Camping at Mount Rainier

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You’ll know Mount Rainier National Park when you see it—the hulking volcano rises more than 14,000 feet above sea level, dominating the western Washington horizon for miles around. Glaciers cascade down the slopes, meeting deep green forests. The best part? This Northwest’s crown jewel sits just 65 miles from Seattle, making its summit the goal of many mountaineers and its location perfect for an easy weekend trip. Here you’ll find 473 camping sites scattered across three of the four quadrants of the park, including Cougar Rock in the southwest, Ohanapecosh in the southeast, and White River, in the northeast. In addition, 13 tent sites sit at the walk-in Mowich Lake campground to the northwest. Beyond that, numerous backcountry sites are scattered on and around the mountain.

94% (8.5K) • 5,253 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Mount Rainier

Riverside Camping Near Mt Rainier

1. Riverside Camping Near Mt Rainier

95%
(542)
Elbe, WA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
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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Electrical hookup
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Wilderness Path

2. Wilderness Path

96%
(555)
Ashford, WA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Our rental property was once a mini Rail Road with full size locomotive's, train cars, pumper cars and more. My dad & grandpa layed all the tracks & put together the buildings in the 1970's. Once done my grandma sold tickets to the tourist and my grandpa ran the engine around the 7 acre oval track pulling a train car full of happy tourist through the woods over the train bridge and past the big water tower back to their vehicles so they could finish their journies with a drive to Mt. Rainier. There is a lot of history on this property for our family and we hope by sharing it with others they will be able to experience some fun here as well. Our quiet time is 10pm
Electrical hookup
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Water hookup
Elysian Retreat

3. Elysian Retreat

91%
(189)
Orting, WA · 25 sites
Welcome to Elysian Retreat, our peaceful 15-acre slice of paradise out here in Orting, WA! We’ve got a little bit of everything—wide-open pastures, shady tree canopies, and dense woods. It’s the perfect, laid-back backdrop whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure or just want to unplug and relax. 🥾 Trail & River Access Head over to the northwest corner of the paddock and you'll find a coded gate. From there, it’s just a quick, scenic 5-minute walk or bike ride down a cleared path that opens right up to the Orting Foothills Trail and beautiful views of the Carbon River. (Check out our listing photos to see the map!) 🌲 Critters & Streams A lazy little stream meanders right through the property, which makes it a favorite hangout for local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic elk, deer, and waterfowl passing through. You’ll also be sharing the space with our friendly resident herd of five horses and four goats! They roam safely inside the fenced areas and love wandering over to greet guests. 🚗 Parking & PNW Weather You can park right inside our securely locked pasture, so your rig is safe and close by. If the classic Washington rain decides to show up and soften the ground, don't worry—we’ll easily coordinate alternative parking on solid ground so you stay mud-free. 🍳 Camp Extras Want to make your camp setup extra cozy? Head over to our "Extras" section before you check out. You can rent one of our portable fire pits (just please drop it back off at the pickup spot when you leave), grab bundles of firewood, or score a dozen fresh farm eggs from our chickens (when they're cooperatively laying!). 📍 How Close We Are: 5 Mins to Downtown Orting 40 Mins to Mount Rainier National Park 45 Mins to SeaTac Airport Leave the city noise behind and come enjoy the valley life. We can't wait to welcome you to the land!
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Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

4. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

90%
(107)
National forest in Washington · 3357 sites
The largest national forest in the Pacific Northwest is a vast and varied haven for recreation.
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Gifford Pinchot National Forest

5. Gifford Pinchot National Forest

93%
(87)
National forest in Washington · 954 sites
Explore old-growth forests, volcanic peaks, and thousands of miles of trails.
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Wildfern Grove

