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The Mt. Rainier Campgrounds are a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Mt. Rainier National Park. Mt. Rainier is a spectacular park with beautiful rivers, lakes, and falls – not to mention the fantastic mountain views.
Have you ever wanted to walk on a glacier covering an active volcano? You’re in luck, this is most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states.
Maybe you’ll want to explore wildflowers in the spring or hike to a waterfall. Cyclists can challenge themselves with rides that gain almost 4,000 feet in elevation.
Prefer to hike? You’ve got 260 miles of trails (all levels) to choose from—so get started! If you want to actually climb the mountain (14,410 feet!), you’ll need a permit plus ice-climbing gear. Fishing isn’t great here, so leave the poles at home—But bring your kayak or canoe to explore Mowich Lake.
The historic National Park Inn is open year-round, and Paradise Inn accepts guests spring through fall. You say you’d rather camp? (We would, too!) Hook up your RV at 3 separate campgrounds, or hike into the primitive tent campsites at Mowich Lake Campground.
Mt. Rainier Campgrounds: Mowich Lake
Mount Rainier National Park – Mowich Lake Campground Like camp spots that keep the tourists away? Mowich Lake Campground is like a local’s Mount Rainier. But don’t bring a weak driving game, as it takes bumping down 17 miles of dirt just to get there (RVs, trailers and low-clearance vehicles not recommended). Walk-in tent sites only. The upside? Free camping by a pristine lake that you just might be able to call your own. Bring water or a filter… this place is the best definition of “country.”
Mt. Rainier Campgrounds: Ohanapecosh Campground
Imagine sitting in an old-growth forest next to a snow-fed river with great hiking trails all around you. Wake up. Wake up! Time to turn that office daydream into reality at Ohanapecosh Campground. Get your reservation though, because it’s the most popular site in the park. Nearby is the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail, which meanders through stands of old growth forest, and several trails that lead to the majestic Silver Falls Waterfall. Yep, you’re already making us jealous by clicking “reserve.”
Mt. Rainier Campgrounds: Cougar Rock Group Campground
Feeling rustic but still want convenience to the main attraction, 14,411-foot tall Mount Rainier? Cougar Rock is your spot. Located near the mountain’s main access point, the Paradise area, Cougar Rock is one of two reservable campgrounds in the park. So lock it in, and don’t worry about Bob and his buddies stealing your 4th of July thunder. Nestled in a thick forest next to the Nisqually River, the campground has five group sites that can accommodate 25-40 people (per site). Five vehicles allowed at each group site.
Mt. Rainier Campgrounds: Whiteriver Campgrounds
Sleep with a fan running all night in your apartment? You won’t need it here… let nature be your white-noise at White River Campground. Set alongside the White River with streams cutting through individual campsites, you may just get your burbling quota for the year. An ideal place for hikers to base camp from, with the Emmons Moraine offering a short (but breathtaking) 3-mile round trip, and Glacier Basin a longer hike for those who created the word “sufferfest.”
Cougar Rock Campground
Feeling rustic but still want convenience to the main attraction, 14,411-foot tall Mount Rainier? Cougar Rock is your spot. Located near the mountain’s main access point, the Paradise area, Cougar Rock is one of two reservable campgrounds in the park. So lock it in, and don’t worry about Bob and his buddies stealing your 4th of July thunder. Nestled in a thick forest next to the Nisqually River, this campsite boasts a mountain lookout and amphitheater, in case you want to show off your new guitar skills with the world.
Here are some more Information on Camping in Mt. Rainier National Park…
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