Mount Rainier National Park offers exceptional RV camping across 3 campgrounds with over 350 sites, featuring America's most glaciated peak, iconic wildflower meadows, and year-round outdoor adventures. Cougar Rock Campground provides the closest access to Paradise, while strategic locations like Seattle RV rentals and Tacoma camper van options offer prime access to this 236,381-acre wonderland that welcomed 1.6 million visitors in 2024, making advance reservations essential for summer camping.
Rising majestically to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier National Park captures the breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. Famous for being the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, this active volcano dominates the Washington landscape with 25 named glaciers, subalpine wildflower meadows, and 91,000 acres of old-growth forest. The park is home to iconic destinations like Paradise, where world-record snowfall creates stunning summer wildflower displays, and Sunrise, the highest point accessible by vehicle at 6,400 feet elevation.
You'll discover limitless adventure during your RV trip to Mount Rainier, from easy nature walks through ancient forests to challenging summit attempts on the famous Wonderland Trail. The park's diverse elevation zones create unique opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing, from lowland river valleys to alpine meadows where mountain goats, black bears, and over 280 species of wildlife thrive. Paradise's visitor center area offers spectacular views of the mountain's south face, while Sunrise provides dramatic vistas of glaciers and the Cascade Range.
Summer provides ideal RV camping conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F and spectacular wildflower blooms from July through August. Spring brings powerful waterfalls and emerging wildlife, while fall offers crisp mountain air and stunning autumn colors. Winter transforms accessible areas into snow-covered wonderlands, though most high-elevation roads close due to Mount Rainier's record-setting snowfall.
The park welcomed 1.6 million visitors in 2024, representing a 40% increase over the past decade, which makes advance planning essential for securing campground reservations, especially during peak summer months when Paradise and Sunrise areas can become extremely crowded.
Mount Rainier National Park is accessible through four main entrances, all suitable for RVs with proper planning. The Nisqually Entrance (southwest) stays open year-round and provides access to the Longmire and Paradise areas. Stevens Canyon Entrance (southeast) connects to Ohanapecosh, while White River Entrance (northeast) leads to Sunrise and requires timed entry reservations during peak season. Carbon River Entrance (northwest) offers access to the park's rainforest section.
Seattle Metropolitan Access: Seattle RV rentals position you perfectly for Mount Rainier access, approximately 90 minutes southeast via Highway 7 or Highway 410. This major metropolitan area offers full services, delivery options, and easy highway access while serving as an excellent base for exploring the entire Pacific Northwest region.
South Sound Gateway: Tacoma camper van rentals provide convenient access to Mount Rainier's Nisqually entrance, just 75 minutes southeast via Highway 7. Tacoma offers excellent RV facilities and serves as a closer alternative to Seattle with equal access to park entrances and surrounding attractions.
RV parking is available at visitor centers and trailheads, though spaces fill quickly during peak season. Paradise offers the largest parking area but frequently reaches capacity by mid-morning during summer months. Sunrise requires timed entry reservations during peak hours. Winter access is limited to lower elevation areas, as most mountain roads close due to heavy snowfall.
Cougar Rock Campground offers 173 individual sites accommodating RVs up to 35 feet and trailers up to 27 feet, operating from late May through late September. Located 2 miles from Longmire, this campground provides the closest access to Paradise and the park's most popular attractions. Sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station (currently closed for the 2025 season).
Reserve sites up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov during peak season (June 24 - September 6). Early and late season operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The Wonderland Trail and numerous day hiking trails are easily accessible from this centrally located campground.
The Seattle/Tacoma KOA offers full hookups, a swimming pool, and modern amenities just minutes from downtown Seattle and Tacoma. Located in Kent, this family-friendly campground provides easy access to Mount Rainier while offering urban conveniences and recreational facilities.
2025 CLOSURE NOTICE: Ohanapecosh Campground will be closed throughout the 2025 season for major infrastructure improvements. Normally operating with 188 sites accommodating RVs up to 32 feet and trailers up to 27 feet, this southeast campground typically provides access to the Grove of the Patriarchs and Silver Falls trails.