6. Wildfern Grove

95%
(240)
Buckley, WA · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
Welcome to Wildfern Grove- a 40 acre forested sanctuary nestled in the PNW and home to our intentional community. Here, we welcome all of you, invite you to slow down, and feel what it is like to be held by the land and community. Our accommodations include five hand-painted Mongolian Yurts, a zome, private cabin and tent camping. Whether you’re seeking a solo reset, a romantic woodland escape, creative inspiration, or a unique stay immersed in nature, the Grove invites you to slow down and reconnect. Wildfern Grove is best enjoyed by those who appreciate beauty, quiet, community, creativity, and connection to nature. We ask guests to honor shared spaces, quiet hours, and the gentle spirit of the land. If you’re craving a stay that feels more like a deep forest exhale than a conventional getaway, we can’t wait to welcome you. ✨🌿
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Cedar River Retreat

7. Cedar River Retreat

98%
(511)
Hobart, WA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Cedar River Retreat—a hidden oasis just beyond a historic fishing village on the river. Close enough to town for convenience, yet tucked away so you can slow down, unplug, and immerse yourself in nature. Since 2016, we’ve been creating memories here and are excited to share this special place with you. Whether you’re looking for an off-grid cabin getaway, a peaceful RV spot, or a tent-only camping experience, there’s a little something for every kind of adventurer. We believe the outdoors are for everyone, and we can’t wait to welcome you. See you by the river! 🌲✨ Follow along on Instagram: @cedar_riverretreat
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King County's Maury Island Marine Park

8. King County's Maury Island Marine Park

90%
(76)
Vashon, WA · 7 sites
Bike, kayak or hike into this spectacular park on Maury Island, where your tent campsite near the beach awaits. You can not drive a car to your site, pack accordingly. Mount Rainier peaks out on sunny days, madrona trees branch overhead, while otters and bald eagles put on a show. *please read carefully* There is a 3/4 mile walk down a gravel service road from the parking lot, with an average grade of 8%. Pack accordingly, you’ll be walking in! Or plan to bike or paddle in for closer access. Camping is open May through October. Please pack-in and pack-out. Fire is prohibited. Amenities include use of the picnic shelter, port-a-potty bathrooms, picnic tables near the campsites and a kayak/paddleboard storage rack off of the beach trail. There is no water available so please pack in enough water for your stay. To protect the park, please abide by the camping rules. FIRES AND ALCOHOL PROHIBITED. Our campsites are located in parks with limited access for fire fighters. Fires will be and are reported. The risk isn’t worth it! Directions to your site: Parking lot for vehicles and trail access is on SW 244th Street (GPS coordinates 47.38564509862387, -122.39947726859351). Maury Island Natural Area is served by Metro bus route 119 along Dockton Road SW. Arriving by bike - see the Vashon Bike Map image for routes. King County's Maury Island Marine Park brochure has information to help you plan. This campground is located within Maury Island Marine Park, on the east side of Maury Island, a peninsula of Vashon Island. One of the largest undeveloped properties located directly on Puget Sound with more than 1 mile of shoreline, the park provides stunning views of the East Passage, Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains. The site had significance for early Native Americans and is referenced in a legend about Snake People who arrived from the mainland as part of war party. The park contains rare stands of Pacific Madrone, a salt marsh, eelgrass beds and significant fish and wildlife habitat for such species as great blue herons, bald eagles, kingfishers, chinook salmon, orca, and bull trout. Trail length within the park: 3 miles (plus .75 mile gravel maintenance road to the shoreline accessible to non-motorized vehicles only).
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Picnic table
All Provided & Stress Free Camping

