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Mount Rainier National Park Climbing guides pose in front of the Paradise Guide House in the early 1900s
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Mount Rainier National Park
Camping
 
Several tents - in shades of blue, yellow, and green - are tucked between the trees in one of Mount Rainier's campgrounds.
NPS Photo
Mount Rainier National Park currently has three auto campgrounds.
 
 

Campgrounds at Mount Rainier

Click on the campground name for a map of the campground (PDF documents- download Adobe Reader). It is especially important to view the Operating hours of the campgrounds in between seasons to confirm open status.


Campground

 

Cougar Rock (SW section of park)

Ohanapecosh
(SE section of park)

White River (NE section of park)

Mowich Lake
(NW section of park)

Elevation

3,180 ft.

1,914 ft.

4,400 ft.

4,929 ft.

# of Individual Sites

173

188

112

10 primitive walk-in sites (tents only)

Individual Site Fee

$12 to $15

$12 to $15

$12

none (must self-register at campground kiosk)

# of group sites

5

2

None

3 (max. group size 12)

Group Site Fee

$40 to $64

$40

N/A

none (must self-register at campground kiosk)

Season
(may vary due to weather and/or road conditions)

Late May to early Oct.

Late May to early Oct.

Late June to late Sept.

Early July to early Oct.

Water

X

X

X

no potable water

Vault Toilet

 

 

 

X

Flush Toilet

X

X

X

 

Dump Station

X

X

 

 

Fire Grates

X

X

X

fires prohibited

Max RV
Length/Max Trailer Length

RV: 35 ft.
Trailer:
27 ft.

RV: 32 ft.
Trailer:
27 ft.

 

primitive campground, tents only

Reservations

X

X

 

 

Sunshine Point Campground is closed until further notice due to major flood damage.

Although campsites are available on a first come, first served basis, you can reserve sites at the Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh Rock campgrounds by visiting the Recreation.gov web site.

If you plan to use the group sites at Cougar Rock or Ohanapecosh campgrounds between Memorial Day weekend and Columbus Day, you must make reservations.

 


CAMPGROUND REGULATIONS

Campsite Limits

Campsites are limited to a maximum of 6 persons (or immediate family) and two tents.

All vehicles must be parked within the designated campsite parking area and not beyond the barriers or on vegetation.

There are special sites designated for group tent camping.

Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in any developed campground within the park and no more than 28 days total in any designated campground within the calendar year.

Length of Stay

A 14-day camping limitation applies to all camping.

Fires

Keep fires small and within the closed grating provided.

Do not burn trash or leave trash in the grate.

Do not leave fires unattended.

Firewood can be purchased from private wood concessionaires at the Longmire General Store, Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River Campgrounds, or you may bring your own firewood. See campground bulletin board for more information.

Do not collect firewood, branches, twigs or cones. As these materials decompose they nourish the trees and preserve the quality of the forest.

Pets

Dogs, cats and other pets must be caged, on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) or otherwise under physical restraint at all times.

Pets may not be left unattended or tied to trees.

Pets are not permitted in amphitheaters or buildings, or on vegetated areas or trails.

Pets are permitted only in parking lots and roads open to vehicles.

Vehicles

All vehicles (cars, trucks, RVs, tent-trailers and utility trailers) must be parked on the gravel or paved area of your site and not beyond the barriers.

If you plan to leave your vehicle for more than 24 hours but will be staying in the park, inform the campground ranger of your plans so that your vehicle will not be considered abandoned property.

No utilities or connections of any kind are available. 

Bicycles, Motorbikes, Roller Skates, Skateboards

Bicycles and motorbikes may be operated in the campground on roadways only, in the same direction of travel as other vehicles.

Motorcycles must be licensed for street use and drivers must have an operators license.

Travel on trails with bicycles or motorbikes is not permitted.

The use of wheeled vehicles (such as skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, scooters, etc.) is not permitted in the park.

Natural Features

To preserve the natural features of the park, driving nails into trees and creating ditches around tents are not permitted.

Do not feed any wildlife (including birds) in the park. Human food can cause digestive problems and can result in an animal's death or in injury to you.

Picking or cutting flowers, gathering or digging plants and trees are not permitted. Collecting rocks or other materials is prohibited.

Sanitation

RV sink drains must empty into containers which may be emptied into service sinks or toilets only.

Do not use water fountains or spigots for cleaning purposes.
Wash dishes in a container at your campsite. Dump used water in camp sink located at the restrooms.

RV dump stations located at the Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh campgrounds are available for your use at no cost.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Keep noise to a minimum at all times and show respect for others.

Generator Hours

Generators may only be used between the following hours: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., noon to 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m..

Loop E of Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh campgrounds are closed to generator use at all times.

Thefts

Prevent thefts and protect your valuables. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Report suspicious persons or vehicles to a ranger.

 

SERVICES
Service Station

Gasoline and automobile repairs are available in local communities outside the park.

Laundry and Showers

Laundry facilities are located outside the park in Ashford and Packwood. There are no public shower facilities in the park.

Supplies

Limited supplies are available at the National Park Inn at Longmire, Sunrise Lodge, and in the communities of Ashford, Packwood, Eatonville and Enumclaw.
Ice is available at Longmire and in Ashford and Packwood.

Interpretive Programs

Ranger-led walks, talks, and campfire programs are scheduled daily from mid-June to early September. See park bulletin boards at visitor centers, ranger stations, and campgrounds for details.

Church Services

Services are available in surrounding communities. Inquire locally for schedules.

 

GROUP CAMPSITES

Groups of 12 or more are permitted only in specific group sites.
Group sites are designed for tent camping only. RVs are not permitted in group sites.
At campgrounds throughout the park, parking is limited. Those using group campsites may need to consult the campground ranger to arrange additional parking.  

 

Cougar Rock Campground Group Sites

Site 1 has a maximum capacity of 30 people. Cost is $48.00.
Site 2 has a maximum capacity of 40 people. Cost is $64.
Sites 3, 4 and 5 have a maximum capacity of 25 people per site. Cost for each site is $40.00.
A maximum of 5 parking spaces is available at each group site. Additional vehicles must park in the picnic area.
Reserve a group site at the Cougar Rock Campground.

 

Ohanapecosh Campground Group Site

Site 1 has a maximum capacity of 25 people. Cost is $40.
A maximum of 5 parking spaces available at each group site. Additional vehicles must park in the ranger station parking area. 
Reserve a group site at the Ohanapecosh Campground.

 
 
One of many trails at Mount Rainier; this one to Bench and Snow Lakes.
Now that you are camped, want to go for a hike?
Trails of Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier has trails for every level.
Day Hikes
Looking for easy and enjoyable trails that the whole family can experience together?
more...
Mount Rainier from the Paradise Glacier Basin trail.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking, climbing, fishing... discover Mount Rainier!
more...
Longmire Museum covered in snow.
Operating Hours & Seasons
more...
An early ranger leads a campfire program.
Ranger-led Programs
Join Mount Rainier's interpretive staff for a variety of programs ranging from informal talks to evening campfire programs.
more...
Penstemon wildflowers
Discover Wildflowers
Where are the wildflowers blooming?
more...

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Last Updated: October 31, 2011 at 09:39 MST