Mount Rainier National Park Camping

If you're planning a camping trip to Mount Rainier National Park, this guide has everything you need to know! From top-rated campgrounds to backcountry camping permits, we’ll cover all the essential details, including reservations, best campsites, park regulations, and insider tips to make your experience unforgettable.

Best Campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier offers a mix of developed campgrounds with amenities and backcountry sites for a more rugged experience. Below are the best places to camp in Mount Rainier National Park:

1. Cougar Rock Campground (Best for Paradise Area)

Location: Southwest section, between Longmire and Paradise
Elevation: 3,180 feet
Sites: 179 individual, 5 group sites
Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, fire grates, picnic tables
Reservations: Required for group sites, available for individual sites on Recreation.gov
Season: Late May – Early October
RV & Trailer Limits: Max RV length: 35 feet, Trailer: 27 feet
Why camp here? Close to the famous Paradise area, known for its breathtaking wildflower meadows, hiking trails, and stunning views of Mount Rainier.

2. Ohanapecosh Campground (Best for Old-Growth Forest Experience)

Location: Southeast section, near the Ohanapecosh River
Elevation: 1,914 feet
Sites: 188 individual, 2 group sites
Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire grates
Reservations: Required for all sites on Recreation.gov
Season: Late May – Early October
RV & Trailer Limits: Max RV length: 32 feet, Trailer: 27 feet
Why camp here? Offers lush old-growth forests, access to the Grove of the Patriarchs trail, and a peaceful camping experience away from the crowds.

3. White River Campground (Best for Sunrise Area)

Location: Northeast, 12 miles from Sunrise Visitor Center
Elevation: 4,400 feet
Sites: 88 individual sites
Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire grates
Reservations: First-come, first-served. Payment via Recreation.gov Mobile App's Scan and Pay feature
Season: Late June – September
RV & Trailer Limits: Max RV length: 27 feet, Trailer: 18 feet
Why camp here? Ideal for those planning to visit Sunrise, the highest point in the park accessible by car, with spectacular mountain views.

4. Mowich Lake Campground (Best for Remote Camping)

Location: Northwest section, accessed via a 17-mile unpaved road
Elevation: 4,929 feet
Sites: 13 walk-in tent sites (no drive-up access)
Amenities: Vault toilets (no potable water, bring your own)
Reservations: First-come, first-served (requires a wilderness permit)
Season: Early July – Early October
Restrictions: No campfires allowed
Why camp here? A more secluded option with access to Tolmie Peak Lookout, Eunice Lake, and a pristine alpine setting.

Backcountry Camping in Mount Rainier National Park

For those looking for a true wilderness experience, Mount Rainier National Park offers backcountry camping along trails like the Wonderland Trail.

Wilderness Permit Required – Obtain at Recreation.gov
18 Backcountry Camps Available – Sites along the 93-mile Wonderland Trail spaced 3-7 miles apart
Facilities – Pit toilets, food storage poles (bear-proofing required)
Reservations Open Early – High demand, so book well in advance

Best Backcountry Sites:
✔ Indian Bar Camp – Stunning views of Rainier & the Cowlitz Divide
✔ Summerland Camp – Alpine meadows & incredible sunrise views
✔ Mystic Camp – Glacial-fed lakes & peaceful solitude

Camping Rules & Regulations

To ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience at Mount Rainier National Park, be aware of these key rules:

✅ Camping Stay Limits – 14 days max per campground, 28 days per year
✅ Campfire Restrictions – Allowed only in designated grates (except at Mowich Lake)
✅ Food Storage – Must be secured in bear-proof containers or poles
✅ Waste Disposal – Use designated trash bins; Leave No Trace principles apply
✅ Vehicle Parking – Only in designated areas; no off-road or vegetation parking

Essential Tips for Camping at Mount Rainier

✔ Book Early! – Reservations fill up quickly, especially for Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh
✔ Arrive Early for Walk-In Sites – White River and Mowich Lake are first-come, first-served
✔ Prepare for Unpredictable Weather – Even in summer, temps can drop & rain is common
✔ Bring Extra Food & Water – Limited dining options in the park, and some campgrounds have no potable water
✔ Check Road Closures – Many park roads close for the winter; visit NPS Road Conditions

Mount Rainier Camping FAQs

Q: Can you camp anywhere in Mount Rainier National Park?
👉 No, you must camp in designated campgrounds or obtain a wilderness permit for backcountry camping.

Q: What is the best time to camp at Mount Rainier?
👉 July – September for the best weather and snow-free trails. Some campgrounds are only open during summer.

Q: Are there showers at Mount Rainier campgrounds?
👉 No, there are no showers in any of the park’s campgrounds. Bring baby wipes or a portable camp shower.

Q: Is there cell service at Mount Rainier campgrounds?
👉 Limited or no service in most areas. Verizon has some 5G coverage near Paradise parking lot.

Q: Do I need a permit to camp at Mount Rainier?
👉 Yes for backcountry camping, but no for developed campgrounds (reservations required for some).

Camping at Mount Rainier National Park is a bucket-list experience for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you choose a developed campground like Cougar Rock or Ohanapecosh, or go for a backcountry adventure, planning ahead is key. Make your reservations early, check trail and road conditions, and always follow Leave No Trace principles.