White River Campground provides 88 sites accommodating RVs up to 27 feet and trailers up to 18 feet, operating from late June through late September at 4,440 feet elevation. Located 11.5 miles from Sunrise, this high-elevation campground offers first-come, first-served camping with payment via the Recreation.gov mobile app. Sites include flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings, but no dump station.
IMPORTANT: Timed entry reservations required for Sunrise Corridor access from 7 AM - 5 PM during peak season (July 11 - September 1, 2025). The campground provides excellent access to Glacier Basin and Burroughs Mountain trails.
Spring is also known as one of the best time to admire the beauty and awe of the multiple waterfalls found throughout the park. Because of the heavy snowfall each winter, the falls are swelling from snowmelt in Spring, intensifying the experience even more. Christine Falls and Narada falls are available by a short walk from easy access parking lots, while a day hike can lead you to Comet Falls.
Although many of the higher elevations will still be draped in a blanket of snow, lowland trails are the prime place for Spring hikers. Great locations in the park for a spring hike include Chinook Pass in the north, which provides access trails to Greenwater Lakes, Snoquera Falls, and Skookum Flats. We also recommend heading over to the Ohanapecosh area to check out Silver Falls; a family-friendly hike makes this destination quite popular. If you find yourself in the Carbon River area, you can also enjoy the solitude of scenic Green Lake and Ranger Creek.
Every April visitors to the park have the opportunity to avoid entrance fees and celebrate the history of our national park system in the best way possible. Paradise and Longmire are popular locations within the park during the Spring, and The Carbon River area is also a great place to check out as much of the snow has melted, providing a great place for early-season hikers and cyclists. If you want to visit during National Park Week make sure you plan your trip accordingly as it is known to be very busy.
No public transportation serves Mount Rainier National Park directly. Private tour companies offer seasonal shuttle services from Seattle and Tacoma to park destinations. Most visitors arrive by personal vehicle or RV rental from gateway cities, making advance planning essential for peak season visits.
Enumclaw Expo Center RV Campground accommodates RVs of various sizes year-round with shaded sites and convenient access to Mount Rainier's eastern approaches. Located 30 miles from Tacoma, this campground offers a peaceful alternative to urban RV parks.
Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell provides lakefront RV camping with full hookups, WiFi, fishing access, and proximity to Seattle attractions. This big-rig friendly facility offers a tranquil setting while maintaining easy access to Mount Rainier and other Pacific Northwest destinations.
If for some reason you are not able to acquire an accommodating RV site, the National Park Inn offers lodging inside the park year-round. It is situated in the Historic Longmire District at an elevation of 2,700 feet.
The inn features a full-service dining room as well as a general store where you can pick up any supplies and amenities you may need to enjoy your stay. There are 25 guest rooms that can be reserved online or by calling the inn.
If you plan on staying at the inn we recommend that you reserve a room far in advance as it is a very popular place to stay during the summertime.
Looking for one of the most scenic places that you can stay within Mount Rainer National Park? If so, look no further than the Mowich Lake Campground. Standing at an amazing 4,929 feet hight, Mowich Lake Campground is a perfect location those seeking a more primitive camping experience.
Due to the high elevation, there are no RV friendly sites to be found within this campground, and there are only 10 total tent sites. One of the popular things to do if you are traveling in an RV is to set up your base camp at another location and head to Mowich Lake to camp for the night. There are no amenities like water or electric, but there is a vault toilet available for those occupying the 10 sites. Fires are also prohibited in this area of the park. Depending on the weather, Mowich Lake sites are available from early July to early October.
If you are visiting the park between mid-May and early October you also have the option of staying at the historic Paradise Inn. Built in 1916, the Inn lets you enjoy a rustic style of accommodation at an elevation of 5,420 feet. There are a total of 121 guest rooms with some great services and amenities, including a post office, café, gift shop, and full-service dining room as well.
