The best waterside campgrounds in Mount Rainier

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.

93% (4.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

93% (4.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

98%

(149)

5 sites · Tents, RVs · Vashon, WA

Visit Vashon Island and relax on a private estate property. Camp overlooking Puget Sound, walk the trail down to the secluded beach and enjoy 1000 ft. of peaceful waterfront. Vashon boasts great coffee hangouts, bakeries, galleries, wineries, restaurants (May's Thai, Lunetta Pizza, The Ruby Brink, The Hardware Store Restaurant, Snapdragon and others). 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. Outdoor fires are by permission only. There are sometime burn bans for air quality and/or high fire danger. 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. 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. The water at (shallower) Dockton Park (about a 6 min drive away) gets warm from swimming in summer if you prefer it to 54 degree deep water here! 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! IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 FROM A CELL PHONE. 4025 SW Pt. Robinson Rd. is the address. Lisa 206 498 4359 Chiara (July - Sept only) 206 409 7975 Larry Sherry 206 295 4564/206 295 7333 Andre 206 335 6731

2. Spring Creek Getaway -Lake Cle Elum

96%

(100)

1 site · Tent, RV · Ronald, WA

Now accepting bookings 6 months out! Spring Creek Getaway is a large, one and a half acre campsite private campsite near Cle Elum, Washington. Located on Spring Creek Road in Ronald, WA, it is a three minute drive to Lake Cle Elum. It is an hour and a half drive East of Seattle, and a ten minute drive to Roslyn. There is unlimited recreation in the area, including many hiking and riding trails near by. There is plenty of space on the property to bring your boat or ATVs (or rent from The Last Resort)! The power is 110v. We also have high speed WIFI making it easy to work from the campsite. Please note that we do not have water or sewer hookups. There are two picnic tables and a fire pit in a large open area. There is a creek running through the property and string lights leading to it. If you would like to use the propane fire pit table, please bring your own propane tank or you can fill up an empty one that is available at the campsite to use. Please message me if you have any questions. Thanks for your interest!

3. Silver Beach Resort and Campground

44 sites · Naches, WA

Nestled along the stunning shores of Rimrock Lake, Silver Beach Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Accessible via the picturesque White Pass scenic byway, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers. At Silver Beach, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Spend your days fishing, swimming, kayaking, or boating on the pristine waters of Rimrock Lake. For hiking enthusiasts, trails begin right from the campground, or you can take a short 30-minute drive to the majestic Mount Rainier National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting Ospreys and Bald Eagles soaring above the lake on most days. Convenience is key at Silver Beach, with a to-go and outdoor seating restaurant located right on the property. Enjoy a casual dining experience featuring burgers, wraps, and pizza, and don’t miss out on our famous handcrafted milkshakes! For coffee lovers, our store offers a delightful selection of espresso drinks, including lattes, mochas, Americanos, and chai, all made with D&M Coffee from Ellensburg. We can even transform your favorite caffeinated beverage into a delicious milkshake! Our store is well-stocked with essentials you may have forgotten, as well as

4. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

90%

(104)

3358 sites · Marblemount, Washington

The largest national forest in the Pacific Northwest is a vast and varied haven for recreation.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Gifford Pinchot National Forest

93%

(80)

954 sites · Packwood, Washington

Explore old-growth forests, volcanic peaks, and thousands of miles of trails.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds in and near Mount Rainier

100%

(2)

Big Creek Campground

29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

100%

(7)

La Wis Wis Campground

82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

100%

(1)

Lodgepole Campground

28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

White Pass Lake Campground Leech Lake

20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Dog Lake Campground

16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

North Fork Bear Group Campground

1 site · Tent, RV · in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

100%

(8)

Bumping Lake Campground

57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

North Fork Campground

16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Pleasant Valley Campground

12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Tower Rock Campground

4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Salmon Cove Group Campground

1 site · Tent, RV · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

100%

(6)

Iron Creek Campground

97 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Stories from the community

R

Rachelle

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Beautiful spot. Great property with amazing views. We had a great trip on this property.

Chester

September 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

This was one of the best places we have stayed (25 ft Motor-home) with a gorgeous view, super quiet and a fairly empty beach to walk down to where the dog could run free. Will be back since this is a great place to play and Vashon is fun to walk around and get some goodies. On the way , Point Defiance is a great park to check out too.

R

Rowan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Great spot with a wonderful view! Quiet and peaceful in a scenic spot of the island.

P

Patricia

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Lisa’s land made our first time car camping adventure special. The pond site had a lovely beach front view and short trail down to the beach. The directions could have used some landmarks like Turn left at the barn.

