Washington State Campgrounds Around Mount Rainier: A Comprehensive Guide

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Mount Rainier National Park and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From developed campgrounds within the park to more rustic options in the nearby forests, there’s something for every type of camper. This guide provides detailed information on Washington state campgrounds around Mount Rainier, including amenities, reservation policies, and nearby attractions.

What Are the Campgrounds Within Mount Rainier National Park?

washington state campgrounds around mount rainier
Image ‘File:Mt Rainier (30ee6e4295094dc39f237dc4983dd693).JPG’ by Steve Redman (MORA), licensed under Public domain

Mount Rainier National Park features four main campgrounds, each offering unique experiences and access to different areas of the park:

  1. Cougar Rock Campground
  2. Location: Southwest area of the park on the road to Paradise
  3. Elevation: 3,180 feet
  4. Open: Late May to late September
  5. Sites: 173
  6. Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, water, dump station
  7. RV Limit: 35 feet; trailers up to 27 feet

  8. Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov, up to 6 months in advance

  9. Ohanapecosh Campground

  10. Location: Southeast side of Mount Rainier National Park
  11. Elevation: 1,914 feet
  12. Open: Late May to late September
  13. Sites: 188
  14. Amenities: Picnic tables, fire platforms, flush toilets, potable water
  15. RV Limit: 32 feet; trailers up to 27 feet

  16. Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov, up to 6 months in advance

  17. White River Campground

  18. Location: Northeastern section of Mount Rainier National Park
  19. Elevation: 4,400 feet
  20. Open: Late June to late September
  21. Sites: 112
  22. Amenities: Picnic tables, fire platforms, flush toilets, water
  23. RV Limit: 27 feet; trailers up to 18 feet

  24. Reservations: First-come, first-served

  25. Mowich Lake Campground

  26. Location: Northwest area of the park
  27. Elevation: 4,929 feet
  28. Open: Late July to early October, weather permitting
  29. Sites: 10 walk-in tent sites
  30. Amenities: Vault toilet, no running water
  31. Reservations: First-come, first-served

What Campgrounds Are Available Outside Mount Rainier National Park?

washington state campgrounds around mount rainier
Image ‘File:Mount Rainier with waterfall.jpg’ by Zmackerel, licensed under CC0

Several campgrounds outside the park boundaries offer additional options for campers:

  1. Lo Tahoma
  2. Location: 5 miles from Mt. Rainier’s Carbon River entrance, 20 miles from Mowich Lake
  3. Amenities: Private RV/tent sites, firewood, clean pit toilet

  4. Reservations: Recommended, contact directly

  5. Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground

  6. Location: Near Mineral Lake
  7. Sites: 94
  8. Amenities: Lakefront camping, basic amenities

  9. Reservations: Recommended, contact directly

  10. Elkamp Campground

  11. Location: Near Ashford, WA
  12. Sites: 27
  13. Amenities: Picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, showers, water spigot, dishwashing station

  14. Reservations: Available online or direct booking

  15. Mounthaven Resort Campsites

  16. Location: 1/2 mile from the Nisqually (SW) entrance to Mount Rainier National Park
  17. Sites: 16 RV sites, 2 camper cabins, 4 tent sites
  18. Amenities: Full hookup RV sites, restrooms, showers

  19. Reservations: Available online or direct booking

  20. Crystal Mountain Resort Campsites

  21. Location: Near Crystal Mountain Resort
  22. Sites: 47 RV sites, 13 tent sites (summer only)
  23. Amenities: Various resort amenities including pools, snack bar
  24. Reservations: Available through the resort

Which Are the Best Campgrounds Near Mount Rainier?

The best campgrounds near Mount Rainier depend on your preferences and needs. Here are some top picks based on different criteria:

Based on Proximity and Scenic Views

  1. Cougar Rock Campground: Close to Paradise, offering scenic views and easy access to the park’s main attractions.
  2. Ohanapecosh Campground: Located on the southeast side, providing easy access to the park and scenic views of the surrounding forest.

Based on Unique Features

  1. Mowich Lake Campground: The only walk-in tent campground, offering a more primitive and secluded experience with stunning views of Mowich Lake.
  2. Crystal Mountain Resort Campsites: Offers luxury camping with access to resort amenities.

What Are the Most Family-Friendly Campgrounds?

For families looking for comfortable camping experiences with amenities and activities, consider these options:

  1. Cougar Rock Campground
  2. Amenities: Flush toilets, water, picnic tables

  3. Nearby: Paradise area with visitor center and family-friendly activities

  4. Ohanapecosh Campground

  5. Amenities: Flush toilets, water, picnic tables, group sites

  6. Nearby: Ohanapecosh Visitor Center with educational programs

  7. Elkamp Campground

  8. Amenities: Restrooms, showers, dishwashing station
  9. Features: Family-friendly, dog-friendly, glamping options available

Which Campgrounds Offer the Best Hiking Trails?

For hikers and nature enthusiasts, these campgrounds provide excellent access to trails:

  1. Cougar Rock Campground
  2. Trail Access: Close to Paradise area trails
  3. Notable Trails: Nisqually Vista Trail, Paradise Valley Trail

  4. Landmarks: Paradise Valley, Nisqually Glacier

  5. Ohanapecosh Campground

  6. Trail Access: Ohanapecosh River Trail, Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
  7. Trail Length: Ohanapecosh River Trail is 3.4 miles round trip (easy to moderate)

  8. Landmarks: Grove of the Patriarchs (old-growth forest)

  9. White River Campground

  10. Trail Access: White River Trail, Glacier Basin Trail
  11. Trail Length: White River Trail is 8 miles round trip (moderate to difficult)
  12. Landmarks: Glacier Basin, Emmons Glacier

What Are the Reservation Policies for Mount Rainier Campgrounds?

Reservation policies vary by campground:

Campground Reservation Policy
Cougar Rock Reservations available up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov
Ohanapecosh Reservations available up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov
White River First-come, first-served
Mowich Lake First-come, first-served
Lo Tahoma Reservations recommended, contact directly
Mineral Lake Lions Den Reservations recommended, contact directly
Elkamp Reservations available online or direct booking
Mounthaven Resort Reservations available online or direct booking
Crystal Mountain Resort Reservations available through the resort

By understanding the various options for Washington state campgrounds around Mount Rainier, you can choose the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer a developed campground with amenities or a more rustic experience, there’s a campsite to suit every taste and need in this beautiful region of Washington state.

References:
1. Complete Mt. Rainier Camping Guide
2. Campgrounds at Mt. Rainier
3. Top 10 Campgrounds & RV Parks in Mount Rainier National Park

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