vary depending on the campground, and always check for any park alerts or closures before planning your trip.

How much does it cost to camp at Mount Rainier National Park?

Mount Rainier National Park offers several campgrounds with varying fees. The two most popular campgrounds are Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh, which charge $20 per night for a standard individual site during the peak season. White River Campground costs $15 per night for a standard individual site. Group sites are available at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh for $60 per night. Keep in mind that these fees are in addition to the park entrance fee. For more information on camping options and fees at Mount Rainier National Park, visit Hipcamp.

Can you sleep in your car in Mount Rainier National Park?

In Mount Rainier National Park, you cannot sleep in your car along the roadsides or in parking lots. However, there are designated campgrounds within the park where you can park your vehicle and sleep inside it. To find campgrounds within Mount Rainier National Park that allow vehicle camping, visit Hipcamp.

How do I get a campsite reservation at Mount Rainier National Park?

Securing a Mount Rainier National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Mount Rainier National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Mount Rainier campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

When should I reserve camping in Mount Rainier National Park?

Most Mount Rainier National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Mount Rainier National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Mount Rainier campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.