How much does camping cost at Cougar Rock Campground?

Camping fees at Cougar Rock Campground are $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cougar Rock Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cougar Rock Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cougar Rock Campground before I book?

Yes! Cougar Rock Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cougar Rock Campground?

Cougar Rock Campground is open May 22 to October 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cougar Rock Campground?

Cougar Rock Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cougar Rock Campground?

Fire policies at Cougar Rock Campground: Gathering firewood, pine cones, pine needles or any other vegetation found within park boundaries is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cougar Rock Campground have?

Cougar Rock Campground has 173 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cougar Rock Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cougar Rock Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cougar Rock Campground?

Cougar Rock Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Cougar Rock Campground

4.25

968 reviews

Longmire, WA 98361, USA

Top 6% in WASummer

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Mount Rainier National Park

Quick Facts

3,180 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

173 campsites

Season

Opens May 23, 2025. ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Rainier National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,180 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

173 campsites

Season

Opens May 23, 2025. ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Rainier National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Cougar Rock Campground

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

360-569-6626

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Campground Map

Longmire, WA 98361, USA

Cougar Rock Campground

Longmire, WA 98361, USA

Nearby places

Ashford (14 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Paradise (5 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Longmire (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes).

Weather at Cougar Rock Campground

Current alerts(18)

Camping fees do not include entrance to Mount Rainier National Park.
Don't Move Firewood : Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Group sites are tent-only. RVs are not permitted.
Groups larger than 12 people must stay at Cougar Rock Group Campground.

Best Time to Camp at Cougar Rock Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather for exploring Paradise and the surrounding trails — daytime highs commonly sit between about 60–80°F with cool nights around the low 40s–50s. Wildflower meadows, full trail access (including higher-elevation routes), glacier views and long daylight hours make hiking and wildlife viewing at their peak. Expect the busiest conditions of the year and book a site early: peak reservations run June 24–September 7 and sites fill quickly on warm Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in WA

Best season: trails open, mild temps, peak access to Paradise and viewpoints.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens May 23, 2025. Peak season reservations available June 24, 2025, to September 7, 2025. Closes fully October 13, 2025.

About Cougar Rock Campground

Cougar Rock Campground sits in the foothills of Mount Rainier National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Longmire. This very large campground serves as a base for exploring Paradise's wildflower meadows and glacier viewpoints, with tent sites, RV options, and group camping available. Rangers maintain a quiet atmosphere among the forested sites, though summer brings peak crowds and occasional tree hazards.

Cougar Rock Campground primarily caters to tent and RV campers, with options for group camping. It is one of only two campgrounds within Mount Rainier National Park that accepts reservations, making it ideal for summer visitors.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather for exploring Paradise and the surrounding trails — daytime highs commonly sit between about 60–80°F with cool nights around the low 40s–50s. Wildflower meadows, full trail access (including higher-elevation routes), glacier views and long daylight hours make hiking and wildlife viewing at their peak. Expect the busiest conditions of the year and book a site early: peak reservations run June 24–September 7 and sites fill quickly on warm Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3180 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOld-growth Douglas firs and western red cedars tower over the campground, while the glacier-fed Nisqually River rushes nearby. On clear days, Mount Rainier's 14,411-foot summit dominates the skyline, sometimes wearing a lenticular cloud cap. The campground provides quick access to waterfalls and trails leading toward Paradise's sub-alpine meadows. Mount Rainier hosts 26 major glaciers. More than any other peak in the lower 48. Which continue to grind and polish the volcanic rock into dramatic valleys and ridges. Dense temperate rainforest at this elevation gradually gives way to higher meadows and ice fields above.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available at Cougar Rock Campground. Nearby lodging options are outside the park.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground hosts interpretive programs at its amphitheater, focusing on the park's natural and cultural history. Topics like the Nisqually River and glacier systems are covered, especially on weekends.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-night consecutive stay maximum, and a total annual limit of 28 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum six people per campsite.

