The best camping near Mount Rainier, Washington.

You’ll know Mount Rainier National Park when you see it—the active volcano rises more than 14,000 feet above sea level, dominating the horizon for miles around. Glaciers cascade down the slopes, meeting deep green forests. The best part? This Washington gem sits just 65 miles from Seattle, so it’s an easy weekend trip.

All of this majesty creates a spectacular camping and adventure experience. Just steps from your tent, 260 miles of hiking trails take you through old-growth forests and into meadows covered in wildflowers. The Westside Road, which is mostly closed to cars, is ideal for mountain biking. The spring snowmelt brings the local waterfalls to life, and in the fall, the hillsides flame with color.

Serious mountaineers shouldn’t miss the sunrise views from the summit. You’ll need ice-climbing gear, an official permit, and backcountry camping equipment—and ideally, climbing buddies for safety.

Inside the park, you’ll find more than 475 campsites spread across four different campgrounds. Cougar Rock Campground, Ohanapecosh Campground, and White River Campground provide both tent and RV sites (no hookups). Keep in mind that because of the intense mountain winters, many campgrounds open in May, June, or July and close in late September.

Mt. Rainier is one of the most popular camping areas in the Pacific Northwest—reservations are a must! If the park is full, try the selection of campgrounds and RV parks near the entrance. The park is open year-round, but the peak season is during the July and August wildflower blooms. Sudden storms and snow are possible all year, so it’s a good idea to bring warm layers.