Camping at Mount Rainier

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 Campground, 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.