How much does camping cost at Cougar Rock Group Campground?

Camping fees at Cougar Rock Group Campground range from $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Cougar Rock Group 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 Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Cougar Rock Group Campground has 8 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 Group Campground?

Cougar Rock Group Campground is open June 11 to September 13. 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 Group Campground?

Cougar Rock Group 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 Group Campground?

Fire policies at Cougar Rock Group Campground: No firewood gathering is allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cougar Rock Group Campground have?

Cougar Rock Group Campground has 5 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 Group Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Cougar Rock Group Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cougar Rock Group Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Cougar Rock Group Campground?

Popular activities at Cougar Rock Group Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cougar Rock Group Campground

4.03

256 reviews

Longmire, WA, USA, 98361

Featured in:Camping Near Mount Rainier National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cougar Rock Group Campground

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $60.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

360-569-2211matthew_chalup@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Longmire, WA, USA, 98361

Cougar Rock Group Campground

Longmire, WA, USA, 98361

Nearby places

Ashford (14 miles, approximately 25 minutes)

Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area (50 miles southeast, approximately 1.5 hours).

Weather at Cougar Rock Group Campground

Current alerts(6)

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.
No RVs allowed in the group sites.
Please store food properly to protect wildlife.
The RV dump and fill station is CLOSED for the 2026 season.

Best Time to Camp at Cougar Rock Group Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the clearest, most reliable window for visiting Cougar Rock — expect daytime highs around 60–80°F with cool nights and occasional marine-misted mornings. Trails, river access, and park services are fully open (campground open May 28–Sept 7), making hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography at their peak while meadows and lower forests are lush. You will encounter the highest visitor numbers in July–early August, so plan and reserve early; weather can still shift quickly, so bring rain‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open late May–early Sept; summer offers reliable weather, trail access and wildflower viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 11 to September 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 28, 2025, through September 7, 2025 (peak season).

About Cougar Rock Group Campground

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 Group Campground is focused on group tent camping. It does not accommodate RVs or offer individual tent camping options under the group reservation system.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clearest, most reliable window for visiting Cougar Rock — expect daytime highs around 60–80°F with cool nights and occasional marine-misted mornings. Trails, river access, and park services are fully open (campground open May 28–Sept 7), making hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography at their peak while meadows and lower forests are lush. You will encounter the highest visitor numbers in July–early August, so plan and reserve early; weather can still shift quickly, so bring rain‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3180 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground follows the Nisqually River through old-growth forest dominated by Douglas fir and western red cedar. Glacial meltwater carves through the terrain here, running over moss-covered boulders beneath a dense canopy. The volcanic soils support temperate rainforest at the campground elevation, transitioning to sub-alpine meadows at higher elevations accessible by car. Paradise, a short drive away, displays wildflower blooms in summer. Lupines, Indian paintbrush, and avalanche lilies.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging or hotel-style accommodations are available at Cougar Rock Group Campground. The focus is on group tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesAn 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit
maximum 28 nights annually.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to 12 or more guests per group site.

Groups

The campground has five designated group campsites, each able to accommodate multiple tents and vehicles. One review highlighted, "The group camp was wonderful. It was set off by itself. There were 3 or 4 tent sites that were flat. 5 cars could be parked there. Nice fire pit and lots of places to hang a hammock."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes basic accessibility features such as flush toilets and relatively level campsites, though detailed information on ADA compliance is not provided. One review mentioned, "Sites are fairly level," which may benefit those with mobility challenges.

Site SizeGroup sites are described as spacious, with one review noting, "The campsite is quiet and clean, with enough space for at least 8 tents," and another highlighting, "The group camp was wonderful. It was set off by itself. There were 3 or 4 tent sites that were flat.

PrivacyThe campground offers varying levels of privacy. Some group sites and loops, such as Loop F, are noted for their seclusion, "The group camp was wonderful. It was set off by itself," while others are described as less private: "Not a lot of privacy here. It got pretty loud.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup site F002 accommodates at least 8 tents and is close to Paradise. Loop A offers good views of Mount Rainier.

Best CampsitesGroup site F002 gets strong reviews for space and proximity to Paradise. Reviewers describe it as set off by itself with flat areas for 3-4 tents. One visitor noted enough room for at least 8 tents with good privacy from other campers.

Need help booking Cougar Rock Group 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

Cougar Rock Group Campground offers a range of amenities designed to provide a comfortable yet rustic camping experience. Located at an elevation of 3,180 feet, the campground includes flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables at each site. An amphitheater is available for interpretive programs. Campers should exercise caution with food storage due to wildlife such as foxes frequenting the area. "The flush toilet is clean. It has soap and paper towel but the paper towel can run out later in the day," mentioned one reviewer, while another stated, "Bathrooms were super clean, has soap and paper towel." However, showers are not available at the campground, and the dump station has been reported as out of order by multiple reviewers.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 RequiredFood storage lockers are provided to prevent wildlife access. "Bear boxes were good size, and bathrooms were clean."

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

256 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're booking for an organized group that wants interpretive programs and proximity to Paradise-area trails.

Skip if

You need individual sites or want to avoid recent reports of site closures and occupancy issues.

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Cougar Rock Campground

Longmire, WA 98361, USA

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.