Camping at Mount Rainier: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations & Fees

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

Mount Rainier has four official campgrounds open to visitors, with more than 480 sites in all. Reservations are required in summer for most sites. The park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors between July and August, and sites sell out within minutes of reservations opening. You can also camp in the backcountry with a permit, or find a private campground in Ashford if the park is full.

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 ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Mount Rainier?

Yes, camping is allowed and even recommended if you want to enjoy the park without worrying about park hours. Regulations prohibit camping outside designated sites. That means no tents, hammocks, or overnight stays in vehicles outside official areas. Violations can result in a fine and removal from the park.

Four front-country campgrounds accommodate tents and RVs in different areas of the park. Backcountry camping also requires a wilderness permit, as explained below.

Campgrounds Inside the Park

Cougar Rock

Cougar Rock sits in the southwest section, a few miles from Longmire. It has about 173 sites spread across wooded loops, with flush toilets and an RV dump station. There are no electrical hookups. It generally opens from late May through mid-October, depending on snow conditions.

Ohanapecosh

In the park's southeast corner, Ohanapecosh sits in a forest of Douglas firs and centuries-old cedars. With about 188 sites, it's the largest campground in the park. You reach it via US-12, which is convenient if you're coming from Yakima or Portland. Flush toilets and an RV dump station are available. Its season is similar to Cougar Rock's.

White River

In the northeast, at about 4,400 feet on the road to Sunrise, White River offers roughly 100 sites along the banks of the glacier-fed river of the same name. You get a clear view of Rainier's northeast side, and early in the morning, the only sound breaking the silence is rushing water. You can feel the elevation, so bring a sleeping bag rated for 32°F, even in midsummer. Only vault toilets are available, and there is no dump station.

Mowich Lake

The park's only walk-in campground requires you to leave your vehicle in the parking area, then take a short walk to the lakeside sites. About 10 tent sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations. There is no RV dump station. It's a good choice if you want to avoid the crowds and start the Carbon Glacier Trail at dawn.

RV or Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?

Mount Rainier has no electrical hookups at its campgrounds. Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh both have a dump station and can accommodate RVs up to about 23 feet on most loops. Some loops allow longer vehicles, so check the details when you reserve on recreation.gov. White River is more restrictive for large vehicles, and RVs cannot reach Mowich Lake.

For a van or small RV, Cougar Rock is the best option. It has full services, easy access, and supplies are available in Longmire within a short drive. For tents, White River and Mowich Lake offer a wilder setting at the cost of fewer comforts. The Mount Rainier RV camping guide explains the size restrictions for each loop.

Camping Nearby: Campgrounds Outside the Park

When the park is full, which happens often on July and August weekends, several private campgrounds in Ashford and the Nisqually Valley can accommodate visitors a few miles from the southwest entrance. Some offer electrical hookups and hot showers, two amenities that aren't available in the park.

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

Backcountry Camping and Overnight Stays

The park has more than 150 miles of trails and dozens of designated campsites accessible only on foot. A wilderness permit is required for every overnight stay outside the front-country campgrounds. You can reserve one online at recreation.gov or pick one up at a visitor center, subject to availability.

The Wonderland Trail circles the volcano for about 93 miles, with designated camps all along its route. Plan on 10 to 14 days for the full trip. Demand is very high during peak season, so a lottery is held each spring for July and August permits. It's best to apply six months in advance.

The Mount Rainier hiking guide details backcountry camping areas and routes you can combine with an overnight stay.

How and When to Reserve a Campground at Mount Rainier

Reservations go through recreation.gov. The booking window usually opens six months before your stay, at a specific time. For a July or August site at Cougar Rock or Ohanapecosh, sites sell out within minutes.

Here are a few useful steps before the booking window opens:

• Create your recreation.gov account ahead of time and save your credit card.
• Log in five minutes before reservations open.
• Prepare several alternate dates to improve your odds.
• Check whether White River is still first-come, first-served for your dates. Rules change from one season to the next.

Outside peak season, from May through June and September through October, demand is much lower and sites may still be available a few weeks ahead. The Mount Rainier seasons guide can help you choose a time based on your tolerance for crowds and weather.

Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost at Mount Rainier?

Front-country sites cost about $20 to $30 per night, depending on the site type. This fee 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 per year), park entrance is covered, but camping fees still apply. The pass pays for itself after you visit two national parks in a year. Our Entrance Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and pass options.

Backcountry overnight stays 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. Store all food, sweet or scented drinks, and cooking utensils in the metal food lockers at each site or in an approved bear-resistant container. Don't leave anything in your car overnight. Bears know how to force open a door. Clean your site after every meal and put trash in the bear-resistant garbage cans. The Mount Rainier wildlife guide explains how to respond to black bears.

Changing weather. Weather can shift within hours. A sunny July morning doesn't rule out 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 local forecasts before you set out. The Mount Rainier weather guide brings together local resources and forecasts.

Water. Water from streams and rivers in the park must be filtered or purified before you drink it. Some front-country campgrounds have drinking-water faucets. Check when you arrive or consult the NPS signs on-site.

Elevation. White River and backcountry areas rise above 4,300 feet. If you're not used to exertion at elevation, allow a few hours to acclimate before demanding hikes. Our Practical Information, Rules & Safety page covers the park's full set of guidelines.

Which Campground Should You Choose?

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