Groups

Group sites are tent-only and located in a separate area of the campground. They accommodate large parties but do not allow RVs.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground is located on relatively level terrain, but some sites are uneven, and accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are limited. RVs over 35 feet and trailers over 27 feet are not permitted due to tight turns.

Site SizeSites are of varying sizes, with most capable of accommodating one tent and two passenger vehicles. Larger pull-through sites are available for mid-sized RVs and trailers.

PrivacySites offer moderate privacy, with some loops (e.g., E Loop) providing more seclusion. However, many sites are noted to be close together with limited foliage between.

Total Campsites173 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid Loop E for RVs needing generator use as it is designated no-generator. Select Loop D for tent camping with more privacy and designated tent pads.

Best CampsitesSite E22 offers a Mount Rainier view. Site B35 is spacious, quiet, and private. E Loop generally provides more seclusion than other loops. First-come, first-served sites fill fast, especially on weekends, so arrive early on weekdays if possible.

Need help booking Cougar Rock Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no working dump station at Cougar Rock. There are no electric, water or sewer hook-ups available at individual campsites. Potable water are located near the campground entrance.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Cougar Rock Campground

Cougar Rock Campground is a gateway to numerous recreational activities within Mount Rainier National Park, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and ranger-led educational programs. The Wonderland Trail, accessible from the campground, is a major attraction for experienced hikers.

Hiking5.0/5Top 1% in Washington

Direct access to Wonderland Trail, Comet Falls, Paradise wildflower meadows and glacier viewpoints.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Campground closes in fall; some nearby winter trails exist but site is not a winter base.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Outstanding photo ops: Mount Rainier vistas, waterfalls, wildflowers and old-growth forest.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers available at select sites.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Cougar Rock Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.3

968 reviews

Satisfactory

Cougar Rock Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Cougar Rock Campground's convenient location near Paradise and its natural beauty. Visitors frequently praise the cleanliness of restrooms and the proximity to trails but note issues like the lack of showers, uneven campsites, and maintenance of the dump station.

Review Summaries

Based on 968 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's scenic surroundings, proximity to popular attractions like Paradise, and well-maintained restrooms. Many reviewers appreciated the quiet atmosphere and...

Based on 968 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the out-of-service dump station, lack of showers, and the high price of firewood sold at nearby locations. Some visitors experienced issues with campsite assignments and...

Based on 968 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site B25 is praised for its spaciousness and proximity to restrooms. E Loop sites offer more privacy but prohibit generator use. Some sites near restrooms or trash bins receive complaints about noise.

Based on 968 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early for first-come, first-served sites, especially on weekdays. Bring firewood from outside the park to save costs. Set up your tent early to avoid squatters taking reserved sites.

Based on 968 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with visitors enjoying the mild weather and open trails. Fall reviews note reduced crowds but also limited loop availability. Spring reviews are sparse, as the...

Based on 968 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Cougar Rock is awesome camping to explore the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier National Park." - Sheric Adventures "The flush toilet is clean. It has soap and paper towel but the paper towel can run out...

Based on 968 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some visitors with mobility issues noted challenges with uneven terrain and the distance to restrooms. Accessibility accommodations are limited.

Based on 968 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but noise from dogs has been a concern for some visitors. Ensure that pets are kept quiet during quiet hours.

Based on 968 reviews

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Cougar Rock Campground

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

360-569-6626

Go if

you want easy access to Paradise trails, don't mind roughing it without showers, and can snag a spacious site like B25 or a quieter E Loop spot.

Skip if

you need showers, require a perfectly level pad, or want to avoid sites near restrooms and trash bins where noise carries.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.0

(256)

Cougar Rock Group Campground

Longmire, WA, USA, 98361

Cougar Rock Group Campground sits in the forested foothills of Mount Rainier National Park near Longmire, operated by the National Park Service for organized groups seeking a basecamp for alpine exploration. The campground offers flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings beneath towering conifers, with direct access to the Wonderland Trail and a short drive to the Paradise area. Interpretive programs at the on-site amphitheater add educational value during the summer operating window.

Cougar Rock Campground

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