Reservations for the inn are available online or by phone, but be sure to make your reservation well in advance as the inn is sought after accommodation.
Since flooding in 2006, Carbon River Road only allows vehicle access up to the entrance of the park. However, it is one of the few locations in the national park that allow mountain bikes. Experience the climate of an inland temperate rainforest, a unique characteristic found in this area of the park. Carbon River Road is around five miles long and fairly level, making it great for visitors of all ages and those looking for a casual bike ride.
While motorized boats are prohibited in the park, a few lakes allow non-motorized boating. Mowich Lake makes for a great place to drop in the canoe or kayak and enjoy majestic glimpses of Mt. Rainier from the water, which in the spring is nowhere near warm enough for swimming. Remember to bring your own watercraft if you plan on getting out on the lake.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Pacific Northwest national park adventures, check out our Olympic National Park RV guide and explore our North Cascades National Park camping guide.
If you love board sports during the wintertime than you will love visiting Mount Rainier National Park. The best place to go snowboarding or cross-country skiing in all of the park is Paradise. For the conditions to be suitable there is a requirement of at least five feet of snow to avoid damaging exposed vegetation, but if you come to the park during the middle of winter there should be plenty of snow. Please note that the park does not supply boards or skis, so it is vital that bring your own or rent equipment prior to reaching the park if you want to enjoy the abundant fresh powder throughout the winter months.
During the winter, the park sets up a fantastic snowplay area at Paradise. This area is typically open from late December through mid-March, but this all depends on how much snow has fallen. If you want to go sledding and sliding, this is the place to do so as these activities are not permitted in other areas of the park. This is due to the dangers caused by trees, cliffs and other unseen obstacles below the surface of the snow. To prevent injuries, only “soft” flexible sleds and tubes are allowed in the snowplay area, so please don't use any hardwood toboggans or runner sleds.
Snow Camping is allowed almost anywhere in the park, but be sure to take the appropriate precautions if you decide to give this a shot. Stay away from plowed roads and waterways, and keep in mind a recommended eight feet of snow is best for building a snow cave. Visitors can also obtain permits to camp in the backcountry during the winter months, and these are available upon arrival. You will need to have the proper supplies and safety gear, so contact the park or check out their suggested essentials for winter camping prior to your arrival.
Another great winter recreational activity that you can enjoy is to go snowmobiling. Snowmobiles are only permitted in some designated areas of the park, so make sure that you pay attention below. One of the most popular areas is in the southwest section of the park, from the junction of Westside Road and the main park road. Here there is a six and a half-mile stretch down to Round Pass along Westside road that you can use as much as you please.
There is also another area near the Cougar Rock Campground road loops, however, the campground is closed for overnight use in the winter months and due to the roads not being plowed vehicle access is unlikely. There is also a 12-mile section of Highway 410 that is left unplowed during the winter months that Snowmobiles are permitted to use, but they must remain south of White River Road and cannot proceed towards Sunrise beyond the White River Campground, or towards Glacier Basin.
Whether you are a first-timer or a veteran, snowshoeing is a fun experience for people of all ages. The park offers ranger-guided snowshoe walks from December through March, depending on the snow level. Snowshoes are provided for guided walks, and a donation is suggested to help the park maintain and replace snowshoes. If you want to enjoy the art of snowshoeing with fewer people around, you can also rent snowshoes and take a walk with just your crew. Suitable boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, and a hat are highly recommended to avoid overexposure to the elements.
Along with having a great environment to pick berries at, in late summer a multitude of mushroom varieties begin to appear. Many of these are edible but some of these tasty looking mushrooms are very poisonous. Some species will not appear until after the first fall rain, and some even later after the first frost. Depending on your timing and location, you may find chanterelles, matsutake, boletus, morels, shaggy mane, pig’s ear, hen-of-the-woods, or brain mushrooms. There is a limit per person for picking mushrooms in the park, but you will not need a permit and only non-commercial picking is allowed. Just be sure to confirm the park's limit for the timeframe you are visiting. The hike between Longmire and Narada Falls is a “gold mine” for edible mushrooms.
