Camping at Mt Rainier

Spend a night camping in Mount Rainier's lowland forests. There are over 600 campsites, half of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis; register at individual campgrounds. Although campsites are available on a first come, first served basis, you can reserve sites at the Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh Rock campgrounds by visiting the www.recreation.gov. Ohanapecosh and Cougar Rock campgrounds are available by reservation only from July 1 to Labor Day. Reservations are accepted up to five months in advance. Storm cleanup should proceed quickly at Ohanapecosh this spring. Except for the damaged portions of loop C, the campground should open on Memorial Day weekend as usual.

Visit www.nps.gov/mora for more information. A $10 to $15 user fee is charged per night, per campsite in designated auto campgrounds. All campgrounds have running water, flush or pit toilets and a table and fireplace at each site. Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh and Sunshine Point campgrounds have accessible sites. Sunshine Point and Ipsut Creek are open year-round. Other campgrounds are open from late spring through late fall.

If you plan to use the group sites at Cougar Rock or Ohanapecosh campgrounds between Memorial Day weekend and Columbus Day, you must make advance reservations.

Backcountry Camping Permits 

A backcountry camping permit is required for all backcountry camping. Optional reservations may be made in advance starting April 1 for May 1 through September 30. Reservations cost $20 per party for one to 14 consecutive nights. Visit www.nps.gov/mora/ planyourvisit/backpacking.htm. for reservation information.

Permits can be obtained at the Longmire and White River Wilderness Information Centers as well as the Carbon River Ranger Station. Winter permits are available at the Longmire Museum. Reservation fees are used to staff these stations and repair the trails. Please call (360) 569-2211 for more information or check at visitor centers.