Best RV Campgrounds Near Mount Rainier National Park
Located in west-central Washington, Mount Rainier National Park is an iconic Pacific Northwest destination. With its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder that RV enthusiasts flock here every year. But, where should you park your RV when you arrive? Here, we present a comprehensive list of the best public and private RV campgrounds near Mount Rainier National Park, along with options for boondocking.
Public RV Campgrounds Near Mount Rainier National Park
Cougar Rock Campground
First on our list is Cougar Rock Campground. Located only 20 miles from the park’s Nisqually Entrance, this campground offers 173 sites, many of which are suitable for RVs up to 35 feet long. The sites are shaded, providing you with the much-needed cover during summer.
Basic amenities include potable water, restrooms, and an RV dump station, ensuring a comfortable stay. The nearby Cougar Rock Picnic Area provides a fantastic view of Mount Rainier. Additionally, you can explore the various hiking trails that lead you to picturesque locations within the park.
To reach the campground from Mount Rainier National Park, take the Paradise Rd E for approximately 15 miles, then continue onto Stevens Canyon Rd.
Ohanapecosh Campground
Second on our list is the Ohanapecosh Campground, a 33-mile drive from Mount Rainier. It’s nestled in the old-growth forest, and provides an immersive nature experience. With 188 campsites, it caters to RVs up to 32 feet long. The campsites are level and well spaced, providing a good degree of privacy.
The campground is equipped with drinking water, restrooms, and an RV dump station. From here, you can take a stroll along the Ohanapecosh River, visit the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center to learn about the park’s rich history, or explore Grove of the Patriarchs – an island of ancient giant trees.
To reach Ohanapecosh from the park, follow the WA-123 S and WA-410 E route.
White River Campground
The third public option is the White River Campground, which is 14 miles from the park’s Sunrise entrance. At an elevation of 4,232 feet, it’s the highest campground reachable by vehicle in the park. It has 112 campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 27 feet long.
Amenities include potable water and restrooms, but there’s no RV dump station. With the White River flowing nearby, the sound of the water adds to the peaceful ambiance. The campground provides access to the Wonderland Trail and Sunrise Point, which offers incredible views of Mount Rainier at sunrise.
To reach White River, take Sunrise Park Rd for approximately 14 miles from the Sunrise/White River turnoff of Highway 410.
Private RV Campgrounds Near Mount Rainier National Park
Mounthaven Resort
Mounthaven Resort, a mere 1/2 mile from the Nisqually Entrance to the park, is an excellent private RV camping spot. The resort offers full-hookup RV sites that can fit rigs up to 35 feet long. The wooded sites add a feeling of seclusion. Amenities include Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, showers, and a general store.
The resort is nestled amidst towering cedar and fir trees, providing a serene setting for your stay. Nearby activities include fishing in the local creeks, hiking in the park, and wildlife viewing – watch out for deer, elk, and even bears!
To get here, follow WA-706 E from Ashford.
Rainier RV Park
Rainier RV Park is a peaceful retreat located in Graham, approximately 48 miles from the park. It has full hook-up sites, with pull-through options available for larger RVs. The sites are large, with ample space for slide-outs. The park also offers Wi-Fi, cable TV, restrooms, and a dump station.
Within the park, you can enjoy a peaceful walk around the well-maintained grounds, or take your furry friends to the pet area. Nearby, you can enjoy shopping, golf, and a visit to the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
To get to Rainier RV Park from the park, follow WA-706 W to Eatonville, then continue onto WA-161 S.
Alder Lake Park
Another great option is Alder Lake Park, located about 40 miles from the park. It offers both back-in and pull-through sites with full hookups. The park provides Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and an RV dump station. There’s also a boat ramp for those who enjoy water activities.
To get here, take WA-7 S from Elbe, then follow the signs to Alder Lake.
Boondocking Near Mount Rainier National Park
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, about 45 miles from the park, allows dispersed camping on BLM lands, perfect for boondocking. It offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the usual campground amenities. You’ll need to be self-sufficient, bringing your own water and waste disposal methods. The forest provides access to hundreds of miles of trails, rivers, and lakes, giving you a wide range of activities to enjoy – hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
To reach this area, take US-12 E from Packwood.
Wenatchee National Forest
Wenatchee National Forest is another BLM land option about 75 miles from Mount Rainier. Like Gifford Pinchot, there are no established sites or amenities, but you’ll have the chance to camp amidst spectacular natural beauty.
To get here, take US-97 N from Yakima.
Snoqualmie National Forest
Lastly, Snoqualmie National Forest, about 60 miles from the park, also offers dispersed camping. This forest features scenic rivers, lakes, and mountains, offering abundant outdoor recreation. Activities include hiking, fishing, and boating. It’s a boondocker’s paradise, allowing you to enjoy the wilderness at its best.
To reach Snoqualmie, take WA-410 W from Enumclaw.
Remember, when boondocking, follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve these beautiful lands for future generations.
Wrapping Up
Whether you prefer the amenities of a full-service campground or the solitude of boondocking, the areas surrounding Mount Rainier National Park offer something for every type of RV camper. Enjoy your adventure in this magnificent corner of the Pacific Northwest!
Pro-tip: Don’t forget to secure your RV rental for Mount Rainier National Park with RVnGO!