Camping at Mount Rainier: 3 NPS Campgrounds, Reservations, and Fees

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Mount Rainier

The park has three NPS-operated campgrounds, with 446 sites in all. None stays open year-round. They all close in the fall and reopen in the spring, depending on snow conditions. In 2026, Ohanapecosh is closed for rehabilitation work, so only Cougar Rock and White River are welcoming visitors. White River closes on September 21, while Cougar Rock stays open through October 12. All frontcountry sites cost $10 per night. You can reserve Cougar Rock through recreation.gov, but sites disappear within minutes on July and August weekends. If the park is full, private campgrounds in Ashford provide an alternative a few miles from the entrance.

Campgrounds in the park (3)

• Campground Cougar Rock Campground first come, first served · 179 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Ohanapecosh Campground first come, first served · 179 sites Directions ↗
• Campground White River Campground first come, first served · 88 sites Directions ↗

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Can you camp inside Mount Rainier?

Yes, but camping is allowed only in designated sites. The park doesn't allow camping outside official areas, including tents, hammocks, or sleeping in a vehicle anywhere other than a campground or an authorized backcountry area. Violations can result in a fine and removal from the park.

Three frontcountry campgrounds accommodate tents and RVs in different areas of the park. Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh each have 179 sites, making them the two largest campgrounds in the park. Backcountry camping also requires a wilderness permit, covered below.

Campgrounds inside the park

Cougar Rock

Cougar Rock sits in the southwest part of the park, a few miles from Longmire. It has 179 sites arranged in wooded loops: 78 for tents, 24 for RVs, and 5 group sites. Amenities include restrooms, drinking water, firewood, and bear-proof lockers at every site. RVs up to 35 feet are allowed. Some sites are reservable, while the rest are first come, first served. The campground usually opens in late May and closes in early October, depending on snow conditions. In 2026, the seasonal closing date is October 12.

Ohanapecosh

In the southeast corner of the park, Ohanapecosh follows a forest of Douglas firs and cedars that are several centuries old. It has 179 sites, including 47 for tents, 9 for RVs, and 2 group sites, with restrooms, drinking water, firewood, and bear-proof lockers. RVs up to 32 feet are allowed. The campground normally opens in late May and closes in early October. For the 2026 season, it's completely closed as part of a rehabilitation project. Check recreation.gov for reopening dates in 2027.

White River

In the northeast part of the park, about 4,396 feet above sea level on the road to Sunrise, White River has 88 sites along the glacier-fed river of the same name: 15 for tents and 1 for an RV. All sites are first come, first served, with no reservations. The fee is $10 per night. Amenities include restrooms, drinking water, firewood, and bear-proof lockers. RVs up to 27 feet are allowed. The season is short. It opens in late June and closes in early September depending on snow, no later than September 21 in 2026. The elevation is noticeable, so bring a sleeping bag rated to 32°F even in midsummer.

Mowich Lake

Mowich Lake is a walk-in campground. Leave your vehicle in the parking lot, then take a short walk to the sites by the lake. Sites are first come, first served, with no reservations through recreation.gov. This campground isn't included in the NPS listing of the three main campgrounds, Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River. Check the park's official page on nps.gov for its current status and amenities. It's a good place to start the Carbon Glacier Trail at dawn, away from the crowds at the reservable campgrounds.

RV or tent: which site should you choose?

Mount Rainier has no electrical hookups in its campgrounds. Cougar Rock accepts vehicles up to 35 feet, Ohanapecosh up to 32 feet, though it's closed in 2026, and White River up to 27 feet with just one site set aside for RVs. Mowich Lake isn't accessible to RVs. None of the park's campgrounds has showers. For that amenity, private campgrounds outside the park are your only option.

For a van or small RV in 2026, Cougar Rock is the only option inside the park. It has full amenities, easy access, and Longmire is a short drive away. For tents, White River offers a wild setting beside the river, but it closes on September 21. The RV camping at Mount Rainier guide explains vehicle-size restrictions for each loop.

Camping nearby: campgrounds outside the park

When the park is full, or in 2026 with Ohanapecosh closed, several private campgrounds in Ashford and the Nisqually Valley offer an alternative a few miles from the entrance. Some have electrical hookups and showers, two amenities the NPS campgrounds don't provide.

The Mount Rainier lodging guide covers options in every category around the park, including private campgrounds. For lodges and hotels, the Mount Rainier hotels and lodges guide brings together the options and typical price ranges.

Backcountry camping

The park offers more than 149 miles of trails and dozens of designated backcountry campsites, accessible only on foot. A wilderness permit is required for every overnight stay outside frontcountry campgrounds. Reserve one online through recreation.gov or pick one up in person at visitor centers, subject to availability.

The Wonderland Trail circles the volcano for about 93 miles, with designated camps along the entire route. Allow 10 to 14 days to complete the full trail. Demand is extremely high during peak season. A lottery takes place each spring for permits for July and August. It's best to apply six months ahead.

The Mount Rainier hiking guide covers backcountry camping areas and routes to combine with an overnight stay.

How and when to reserve a campsite at Mount Rainier

Reservations go through recreation.gov. The booking window generally opens six months before your stay, at a set time. For a Cougar Rock site in July or August, spots disappear within minutes. White River is first come, first served only, so it doesn't accept reservations. Ohanapecosh is closed for the entire 2026 season.

A few useful things to do before the booking window opens:

• Create your recreation.gov account ahead of time and save your credit card.
• Log in five minutes before the opening time.
• Prepare several alternative dates to improve your chances.
• Check the exact opening dates on recreation.gov. They vary from year to year depending on snow conditions.

Outside peak season, in May and June and again in September, demand is much lower and sites remain available a few weeks ahead. The Mount Rainier seasons guide helps you choose a time based on your tolerance for crowds and weather.

Fees: how much does a night of camping at Mount Rainier cost?

All three frontcountry campgrounds charge $10 per night, with no extra fee based on site type. This is in addition to the park entrance fee, which is $30 per vehicle and valid for seven consecutive days.

If you have an America the Beautiful pass ($55 for one year), it covers the park entrance fee, but camping fees still apply. The pass pays for itself after visiting two national parks in a year. Our National Park Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and passes.

Backcountry nights require separate permit fees, which vary by season and area.

Camping safety and best practices

Black bears. Mount Rainier is active habitat for American black bears. All three frontcountry campgrounds have metal bear-proof lockers at every site. Store all food, sweet or scented drinks, and cooking equipment in them. Don't leave anything in your car overnight. Clean your site after every meal and put waste in the secure trash cans. The Mount Rainier wildlife guide explains how to behave around black bears.

Changing weather. Weather can shift in a matter of hours. A sunny July morning can turn into a stormy afternoon with a 27°F temperature drop. Above 3,300 feet, snow is possible as early as September. Always bring extra layers and a waterproof jacket, and check the local forecast before setting out. The Mount Rainier weather guide brings together local forecasts and resources.

Water. Water from the park's streams and rivers must be filtered or purified before you drink it. All three frontcountry campgrounds have drinking-water stations. Check when you arrive or look for NPS signs on site.

Elevation. White River and the backcountry areas rise above 4,265 feet. If you're not used to exertion at elevation, give yourself a few hours to acclimate before demanding hikes. Our Park Information, Rules & Safety page covers the park's full set of guidelines.

Which campground is right for you?

For lodging other than tents and RVs, including lodges, hotels, and vacation rentals, see the Mount Rainier Lodging page and the Hotels & Lodges page for all the alternatives.

Frequently asked questions