K

Karly

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Beautiful views on a tranquil space! Delicious plums! Lucky to view the Blood Moon rising over the water from our campsite.

A

Amanda

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Spring Creek Getaway -Lake Cle Elum

This campsite was perfect for our family camping trip. There was plenty of space for both tents and cars. The lights strung around the property were a very nice touch. We also enjoyed the privacy but also close proximity to town.

P

Pamela

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Incredible place. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or return! Lisa was wonderful, welcoming and informative. Grateful for the opportunity to camp on her lovely property.

Y

Yanira

August 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Spring Creek Getaway -Lake Cle Elum

My family and friends love this place, super clean, private, very nice place

David

August 2025

21 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

This is a serene beautiful view of the water, mountains and beach. I have been here several time and each time I am reminded how beautiful this place is and how lucky we are to have access to it. Lisa is the best, friendly, and professional.

T

Traci

August 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Spring Creek Getaway -Lake Cle Elum

Great place. Fun trails for kids. Pretty ground and nice and private for the dogs.

K

Kara

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

We had a great time in our trailer. The view was awesome and Lisa went above and beyond to make our stay memorable.

H

Hannah

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

A simple campsite with a beautiful view, navigation instructions were clear.

J

Jeff

July 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Spring Creek Getaway -Lake Cle Elum

Drew was a wonderful host very responsive to questions. Location was great for outdoors and close to cle elum and Roslyn

M

Meghan

July 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

This was a great camping spot! The property is very large so it feels very private. I was able to camp right next to the bluff and felt the sea breeze all evening long. The view of Mount Rainier is incredible - you don't get views like that of her In Seattle! The walk down to the private beach was lovely and they had really nice benches and tables to sit at, Including umbrellas for shade. Highly recommend this site!

L

Laurie

July 2025

24 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Beautiful space! Fabulous views of Mt Rainier, peaceful beach, pretty Madrona trees.

Kelly

July 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

We had a wonderful time camping on this property. It’s expansive and peaceful. We played frisbee in the grass and it was wonderful having so much space for my children to explore. Beautiful walk down to the water. Great beach with exquisite rocks. Water had about 25 ft visibility. Morning sun and afternoon shade at the campsite. Nice and level for the tent. Lisa is wonderful and even helped us find the best fireworks show! She also let my two daughters meet her horse and pony. I highly recommend.

G

Gene

June 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

We loved the open space and the view. The beach area for sitting is beautiful. It is a hike but well worth the trip. The camp host was great and very friendly.

D

Doug

June 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Great view. Beautiful open meadow and very good directions to find the exact spot to park.

M

Mackenzie

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Spring Creek Getaway -Lake Cle Elum

Our original camping plans fell through, and we needed a spot a little closer to home. Spring Creek Getaway ended up being just what we needed! The site was spacious, private and seemed well maintained. We made a little bit of fun of the fact that we had wifi at a camp spot, but even that ended up being perfect, because one of the reasons our original location didn't work was because my buddy was in the middle of buying a property and needed to be able to sign a bunch of paperwork! All in all this place was a huge win, thanks for having us!

A

Ashlee

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Spring Creek Getaway -Lake Cle Elum

What a beautiful spot! There was a bear who passed through our site the first night but he didn’t bother. The creek was adorable and my dog couldn’t have been happier running around!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

90%

(104)

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Marblemount, Washington

93%

(80)

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Packwood, Washington

Other options in and near Mount Rainier

Silver Beach Resort and Campground

44 sites · Naches, WA

Nestled along the stunning shores of Rimrock Lake, Silver Beach Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Accessible via the picturesque White Pass scenic byway, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers. At Silver Beach, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Spend your days fishing, swimming, kayaking, or boating on the pristine waters of Rimrock Lake. For hiking enthusiasts, trails begin right from the campground, or you can take a short 30-minute drive to the majestic Mount Rainier National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting Ospreys and Bald Eagles soaring above the lake on most days. Convenience is key at Silver Beach, with a to-go and outdoor seating restaurant located right on the property. Enjoy a casual dining experience featuring burgers, wraps, and pizza, and don’t miss out on our famous handcrafted milkshakes! For coffee lovers, our store offers a delightful selection of espresso drinks, including lattes, mochas, Americanos, and chai, all made with D&M Coffee from Ellensburg. We can even transform your favorite caffeinated beverage into a delicious milkshake! Our store is well-stocked with essentials you may have forgotten, as well as

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping in Mount Rainier 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

Though RVs are allowed to park at Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River campgrounds, they have no electrical, water, or grey water hookups.
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.
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.