Cougar Rock Group Campground

Star4.06
256 reviews
Longmire, WA, USA, 98361

Quick Facts

3,180 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from May 28, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cougar Rock Group Campground
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group campsites are $60 per night during peak season from May 28 to September 7, 2025. Additional fees may apply for reservations made online,...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
360-569-2211matthew_chalup@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.06

Satisfactory

Based on 256 reviews

269 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

reservation

"Cougar Rock Group Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment score of 3.95 out of 5. Visitors frequently praise its proximity to trails, spacious group sites, and cleanliness, but some complaints about maintenance issues and reservation enforcement were noted."

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Campground Map

Longmire, WA, USA, 98361

Cougar Rock Group Campground

Longmire, WA, USA, 98361

Driving directionsCougar Rock Campground is located 14 miles east of Ashford, Washington, on State Route 706/Paradise Road.
Road access is generally good, but the campground is subject to sudden and severe geological hazards such as flooding, landslides, and rockfall. "Don't Move Firewood" guidelines must be followed due to tree damage.
Nearby places
Ashford (14 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area (50 miles southeast, approximately 1.5 hours).
Nearby supplies
Longmire General Store is located 2 miles away for urgent needs. Supplies are limited and prices are higher than average (e.g., firewood bundle costs $15).

Best Time to Camp at Cougar Rock Group Campground

Summer transforms Cougar Rock into a cool mountain sanctuary, with refreshing temperatures hovering between 60°F and 80°F—a welcome respite from sweltering valley heat. The mountain's mercurial personality means weather can shift from brilliant sunshine to misty rain in moments, adding an element of adventure to every day. Visitors should come prepared for nature's spontaneity, as the living volcano occasionally reminds guests of its presence through subtle geological activity, making each visit uniquely thrilling.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Peak season: cool temps, open facilities, wildflower viewing and heavy trail use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Quieter and scenic in fall but with reduced amenities and services.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Opens late May; early spring likely snowy and many services unavailable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground operates on a peak-season schedule; winter amenities/facilities are limited/closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 28, 2025, to September 7, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 28, 2025, through September 7, 2025 (peak season).
  • Current Alerts: Some campground loops are closed due to hazardous trees.

About Cougar Rock Group Campground

Nestled deep within the verdant embrace of Mount Rainier National Park, Cougar Rock Group Campground beckons adventure-seeking groups to experience the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This thoughtfully maintained mountain retreat combines rustic charm with essential amenities, offering an authentic wilderness experience where towering old-growth forests meet the rushing waters of the Nisqually River. Here, groups can forge lasting memories while immersed in one of America's most spectacular volcanic landscapes.
Cougar Rock Group Campground is focused on group tent camping. It does not accommodate RVs or offer individual tent camping options under the group reservation system.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 12 p.m.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 p.m.
Stay Limit
  • Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit
  • maximum 28 nights annually.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Cougar Rock Group Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile hike around Mount Rainier, is accessible from the campground and is noted for its beauty and strenuousness. An on-site amphitheater provides educational programs, and nearby attractions include the Paradise area, known for wildflower meadows and scenic views. Hiking is a key activity, with trails ranging from family-friendly to challenging. "From this camp site you have access to beautiful scenery," remarked one reviewer.
HikingThe campground provides direct access to the Wonderland Trail, a strenuous 93-mile loop around Mount Rainier. Other nearby trails include Comet Falls, about a mile away, which offers views of three waterfalls. Reviewers frequently praised the hiking opportunities: "We recommend the Comet Falls trail, just 1 mile from the campground where you actually get three big falls for the hike of one!"
Wildlife viewingThe area is frequented by wildlife such as foxes, and campers are advised to store food carefully. Additionally, the sub-alpine meadows near Paradise offer opportunities for wildlife observation.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsAn on-site amphitheater hosts interpretive programs on history and nature, particularly during summer weekends. "They run programs of sharing history, nature information about the park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights during summer at the campground. It was fun to attend," noted one reviewer.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFalling branches, tree hazards, and unpredictable geological events such as flooding and rockfall are noted dangers.
Active AlertsSome campground loops are closed due to hazardous trees.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided to prevent wildlife access. "Bear boxes were good size, and bathrooms were clean."

Weather at Cougar Rock Group Campground

Reviews

4.1
256 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Cougar Rock Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Cougar Rock Group Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment score of 3.95 out of 5. Visitors frequently praise its proximity to trails, spacious group sites, and cleanliness, but some complaints about maintenance issues and reservation enforcement were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 256 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback often mentions clean facilities, spacious group sites, and the campground's proximity to the Paradise area and scenic trails like the Wonderland Trail. Many users also appreciated...
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Based on 256 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include reservation enforcement issues, occasional maintenance lapses in restrooms, and a lack of showers. A few reviewers also mentioned noise from inconsiderate neighbors and...
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Based on 256 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure first-come, first-serve spots, especially during peak summer months. Bring soap, paper towels, and firewood, as these items may run out or be unavailable. Be prepared for...
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Based on 256 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in summer, when visitors flock to the Paradise area for hiking and wildflower viewing. Fall and winter offer quieter experiences but fewer amenities, as some facilities are...
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Based on 256 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The flush toilet is clean. It has soap and paper towel but the paper towel can run out later in the day." "We recommend the Comet Falls trail, just 1 mile from the campground where you actually get...
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Based on 256 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Positive experiences were reported at site F002 in Loop F-Group, with one reviewer noting, "The campsite is quiet and clean, with enough space for at least 8 tents." However, issues with site B10...
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Based on 256 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not provide detailed input on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 256 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews were found related to pet policies or experiences.
Based on 256 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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