Mount Rainier National Park has five campgrounds with 523 total sites, ranging from the 188-site Ohanapecosh near the old-growth forest to the 10-site Mowich Lake walk-in camp at the end of an unpaved road. Two campgrounds (Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh) take reservations and fill months in advance for summer weekends; one (White River) is first-come, first-served only and actually achievable if you arrive Thursday or by 9am Friday. This guide covers all five in-park campgrounds, backcountry permits, and the best outside-the-park alternatives — with the critical reservation strategy that most people miss.
All Mount Rainier Campgrounds at a Glance
| Campground | Sites | Price/Night | Reservations | RV | Park Area | Open |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cougar Rock | 173 | $30 | ✅ Recreation.gov | Up to 35 ft | Near Longmire (SW) | Late May–Oct |
| Ohanapecosh | 188 | $30 | ✅ Recreation.gov | Up to 32 ft | SE entrance (US-12) | Late May–Oct |
| White River | 112 | $30 | ❌ First-come only | Up to 27 ft | Near Sunrise (NE, SR-410) | Jul–mid-Sep |
| Mowich Lake | 10 | Free | ❌ First-come only | ❌ Tent only | NW (unpaved road) | Jul–mid-Oct |
| Sunshine Point | 18 | $20 | Some sites reservable | Up to 35 ft | Nisqually entrance (SW) | Year-round |
Prices as of 2026. Park entrance fee ($35/vehicle) is separate. America the Beautiful pass covers entry and gives 50% discount on some federal campground fees.
Cougar Rock Campground
173 sites | $30/night | Reservable | Late May–October
The best-situated campground for Paradise access and the most popular in the park. Located on WA-706 between the Nisqually entrance (5 miles) and Longmire (2.3 miles), Cougar Rock puts you 17 miles from Paradise — about 35 minutes of driving through old-growth and along the Nisqually River. Sites are spread across forested loops with some privacy; the setting is tall Douglas fir rather than open alpine. The campground has flush toilets and potable water; showers are available at the historic Longmire building complex, 2 miles away.
- Best for: Families, anyone prioritizing Paradise and Longmire day hikes (Comet Falls, Skyline Trail, Van Trump Park), visitors with RVs up to 35 ft
- Reservation strategy: Books solid for July/August weekends within hours of the 6-month window opening. Midweek July–August has more last-minute availability. Check Recreation.gov for cancellations (common, check often)
- Nearby trails: Comet Falls (10 mi via WA-706), Trail of the Shadows at Longmire (2.3 mi), Skyline Trail at Paradise (17 mi)
Ohanapecosh Campground
188 sites | $30/night | Reservable | Late May–October
The largest campground in the park, situated along the clear Ohanapecosh River in old-growth Sitka spruce forest. Ohanapecosh is at 1,914 feet elevation — lower and warmer than the other campgrounds — and the surrounding old-growth creates a cathedral atmosphere at camp. The campground is adjacent to the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and within 1 mile of the Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead. It's a 20-minute drive to Stevens Canyon Road and accessible from US-12 near Packwood.
- Best for: Families with young children (easy Grove of the Patriarchs hike steps away), visitors focusing on the southeast side of the park, Stevens Canyon Road day trips
- Reservation strategy: Same 6-month window as Cougar Rock; books quickly for summer. The campground's large size means slightly more last-minute availability than Cougar Rock
- Nearby trails: Grove of the Patriarchs (0.5 mi), Hot Springs Nature Trail (0.5 mi loop), Silver Falls Loop (3 mi)
White River Campground
112 sites | $30/night | First-come, first-served | July–mid-September
The only major in-park campground without reservations, making it the pressure valve for campers who didn't book Cougar Rock six months out. White River sits at 4,400 feet on SR-410 near the White River Ranger Station, giving the fastest access to Sunrise (5 miles to the visitor center). The campground is tent-oriented; RVs are limited to 27 feet. No showers. Pit toilets in some loops.
- Best for: Sunrise day hikes (Burroughs Mountain, Sunrise Rim), backpackers picking up wilderness permits, visitors approaching from the northeast (Seattle via SR-410, Enumclaw)
- First-come strategy: On summer weekends, arrive Thursday evening or early Friday morning (by 9am). Sites fill by midday on Fridays in July and August. The campground closes mid-September or when the access road closes — check NPS conditions
- Nearby trails: Burroughs Mountain (7 mi RT from Sunrise, 5 mi drive), Summerland (8.4 mi RT from White River trailhead, walkable from camp)
Mowich Lake Campground
10 sites | Free | First-come, first-served | July–mid-October
The most remote and primitive in-park campground — and the most scenic. Mowich Lake sits at 4,929 feet on the park's northwest edge, accessible via a 17-mile unpaved road from Buckley/SR-165. Ten walk-in tent sites (no car camping) are set on the lakeshore; facilities are a vault toilet only. The lake itself reflects Rainier on calm mornings. The campground gives direct access to Tolmie Peak Lookout and Spray Park, two of the best hikes in the park for avoiding crowds.