Just outside of the Steven’s Canyon Entrance to the park you can find the Laughingwater Creek Trail that is open for horseback riding. Along the way you can enjoy dense forests and perhaps spot elk among the trees. Part of the much longer Pacific Crest Trail, the Laughingwater Creek Trail is approximately 12 miles long and features three mountain lakes at the end. If you enjoy horseback riding, you cannot pass up this opportunity.
In addition to cooler temperatures in the Fall, beautiful colors come to life in the forests as leaves retire from their duty. Leaf peeping draws in a lot of visitors each year due to the variety of foliage and vantage points available to view them. A leisurely drive to Sunrise will get you to the highest viewpoint available by vehicle, which is just over 6,400 feet. Other areas of the park to enjoy color changing season include Bench Lake, Snow Lake, Paradise and Reflection Lakes.
From late August through early October, non-commercial berry picking is welcomed at Mount Rainier National Park. Huckleberries are the most common and are easily found near Indian Henry’s Hunting Grounds, as well as Noble Knob Trail. You can also collect up to two quarts per person per day of blackberries, salmonberries, and thimbleberries if you manage to find them on your foraging adventures. To best protect the natural habitat and ecosystems, it has been determined that this limit will prevent any adverse effects on the park’s natural resources.
Often overlooked by first-time visitors to the park, the Moraine Trail is ideal for those looking for an easy hike full of great views of Mount Rainier and without the crowds found on many other popular trails. You will also find more wildlife on this trail, as it takes you away from the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center through lush meadows and into the forest. Then the trail descends to the moraine where you can listen for falling rocks as glaciers rumble nearby. Just stay away from the edge, as it may easily give way under your weight if rocks below have become unsettled.
Another great place in the park to admire dancing wildflowers is in the meadows of Paradise. Paradise is world renown for featuring some great flowers, including yellow cinquefoils, white avalanche lilies, purple lupine, pink penstemon. These gorgeous flowers bring life into the meadows and are a huge contrast to the months before when they were blanketed in snow. Paradise is known to be busy during the blooming months, so if you want more solitary, you can make your way out of the valley and up the Skyline Trail. Please note that if you take the trail, it becomes a more strenuous hike as you climb higher.
As summer heats up, the higher elevations will be cleared of snow, which means you can enjoy hiking steep trails that offer breathtaking vistas of both Mt. Rainier and the valleys below. Hike the family friendly Sourdough Ridge Trail to experience the ideal Sunrise area hike. Starting out at the Sunrise Visitor Center, you will quickly reach higher elevations, providing cooler temperatures and unimaginable views. Stop and smell, or photograph, various wildflowers including asters, phlox, and penstemon, softening the rigid characteristics of the volcanic ridge.
Unfortunately, motorized boats are not permitted in the park lakes; however, those who love to canoe and kayak can enjoy paddling their way across several of the lakes within the park. Fishing is also a great way to enjoy the serenity that lake life offers. While the fish caught here are known to be small that shouldn't stop the fun you will have. There are some endangered fish species in the streams and rivers flowing through the park, so be sure to know your fish species and the regulations surrounding them. You may not reel in that prize-winning catch, but it is an enjoyable and leisurely way to connect with nature.
Perhaps one of the most unique features of Mount Rainier National Park is Box Canyon. A large fissure is the main attraction in this canyon and you can also see the smooth flat rocks sculpted by glaciers thousands of years ago. Box Canyon makes a great place to start your hike and perhaps enjoy a picnic afterward. If you are hiking overnight along the Wonderland Trail, Box Canyon also makes a great place to stop, rest, and refuel before continuing your journey.
While there are no designated biking trails at Mount Rainier National Park, cyclists can take advantage of the paved roads throughout the park. Be conscious of sharing the road with vehicles and pay attention to park rules as they vary in different areas. If you do want to go cycling in the park, you should bring your own bike as there is no guarantee that a rental will be available. Other wheeled vehicles (such as skateboards and rollerblades) are not allowed to be used at any time.