9. All Provided & Stress Free Camping

98%
(40)
Ashford, WA · 12 sites · Tents, Lodging
Ever wondered what it's like to wake up to the sweet songs of birds and drift off to sleep among the trees? Come and discover the magic of camping with us! Discover 6 stunning and unique sites to choose from. Our aim was to provide a hassle-free camping experience, where all you need to bring is water, food, charcoals for BBQ, and ice for cooler. We're conveniently located on the main road to Mt. Rainier, offering easy access to the Nisqually entrance (only 15 minutes), Alder Lake (5 minutes), a gas station/convenience store (3 minutes), and local restaurants (3-5 minutes). We provide EVERYTHING you need to enjoy a peaceful and rejuvenating camping experience. When you arrive you will have a tent that offers an 18" queen size mattress with all necessary bedding, such as (plush mattress pad, sheets, pillows, and blankets), *a cot to keep your luggage off the ground, * table with amenities like a very nice fan for cooling and a battery pack (300w) for charging your electronic devices, (tv, lop tops, phones, etc), DeWalt flashlight, insect reppelent, mosquito repellent bracelet, hand sanitizer. Northern Light Projector with Built-in Bluetooth. For outside we offer a *charcoal BBQ with utensils * lighter, *hammock for 2, *Milwaukee SUPER BRIGHT stand up light to brighten your entire campsite when nighttime arrives, *cooler (bring ice) *5 gallon of container for water, (water is available), *cooking stove, *Propane HEATER to keep your warm, (propane available for purchase(10$) or bring your own), *smokeless fire pit. *camping chairs, * CANOPY to keep you dry. * SHARED KITCHEN with SINK, RUNNING WARER, ELECTRIC ITY, dishes, pots, and pans for meal preparation. Gather your essentials, fill a basket with the dishes, pots, and pans you'll need to craft a memorable meal, and enjoy the convenience of having everything you need at your campsite. *COFFEE, CREAMER, SUGAR, HOT CHOCOLATE available in our kitchen. STARLINK for WiFi. We provide honey bucket for the to bathroom, and shower you can find 13 min away in Alder lake park. We provide towels, shampoo, condition, soap, makeup remover, toothpaste, toothbrush and more:)
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Mount Rainier National Park

10. Mount Rainier National Park

95%
(168)
National park in Washington · 513 sites
Adventure on a glacier! The grandest park of the Pacific Northwest beckons you!
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Alder Lake Park

11. Alder Lake Park

100%
(9)
Park in Washington · 209 sites
Alder Lake Park: A scenic retreat for camping, boating, and fishing.
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Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

12. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

92%
(131)
National forest in Washington · 753 sites
High-altitude beauty north of Mt. Rainier. From glaciers to river fishing, all is spectacular!
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Mossyrock Park

13. Mossyrock Park

60%
(5)
Park in Washington · 165 sites
Discover Mossyrock Park's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
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The Khohay Farm

14. The Khohay Farm

100%
(123)
Buckley, WA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hello friends! Nestled at the foothills of Mount Rainier, we are a serene farm 45 miles away from Seattle. I live here with my partner Khohay who now takes care of his family farm which used to be his late aunts Soma Institute of Structural Integration School (now ran by his brother on Whidbey Island). https://www.soma-institute.org/ We are constantly doing projects around the property to restore, improve and preserve the beauty that it has to offer and would love to share it with other people as we go! ________________________ PET OWNERS PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING: Please declare any pets on the “Who’s Coming” page. We have noticed an influx of owners that do not let us know and show up with dogs as we need to go over additional information. There is no additional fee but since we have livestock roaming freely around the property, to ensure their safety, long leads are highly encouraged especially if dogs do not have exceptional training and recall. Thank you! AMENITIES/THINGS TO DO: -There is a communal bunkhouse on property available to guests with a flushable toilet and a hot water shower. It also includes a kitchenette and we welcome you to use any of the kitchen/cookware and appliances. Our 2 Frenchies also stay in this building but they love humans and all the attention you can give them! -There is an infrared sauna that can sit up to 3 people located next to the yurt accompanied by a cold plunge as an add-on. -You are welcome to wander around the entire property and grab fruit daily from the trees when in season or have us get you farm fresh eggs from the coop to eat for breakfast. -Say hello to the animals (sheep, goats, chickens, cats and dogs) or go for a walk/run around the countryside roads with walking/running/biking adventures available to you along the beautiful and paved Foothills Trail extending from Enumclaw to Puyallup. -Communal fire pit areas with picnic table and chairs available when fire ban is not in effect. We have a moveable metal one which we can transport to your camp spot if preferred. We sell a large milkcrate full of wood for $10 if needed.
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Cascade Mountain Retreat