- Best for: Backpackers and serious hikers wanting Spray Park or Tolmie Peak base, anyone seeking complete solitude, groups comfortable with primitive camping
- Getting there: SR-165 from Buckley or Orting; 17 miles unpaved (dusty, not rough — most cars manage fine). No RVs
- Nearby trails: Tolmie Peak Lookout (6.5 mi RT), Spray Park (8 mi RT), Carbon River Road (18 mi — bike recommended)
Sunshine Point Campground
18 sites | $20/night | Some reservable | Year-round
The smallest and most accessible campground, sitting just inside the Nisqually entrance on the Nisqually River. At 1,760 feet, it's the lowest-elevation campground in the park and the only one open year-round. It's a practical option for winter snowshoeing at Paradise or fall camping when other campgrounds have closed. No showers, vault toilets. The riverside setting is pleasant but it's not the forest immersion of Cougar Rock or Ohanapecosh.
Backcountry Camping: Wilderness Permits
If front-country campgrounds are full or you're hiking the Wonderland Trail, wilderness camping requires a permit. Key facts:
- Cost: $8 per person per night, plus a $6 reservation fee
- Reservation window: Advance permits go on sale mid-March each year at Recreation.gov for the full upcoming summer season. Popular camps (Indian Bar, Summerland, Mystic, Mowich Lake camps) sell out in the first week
- Walk-up permits: A portion of permits are held back for day-of pickup at ranger stations (Longmire, White River, Carbon River). Available starting 7am; lines form early on summer weekends
- Wonderland Trail: The 93-mile circumnavigation of Rainier requires a multi-day backcountry permit with specific camp assignments each night. Plan 10–14 days. See the Wonderland Trail planning guide for permit strategy
- Cross-country zones: Experienced off-trail hikers can camp in designated cross-country zones without assigned sites (permit still required)
Outside-the-Park Camping Alternatives
If everything inside the park is booked or you want more services (showers, hookups, beer and pizza nearby), several Forest Service and private campgrounds ring the park:
- La Wis Wis Campground (USFS): On US-12 near Packwood, 10 miles east of the Stevens Canyon entrance. About 100 sites, reservable on Recreation.gov, flush toilets, Cowlitz River. Good base for Ohanapecosh day trips
- Silver Springs Campground (USFS): On SR-410 near Enumclaw, ~8 miles east of the White River entrance. 55 sites, reservable, forested, good for Sunrise access
- Alder Lake Park (Pierce County): Near Eatonville, 30 miles west of the Nisqually entrance. 175 sites with hookups, a lake for swimming and kayaking, showers — good for family camping with a day trip to Rainier
- Packwood area private campgrounds: Several RV parks and private campgrounds in and around Packwood on US-12 with full hookups; good for larger rigs the park campgrounds can't accommodate
Which Campground Should You Choose?
- First Rainier trip, Paradise focus: Cougar Rock. Reserve 6 months out.
- Families with young children: Ohanapecosh — Grove of the Patriarchs is a 10-minute walk and the lower elevation is warmer and less intimidating for beginners.
- Couldn't get a reservation: White River (first-come, drive up Thursday evening or very early Friday).
- Sunrise focus, SR-410 approach: White River, if you can get a site. Silver Springs outside the park is the backup.
- Spray Park / Tolmie Peak hikes, want solitude: Mowich Lake. Free, 10 sites, walk-in only.
- Winter trip: Sunshine Point is the only option (open year-round).
- Wonderland Trail: Backcountry permit, apply in March.
When to Book and What to Expect
Summer weekends at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh are competitive. The 6-month window opens at midnight Pacific Time — set a calendar reminder for exactly 6 months before your desired arrival date. If you miss the window, check Recreation.gov daily for cancellations, which happen frequently in the days before a trip. Midweek sites (Monday–Thursday nights) often have more availability and can be found weeks rather than months in advance.
For White River first-come availability: Thursday nights and early Friday arrivals (before 9am) are your best shot in summer. The campground is closed mid-September when the Sunrise road closes. Don't count on White River for holiday weekends (July 4th, Labor Day) — it fills by early morning.
Related: Best day hikes at Mount Rainier · Wonderland Trail planning guide · backpacking permits guide · Ashford vs Packwood for lodging · August conditions at Mount Rainier
