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Reviews
87% Recommend38 ratings · 33 reviews
Camping at this site near Mt. Rainier offers a mixed experience. While many appreciate its proximity to the park entrance and the serene natural surroundings, challenges like steep and narrow driveways, small and uneven campsites, and limited privacy due to the site's layout are common concerns. The host, Kendall, is consistently praised for his responsiveness and helpfulness, enhancing the overall experience. Features like the solar shower and clean facilities are highlights, but be prepared for some physical exertion to access certain areas.
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Recommends
· October 2026
Tent ·
Fern forest tent site
Beautiful campsite, Kendall was very helpful. I hope I get to stay here again
Mixed feelings
· September 2026
16 ft car ·
Fern forest tent site
The site was sufficient for what we needed, a private safe place to car camp. It’s a bit confusing from the listing to figure out exactly where to park and we thought we were in the wrong place because the driveway was super steep & narrow. Host was responsive but i’d would advise the host to put the same info he texted us on the listing itself or make signage/wayfinding a bit clearer.
Really enjoyed the fern tent space! ⛺️ It was far enough from lot #1, but nice to have them close by as a solo, female camper. You do have to walk up a small hill for 2 minutes to get to the site, but it wasn't a problem for me. The only downside is that if you are a ligh sleeper, the cars in the road might bother you as it is of a main road. The location was great and it felt so peaceful to wake up to the sunrise and mountains.
My site was really small and perched on top of a steep hill with lose soil. Thankfully I have my ultralight Nemo hornet backpacking tent ( it took up the whole site) but I kept my cooking equipment in the car to avoid hauling those up and down. I cannot imagine someone with a lot of camping equipment or someone elderly going up that hill. The site looks like it is still a work in progress. I see multiple cars having trouble getting up the drive way with the steep angles and lose soil and gravel.
Hot shower is nice. Not sure if it was worth what I paid.
Recommends
· September 2026
Tent ·
Dispersed tent sites
The campsite was clean and well maintained. The bathroom was close by, and it was also clean. The location served our Mt. Rainier adventures well!
We had the absolute best time here. Kendal was super responsive and very accommodating to our crazy family. He was able to direct us to one of our all time favorite hikes we have ever done. It’s very close to the entrance to Mt Rainier and was a beautiful setting. The solar shower was my favorite part of staying there. It was so magical to take a shower and look up at the stars after a long day of hiking! We will always book there when we go there.
We had the absolute best time here. Kendal was super responsive and very accommodating to our crazy family. He was able to direct us to one of our all time favorite hikes we have ever done. It’s very close to the entrance to Mt Rainier and was a beautiful setting. The solar shower was my favorite part of staying there. It was so magical to take a shower and look up at the stars after a long day of hiking! We will always book there when we go there.
Mixed feelings
· August 2026
Tent ·
Dispersed tent sites
Thank for the stay. The site we were on (top to the right) was very small, the fire ring area uneven, and frankly trekking the items up the hill and the location (and condition) of the bathroom were less than convenient. So much potential at the place, but we would not recommend.
What a perfect spot! We loved our visit. We had a last-minute booking and we were able to find our site & figure things out easily due to excellent signage & info in the photos & messages. The driveway is quite steep & has a hairpin turn on the way up to the parking spot for the site, causing us to spin tires a bit & kick up some gravel on the way. We managed it with an minivan though! Owner was responsive and kind.
The walk up to the lovely Fern Forest tent site may only be about 50 yards but it is a STEEP hill and a sandy path (this time of year) so be prepared for that if you’re staying there. The 2 carts provided were very helpful in hauling our gear up & back.
The hot outdoor shower was a VERY pleasant surprise and a refreshing way to start the morning, cleaning off under three towering old (Ponderosa Pine?) moss-covered trees. If you use it & leave anything outside of the shower on the ground, make sure to keep it away from the door to the shower so it doesn’t get wet.
Overall we loved our stay and were so grateful to find a lovely, private spot so close to the gates of Mt. Rainier National Park.
The photos for this site on this app were of a different campsite, leading us to be misled thinking the fern site had a picnic table and chairs. I contacted the owner and his response was that no one else had complained.
False advertisement aside, I was not a fan. The extreme hill was so dusty that I and our equipment was filthy by the time I got it up there. The driveway was terrible, I barely made it up between the loose gravel and the slope and had to reverse down the hill because it was so narrow.
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent ·
Dispersed tent sites
Nice flat spot with access to water and toilet. Very close to park entrance.