15. Cascade Mountain Retreat

86%
(37)
Ashford, WA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Willkommen to Cascade Mountain Retreats Swiss Village! Bringing a taste of Switzerland to the Cascade Mountains! Dispersed camping sites and glamping tents available now! Cabins and animals coming soon! Escape to this quiet, wooded retreat just six miles from the Nisqually entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Tucked into four acres of forested property, Cascade Mountain Retreats Swiss Village offers you a peaceful camping experience with mountain views, forest trails, and natural ambiance. What Awaits You: • Multiple dispersed camping sites and one RV spot • A gently wooded trail to the tent sites; an off-road cart is available to help transport gear • On-site restroom facility (Showers coming soon!!) • Campfires allowed (when permitted) • Pets welcome (on a leash if other pets or guests are around please) • Potable water at spigots at the cabin - No RV dump or hookups Why You’ll Love It Here!: Waking up at Cascade Mountain Retreats Swiss Village means breathing mountain air, listening to the flowing creek, and watching new light spill across forested ridges. You're close enough to amenities in nearby Ashford, yet removed enough to feel truly hidden. The balance of access and solitude makes this a rare find.
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Alder Grove Retreat

16. Alder Grove Retreat

99%
(109)
Eatonville, WA · 1 site
We are a peaceful, private, forested 6 acers that is 6 minutes to a secluded neighborhood beach with big mountain views and only 8 minutes to Alder Lake State Park. Our OFF-GRID location offers treetop views, a hillside cabin, wood fired sauna, and soon to include select areas for tent camping. We are just 15 minutes to Elbe's Whiskey Train. 30 minutes to Mt. Rainier National Park. 20 minutes to the grocery store in town that has cool restaurants and a great crystal shop. Local hikes are close, include gravel, paths, and waterfalls. Our property IS off-grid and collects rain for water and solar for electricity. We do not have WiFi but do have cell service. Potable water is provided in small quantities at each site. Fires are subject to local burn bans and property provided materials. All areas are walk-in and include wagons to transport any gear.
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Showers
Elbe Hills Base Camp

17. Elbe Hills Base Camp

98%
(29)
Eatonville, WA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
The Ultimate PNW Basecamp: Elbe Hills Base Camp! 5 Acres of Rugged Serenity Near Rainier Escape to your own private slice of the Pacific Northwest. Tucked away on five lush, secluded acres, this Hipcamp site serves as the ultimate high-octane basecamp for adrenaline junkies and the perfect quiet retreat for nature lovers alike. Surrounded by towering Douglas firs and the scent of wild cedar, you're perfectly positioned at the intersection of Washington's greatest adventures. The Land: Your Private Forest Sanctuary Spanning five acres of pristine, moss-carpeted forest, this property offers the rare combination of easy accessibility and deep-woods privacy. The landscape is a classic PNW tapestry of ancient ferns, winding footpaths, and open woodland clearings large enough to accommodate everything from a solo tent to a fully equipped overland rig. As the sun dips below the canopy, the forest transforms into a quiet cathedral, broken only by the crackle of your campfire and the distant call of owls. For the Adrenaline Seekers: Elbe Hills Trailhead Engine revving is the heartbeat of this region. Located just minutes from the legendary Elbe Hills State Forest, our property is the ideal staging ground for your ATV and UTV adventures. Spend your day conquering rugged trails, navigating technical rock crawls, and splashing through the famous Elbe mud. After a day of dirt and grit, skip the crowded staging areas and retreat to your private campsite to work on your machines or swap stories around the fire. For the Water Lovers: Alder Lake's Glacial Beauty When the mountain air warms up, head to the turquoise shores of Alder Lake. Whether you're launching a boat for a day of fishing, paddleboarding across the glass-like glacial water, or sightseeing at Alder Dam, the lake is breathtaking. It's the perfect place to wash off the trail dust and admire the mountain's reflection on the water. For the Explorers: The Gateway to Mount Rainier You're camping in the shadow of the "Great White Mother." A short, scenic drive brings you to the Nisqually Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. From the ancient giants of the Grove of the Patriarchs to the wildflower-strewn alpine meadows of Paradise, the hiking opportunities are endless. Return from a day on the trails to the peace and privacy of your five-acre retreat, far from the crowds and park traffic. Why Stay Here? • Prime Location: The perfect base between Elbe, Ashford, and Eatonville. • Space to Breathe: Five acres means you aren't staring at your neighbor's tent. You'll have plenty of room to spread out, park your trailers, and enjoy the silence. • Starry Nights: With minimal light pollution, the night sky puts on a dazzling display of the Milky Way, framed by towering evergreens. Whether you're here to roar through the mud of Elbe Hills, cast a line into Alder Lake, or hike the glacial slopes of Mount Rainier, this is the basecamp you've been looking for. Pack your gear, load the trailers, and come find your wilderness.
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Rainier Hideaway

