The Cougar Rock Campground Experience

Mount Rainier viewed from a log bridge over the Nisqually River near Cougar Rock Campground.

NPS/S. Shah Photo

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. But if you are wondering exactly what you could do at Cougar Rock Campground aside from sleep, then we've got you covered.

Driving distances to popular locations:

• 2 miles from the Longmire Museum, National Park Inn, and General Store
• 8 miles to Reflection Lake
• 9.5 miles to Paradise

Hike
Just across the road from Cougar Rock Campground is the Wonderland Trail. Enjoy an incredible mountain view and walk along the Nisqually and Paradise Rivers on the easy to moderate hike. You can hike up 1.1 miles to the Carter and Madcap Falls. Hike an additional 1.5 miles past Carter Falls to see Narada Falls. Or you can hike down 1.5 miles to go to the Longmire Area. Other trails that are close to you here are the Trail of Shadows, Rampart Ridge, Comet Falls, and Paradise Area Trails. Narada Falls, as well as Christine Falls, can also be viewed from short walks from pullouts along the main road to Paradise.

Enjoy the sunset and watch the night sky
On the west side of the park we have many wonderful sunset locations. You can go to the historic Longmire Suspension Bridge to see the alpenglow on the mountain. If you are willing to drive a little further you can view the sunset at Reflection Lake, from Ricksecker Point, or in Paradise. These areas are also the best to safely stargaze.

Programs
Grab a Junior Ranger book to complete the activities and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Attend programming by park rangers in Longmire or Paradise.  

Dine and shop
Visit the National Park Inn and General Store in Longmire for the gifts, food, and drinks. You can also purchase your firewood at the General Store. Books and other information can be found at the Longmire Museum. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Cougar Rock Picnic Area adjacent to the campground. 

Reminders: Shower and laundry facilities are located outside the park. Buy wood locally and keep fires small. Respect quiet hours. Do not feed wildlife. Pets are not permitted on any trails, but are allowed in campgrounds. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under the control of their owners at all times. Owners must pick up and dispose of all fecal matter.

Learn more about Cougar Rock Campground, including services and regulations. 

Details

Duration

1-14 Days

A 14-day camping limitation applies to all camping. Check out time is noon.

Activity

Car or Front Country Camping

Age(s)

Suitable for all ages. 

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are allowed in campgrounds, but are NOT permitted on any trails. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under the control of their owners at all times. Owners must pick up and dispose of all fecal matter.

Activity Fee

Yes

Park entrance fee required. Camping fee required. Individual site fee is $20; group site fee $60.  

Location

Longmire Area

Cougar Rock Campground and picnic area is located 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Longmire in the southwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park.

Reservations

Yes

Although campsites are available on a first come, first served basis, you can reserve sites at the Cougar Rock Campground by visiting the Recreation.gov website.

Season

Summer

Cougar Rock Campground is typically open late May through early October. 

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

Trails throughout the park are typically dirt and broken by rock or log steps, and often include some elevation gain. Lower Paradise trails are paved and can have changes in slope, sometimes steep in areas. Edges of the paved trails may be abrupt. 

A portion of the unpaved Trail of Shadows is wheelchair accessible, from the trailhead to the spur trail in the Longmire Meadow with a view of Mount Rainier. The trail is approximately 6 feet wide with a small-sized gravel surface bordered by a split-rail fence. 

Longmire Historic Walking Tour through the developed Longmire Area includes paved paths and roadways. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Paths in the Longmire are often bordered by low, rounded river rocks. 

Buildings and restrooms are accessible in Cougar Rock Campground, Longmire, and Paradise.