I stayed in Dispersed site #1 ( the lower one)! It was a nice space, I was able to put up my hammock as well as a Core 6-person tent though it was a little too big, a 4-person would e been great! Even with all this, there was space to set up a 2-person backpacking tent if needed, and maybe another if you don't do the hammock. Bathroom was nice, sink, soap, and TP. Be aware that it's a 5min drive to Rainier NP entrance but still an hour to Paradise!
Mixed feelings
· July 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Dispersed tent sites
This campsite wasn’t the right fit for us, but it may work well for others depending on what they’re looking for. It also may not be the best option for people with small dogs.
That said, I really appreciate the host. He was very responsive, attentive and generous.
For us, one of the things we enjoy most about camping is feeling like we have privacy to relax and have conversations without worrying about being overheard. We didn’t feel that level of privacy at this site. We also found that there wasn’t much to do beyond spending time in the campsite itself.
Overall, while it wasn’t the experience we were hoping for, others looking for a different type of camping stay may still enjoy it.
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Dispersed tent sites
Great location friendly and flexible hosts would highly recommend it was a pretty quiet spot and our group absolutely loved it
Mixed feelings
· July 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Dispersed tent sites
Great location and beautiful spot to camp! Kendall is a great host and responds right away with any questions you have. We had a group of nine across two spots and it was a tight fit. Also, the sites are on a steep hill which made moving around a little difficult. Otherwise, a great place to camp!
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
Dispersed tent sites
I really enjoyed staying at cascade mountain retreat! Kendall was very hospitable and helpful, he answered all of our questions. The retreat is only 5 miles from the Nisqually entrance to Mt. Rainier and is conveniently close to the town of Ashford. The site we camped at was up a steep hill but we were able to borrow a cart from Kendall to bring up all of our things. It was very peaceful and serene.
Recommends
· July 2026
16 ft car ·
Fern forest tent site
3 miles from the parking lot entrance and super cute. Loved falling asleep to the sound of frogs & running water
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
Dispersed tent sites
Awesome spot and accommodating host! Would stay again.
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Fern forest tent site
We booked a two night stay in the Fern Forest and let me say, it is named accordingly! We were completely immersed in a lush green forest-hike included! The hill up to the spot was a doozy, but man, that view once you’re in the spot is definitely worth it!! We definitely utilized and appreciated the carts provided. Watching the sun hit High Hut in the evenings was incredibly peaceful and the close location to MRNP is perfect! Kendall was super responsive when I had questions before booking and sent clear instructions on check-in day. On check-out day, he was around doing some maintenance and was super friendly, even bringing a cart up the hill for us. We definitely enjoyed our stay and hope to be back!!
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent ·
Dispersed tent sites
A nice spot right outside Mt. Rainier. Perfect for the price and our needs. Entrance was well marked so it was easy to find.
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
Dispersed tent sites
Great spot. Close to Mt Rainier. Very pretty and serene.
Mixed feelings
· June 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Dispersed tent sites
We pitched our tent here overnight and enjoyed the location and proximity to mt rainier. The serene sounds from the pond across the street was a highlight.
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
Dispersed tent sites
Great people who have a beautiful spot. Very near to the park. The facility is being built and will be even more beautiful when completed. Each campsite has a nice view of the area. The disbursed camping sites are a bit uphill from the parking, but the wagon and owners were very helpful. (I had brought way too much gear)
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
Dispersed tent sites
Amazing stay, easy access to firewood on site, really well kept restroom, super responsive host. It was a beautiful spot and really appreciated my stay. It was really nice with the sites not super close.
Kendall's place was beautiful and decorated with charming string lights when we arrived. We had arrived late but Kendall made sure we had instructions on where to park etc. This was the perfect place to rest before our Camp Muir hike the next morning. The pit toilet was clean and well stocked. We felt safe and welcome while we were there. Wish we had more time there. Will definitely come back here and enjoy the beauty more in daylight.
Kendall was a terrific host - very friendly and actively helped us settle in. The yurt was comfy and the location was perfect. Short drive into town and to the mountain.
10/10 would recommend!
Great, quiet spot with lovely view over the valley and friendly, efficient host!
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
Dispersed tent sites
I loved tent camping on Kendall’s land. It was beautiful and he was super nice. Would recommend to anyone and everyone.
As a first-time solo camper (and female), I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Kendall was so kind and helpful, which immediately put me at ease. The site itself is easy to find, surrounded by gorgeous ferns, and felt both peaceful and welcoming. My pup had the best time exploring too. Highly recommend!
Good little camp spot. Porta potty was clean. Very private if Theres only one or two camp spots being used.
Location
Ashford, Pierce County, Washington, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Kendall M.
Joined in September 2025Things to do nearby
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