Camping at Mount Rainier

Ohanapecosh Campground

NPS Photo

Plan a relaxing stay at one of Mount Rainier National Park’s campgrounds. Stay on the west side at Cougar Rock in between Longmire and Paradise or on the east side at Ohanapecosh or White River Campground. The camping season starts late May depending on snow melt and goes until October. Check the Operating Hours of the campgrounds in between seasons to confirm open status. 

Located in the southeast corner of the park, Ohanapecosh, named for a Taidnapam (Upper Cowlitz) Indian habitation site along the river, is thought to mean “standing at the edge.” Situated among Douglas-firs, western red cedars, and western hemlocks, visitors to Ohanapecosh can experience the beauty and complexity of an old-growth forest. The east side of the park is also somewhat drier and sunnier than the west side, making it a good destination when Paradise and Longmire are wet and foggy. 

Cougar Rock Campground is located in the southwest section of Mount Rainier National Park. This campground sits just above 3,000 feet in elevation and is the closest drive-in campground to the Longmire and Paradise areas. You can easily spend a few nights at Cougar Rock exploring everything the park has to offer. 

White River Campground is located 12 miles from the Sunrise Visitor Center in the northeast section of Mount Rainier National Park. From glaciers high on the northeast side of Mount Rainier, waters collect, create, and give name to the White River. The river cuts down from opulent subalpine meadows, down through immense lava flows, through steep valleys and flows out the northeast corner of the park. With wildflowers and wildlife, dramatic rocks and scenic vistas, the White River and Sunrise areas continue to draw in many people over the summer months. 

Reservations 

To obtain camp sites, please make reservations on Recreation.gov and obtain your park pass. Camping cost is $20 per night for up to 14 days. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance or 1 week in advance.  

• Reserve sites at the Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh Rock Campgrounds by visiting Recreation.gov. For first-come, first-served sites at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh, pay at the campground office window. 
• White River Campground is first-come, first-served ONLY. To secure a campsite, use the Recreation.gov Mobile App Scan and Pay. Find and set up up camp at an unoccupied site then go to the campground kiosk where you will find a QR code. Use the app to scan the QR code and then pay when you regain connectivity. If you cannot download the app, cashless (debit or credit card) payments are accepted in White River Campground “iron ranger” kiosks. Going cashless helps eliminate theft and fraud, while decreasing administrative costs. NOTE: White River Campground does not have cellular service. Please download the Recreation.gov app before coming to the park.
• 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. 

The America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes may provide some discounts on camping fees for pass holders. 

Campground Rules 

• Camp in designated campsites only. Sleeping in vehicles outside of campgrounds is not permitted.
• 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. 
• Check out time is noon. 

Fires 

• Check the park’s website and/or posted signs in the campground to make sure there isn’t a parkwide fire ban in place during drought conditions. 
• Keep fires small and within the closed grating provided. 
• Do not burn trash or leave trash in the grate. 
• Do not leave fires unattended. 
• Buy It Where You Burn It! Firewood brought in from other areas may contain invasive insect species that pose a serious threat to Mount Rainier National Park's resources... Please leave your firewood at home. 
• Firewood may be purchased from private wood concessionaires at the Longmire General Store, Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River Campgrounds. See campground bulletin boards 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 

Quiet hours are between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. There are no public shower facilities in the park. 

Learn more about campground rules and regulations as well as nearby services. 

Details

Activity

Car or Front Country Camping

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

• 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. 
• Learn more about pets in the park.

Activity Fee

Yes

Park entrance fee required along with camping fee. Campground fees range from $20-60 for individual and group sites.

Location

Cougar Rock Campground, Ohanapecosh Campground, White River Campground

Cougar Rock Campground is located on the west side of the park, 20 miles from Nisqually Entrance Station. Ohanapecosh Campground is located on the east side of the park 3.7 miles north of Highway 12 on SR-123. White River Campground is located in the northeast portion of the park 22miles north of Ohanapecosh.

Reservations

Yes

Reservation can be made on Recreation.gov to obtain camping sites in advance. Limited first-come, first-served sites.

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

The campground season generally runs from late May to early October depending on snow conditions. Check the Operating Hours of the campgrounds in between seasons to confirm open status.

Time of Day

Campground windows at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh open daily 7:30 am–4:45 pm for first-come, first-served sites during the operating season.

Accessibility Information

Ohanapecosh Campground:

• Sites D014, D020, and D021 are the most accessible, with hard packed dirt parking areas, accessible picnic tables, fire rings, and firm gravel tent pads.

• Sites are mostly level, with a 2-6 inch (5-15cm) ledge up to tent pad

• Restroom in Loop D is accessible

Cougar Rock Campground:

• Sites C2, C7, C20, and R5 are the most accessible, with paved parking areas, accessible picnic tables, fire rings, and firm gravel tent pads. The sites are mostly level, with a 2-10 inch (5-25cm) ledge up to tent pad.

• A loop and C loop restrooms closest to the main road are accessible. Most other restrooms have stairs.

• Amphitheater is accessible via ramp. There is no designated parking area.

White River Campground:

• Sites are available first-come, first-served

• Sites C3, C4, C5, C6, and C9 are the most usable. All sites include picnic table and fire ring. No designated accessible sites, no raised tent pads

• Accessible restroom in Loop C