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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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

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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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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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Ohanapecosh Group Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents In Mount Rainier National Park

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Mowich Lake Group Campground

3 sites In Mount Rainier National Park

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White River Campground

112 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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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

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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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Pipe Lake Cabin

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Maple Valley, WA

Woodsy cabin nestled on Pipe Lake in Maple Valley, Washington. Quiet, private dock and deck overlooking the lake. Nestled in between Snoqualmie National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park, this cabin is a quaint spot to have a beverage by the lake with friends, play board games as the sun goes down and go for a swim.

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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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Green Apple Alpacas

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Auburn, WA

We are a 5 acre working alpaca farm with alpacas, llamas, chickens, and sheep. We have lush green pastures with a garden, greenhouse, barn, and animal shelters. We specialize in agritourism and do tours, classes, events, and parties. We also have a darling boutique on site for all of your souvenirs and gifts. Can't wait to meet you and share our wonderful farm with you. Let us know if you want us to save you a dozen eggs. We are in the foothills of Mt. Rainier with skiing about an hour away at Crystal Resort. There are several state parks within a short drive including Flaming Geyser and Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. You can hike, kayak, or just enjoy a picnic lunch. The town of Enumclaw is minutes away with its darling downtown area that is fun to explore the shops and grab a meal or an ice cream cone. For the comfort of all our guests, please refrain from smoking of any kind anywhere on our property,

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Mt Rainier Reconnect

2 sites · Lodging, RVs27 acres · Ashford, WA

Welcome to Mt Rainier Reconnect! Reconnect with nature. Recharge your soul. Repeat. Park your RV on a beautiful, completely private campsite with incredible mountain views. Enjoy private access to the glacier-fed Nisqually river from your riverside campsite. . When we are physically injured we take the necessary steps to rehabilitate our injuries. Mt Rainier re-connect is rehab for your soul! Our property is located on 27 private riverfront acres on the Nisqually river just outside of the Nisqually/Paradise entrance to Mt Rainier National park. We are an 8-minute drive from the park.

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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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Pleasant Places

3 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Onalaska, WA

Pleasant Places campground is clean, quiet, spacious, and private with lots of nooks for R&R as well as ample space for play and activities. It is an ideal location for large groups, and in order to keep the camp private, larger groups are given priority. Centrally located and with 10 acres of field, forest and farm, there is something of interest for everyone. In camp you will find a rustic kitchen, two 6' picnic tables, and a fire pit with accessories. There is also a resource area where you will find an electrical outlet, a water hose, five gallon jugs, bundled firewood, fresh eggs/produce for sale, and a wagon to transport everything back to camp. While the campsite, play space, and driveway loops are mowed, most of the grounds are wild so bring your tromping shoes. We also have a play field (with a net) so pack your movie screen, volleyball, soccer ball, badminton set and lawn games. You'll enjoy communing with the farm animals, the goats are especially hands on and love the attention campers give them, while the chickens and ducks are mostly just fun to observe. The local fauna include deer, skunk, coyote, rabbit, weasel, and possum--bear and cat are not common, but please do be conscientious about leaving food out. While there isn't water on the property, Mayfield, Ike Kinswa, and Riffe lakes are all 20-30 minutes from here and provide lots of boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. Just five minutes down the road, Carlisle Lake offers walking trails, outdoor exercise equipment, fishing, summer concerts, and a playground for the kids. If you're looking to explore the area, Mt Rainier, Mt St Helens, the East Side, and the Pacific Coast are all just day trips from here. We are midway between Portland and Seattle and just 15 minutes off of I-5 making Pleasant Places a perfect meet in the middle getaway. We are Judy and Summer and Chula, mother and daughter and dog, and we are pleased you are considering a stay with us. If you do book, we are certain you’ll enjoy making Pleasant Places your outdoor home-away-from-home. Hope to see you on the farm! PS Looking for a bit more comfort while camping? Check out my sister's new place on Hipcamp...Kearney Creek Retreat.

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The Arboretum at Bear Canyon West

12 sites · RVs12 acres · Cinebar, WA

This is a gorgeous park-like RV campground situated between the trees of the arboretum. No tents, please. Also we have NO public restrooms. Beautiful view of the mountains and forests here in western Washington. We are close to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier and several lakes. There are walking trails all around the site. The 12 acre campground is located on a 136 acre property that is an active Christmas tree farm. Trails continue throughout the tree farm. Many trails have a view of the Tilton River, which can be reached via a challenging 3/4 mile trail. Sites are on 10 acres planted with many different species of trees that are about 30 years old. Giant Redwoods, Cedars, and Maples are just a few of the varieties present. Part of the farm is still a working Christmas tree farm. The trails are wide and grassy. The old logging road that we use as a trail to the river has an elevation change of about 500 feet, the trail can be quite challenging. Bear Creek empties into the Tilton river at the end of the trail. There is an ART GALLERY where you can learn to pound flowers, see the host's artwork and get a cup of coffee! This is upstairs above the shop, right on the property. Tilton River Studio Gallery. Three sites have electrical hookups. Every site has a water spigot (use a pressure regulator if you want to hook up). No restrooms or sewer hookups. Garbage disposal site available Memorial Day to Labor Day. We look forward to hosting you!

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Forested with River Access/Firepit

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · North Bend, WA

This camp site is very private and peaceful! We will be open from May 1st through September 14th, 2025. We have a 3 night maximum stay per booking. (Starting 9/15/2025, we will be making improvements to our property and doing some re-seeding.) The site can accommodate up to two RVs or 3-4 tents depending on the distance apart. We allow up to 6 people per booking. The firepit and the Snoqualmie River are about 150' away from your tent or RV. We have a porta-potti at the camp site and also a picnic table. Pets are welcome at our HipCamp, but we do require that you clean up after them. Near North Bend there are several hiking/biking trails including the trail up Mt. Si., Si View Park, and the Rattlesnake Ridge trail system. For shoppers, we have shops in town and the Factory Outlet Mall. For dining, there are several restaurants in North Bend. PLEASE NOTE: CHECK IN TIME: 2:00-5:00 P.M. Our rate is $80 per night. We ask all drivers (cars, RVs, trailers, etc.) to back into the campsite. This will make for an easy exit. Thanks!! Please send us a text message when you arrive at the campsite. Thanks!

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Ayni Acres

8 sites · Lodging68 acres · Mossyrock, WA

Nestled in a secluded valley along the banks of a pristine creek, Ayni Acres is a luxurious glamping retreat set on 68 breathtaking acres—perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those craving a peaceful escape. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort, as each of our accommodations is designed for a cozy, elevated experience. Choose from our charming canvas tents, stunning geodesic domes, or our one-of-a-kind glass hut, each thoughtfully appointed with propane and electric heaters, plush heated blankets, and inviting décor to create the perfect sanctuary in any season. Our cob house stands apart with a wood fireplace inside. Whether you’re waking up to the sounds of the creek or cozying up with a warm drink under a starlit sky, every stay is designed to be magical and unforgettable. But the luxury doesn’t stop there—soak in a wood-fired hot tub, detox in our creekside sauna, or invigorate your senses with a refreshing cold plunge. These shared wellness experiences invite you to reconnect with yourself and the natural world in the most rejuvenating way. Explore the property’s private nature trails, bask in the serenity of your surroundings, or simply unwind by the fire. At Ayni Acres, you’re not just glamping—you’re indulging in an experience where nature, comfort, and adventure blend seamlessly. Escape. Recharge. Reconnect. Your unforgettable retreat awaits.

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.