18. Rainier Hideaway

87%
(131)
Ashford, WA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This location is only a mile away from the Mount Rainier National Park entrance. There is usually traffic going towards the National Park on weekends during peak season (July-August), so we encourage everyone to leave the site by 9 am during those days if you are planning on heading into the park. There is a full service restaurant (WildBerry Restaurant) that offers both traditional American and select few Nepalese dishes right next to the camping site. There are also more restaurants, gas station, and a grocery store about 5 miles from the location. You may see some elk and deers on the property if you get lucky.
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Woodland Retreat

19. Woodland Retreat

100%
(8)
Graham, WA · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to Woodland Retreat! This campsite is located along the main route to Mount Rainier National Park, making it a great place to stop for the night on your way to the park. There are also other nearby attractions, such as Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and numerous hiking trails. Although the site feels secluded and far from the city, it's conveniently located just 10 minutes from the town of Graham. Woodland Retreat is frequently visited by deer and small wildlife, including chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits.
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Potable water
The Village at Rainier

20. The Village at Rainier

96%
(85)
Ashford, WA · 3 sites
True glamping experience! 2 Cabins have 1/2 baths and group fire pit and I site has separate bath and private fire pit. All sites have access to a shower. The Village is located right at base-camp for Mt Rainier with private access to the Nisqually River and 10 minutes to the entrance of the National Forest. Everything you could want for camping, a romantic getaway, or climbing/hiking Mt Rainier. Check in time is 5:00 pm Check out time is 11:00 am
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Mount Rainier camping guide

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for a wilderness experience: Mowich Lake
  • Best for old growth trees: Ohanapecosh
  • Best for groups: Cougar Rock

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Though RVs are allowed to park at Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River campgrounds, they have no electrical, water, or grey water hookups.
  2. Each campsite is limited to a maximum of two vehicles, two tents, and/or six campers. Most campsites are big enough for only one tent and up to four people.
  3. Campsites at Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River campgrounds can all be booked in advance online, with availability opening on a six-month rolling basis. The sites at Mowich Lake are available only on a first-come, first-served basis

When to go

Mount Rainier National Park is open year-round, though heavy winter snow typically closes all but the Nisqually Entrance. At this time, roads at higher elevations may be closed or require snow chains or winter tires to access. July and August are busy times, when popular parking lots and entrances come with long waits. Aim for a mid-week visit, or go during the late spring or early fall to beat the crowds.

Know before you go

  • The visitor center at the Longmire Museum is open year-round, while the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise closes on winter weekdays. The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and Sunrise Visitor Center are open in summer.
  • When making a summer visit, try to arrive early (before 10am) or later in the day (after 2:30pm) to avoid peak crowds and wait times.
  • Concessions are sold at Longmire, Paradise, and Sunrise. You can also stock up in the nearby towns of Ashford and Packwood.
  • Cell service is unreliable in Mount Rainier National Park, but there is wifi in the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The best camping options near Mount Rainier are Cougar Rock in the southwest, Ohanapecosh in the southeast, and White River in the northeast. Additionally, there are 13 tent sites at the walk-in Mowich Lake campground to the northwest. Beyond that, numerous backcountry sites are scattered on and around the mountain. You can also explore different options for camping near Mount Rainier on Hipcamp.

The best camping option for groups in Mount Rainier National Park is Cougar Rock, located in the southwest region. You can also explore different options for camping near Mount Rainier on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field