COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND campground
Longmire, Washington

COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
184 campsites
Open in maps

184

Total Campsites

Campground

130

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

5

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND

Overview Cougar Rock Campground, on the southwest side of Mt. Rainier National Park, is conveniently located near Paradise. Individual campsites are reservable on this page. Group campsite reservations can be made via Cougar Rock Group Campground . Paradise is the most popular destination in the park, with a lodge and visitor center, many miles of hiking trails and a commanding view of the mountain-the highest in the state and Cascade range. The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is the mountain itself, a massive glacier-clad volcano, peaking at 14,411 ft. and dominating the skyline for hundreds of miles. Visitors travel through majestic old-growth forests, past tumbling waterfalls and historic buildings to reach sub-alpine meadows, where world-famous wildflower displays bloom through July and August. Popular activities in the park include sight-seeing, hiking, rock climbing and camping. Cougar Rock campground is located at an elevation of 3,180 feet. Summers are dry and cool with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees. Weather throughout the park can be variable, so visitors should come prepared. Recreation From the facility, experienced hikers and backpackers can access the well-known, strenuous and beautiful Wonderland Trail, which encircles the park for 93 miles. For those who enjoy learning more about the park's natural and cultural history, there is an on-site amphitheater where interpretive programs are held. Facilities From the facility, experienced hikers and backpackers can access the well-known, strenuous and beautiful Wonderland Trail, which encircles the park for 93 miles. For those who enjoy learning more about the park's natural and cultural history, there is an on-site amphitheater where interpretive programs are held. Natural Features Cougar Rock Campground has one lookout point from which campers can view Mt. Rainier. Although it is peaceful now, the still active volcano last erupted in the mid 1800s. The campground is adjacent to the Nisqually River and is surrounded by thick forests. A short drive to Paradise in summer reveals fields of lush wildflowers. Nearby Attractions Mount Rainier National Park is about 50 miles southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. Charges & Cancellations If a camper does not check-in at the ranger station by 12:00pm check-out time the day after the scheduled arrival date, their reservation will be cancelled, the camper will incur a $10.00 service fee, and forfeit the first night's camping fee.

  • 184 total campsites listed.
  • 130 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 5 accessible campsites listed.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (176).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND photo 2
COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND photo 3

Our Take

What makes COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND special

Cougar Rock Campground earns its reputation as one of the best-positioned campgrounds in the entire national park system. Sitting on the southwest flank of Mount Rainier at 3,180 feet, this 184-site campground places you just a short drive below Paradise — the park's most iconic destination, where wildflower meadows explode with color beneath the glacier-clad summit of the Northwest's tallest volcano. The setting is classic Cascades: towering evergreens, a soundtrack of rushing creeks, and the unmistakable presence of Rainier looming above the treeline. From Cougar Rock, you can reach the Paradise visitor area and its world-class trail network in about fifteen minutes, making early-morning hikes to Myrtle Falls, Skyline Trail, or the Nisqually Vista an easy proposition before the day-trippers arrive. The Wonderland Trail, which circumnavigates the entire mountain, passes through the campground area as well. Cougar Rock is open from late May through late September, with the wildflower season peaking in late July and early August. Reservations are essential during summer months and should be secured as far in advance as possible. Sites are well-shaded and set among old-growth forest, offering privacy and protection from the elements. Evenings bring ranger programs at the amphitheater and cool mountain air perfect for campfire storytelling. Arrive with a full cooler — the nearest supplies are in Ashford, about thirty minutes away.

Campsite Inventory

184 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

176total sites

130

Reservable

4

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

8total sites

0

Reservable

1

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Yes

Check-in time

12:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Double Driveway

Yes

Driveway entry

Back-In, Pull-Through

Driveway Grade

Moderate, Severe, Slight

Driveway length (ft)

108, 122, 14, 15

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Yes

Max guests

2, 4, 6

Max vehicle length (ft)

14, 15, 16, 17

Picnic Table

Yes

Shade

Yes

Site Access

Drive-In

Site overhead clearance (ft)

7

Tent Pad

Yes

Tent Pad Length

10, 11, 12, 13

Tent Pad Width

10, 11, 12, 13

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

360-569-6626

Getting There

Cougar Rock Campground is located 14 miles east of Ashford, Washington, on State Route 706/Paradise Road.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND.

How do reservations work for COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND?

Reservation availability for COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND?

COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (176), MANAGEMENT (8).

Where is COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND located?

COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND is in Washington near Longmire. Coordinates: 46.7672, -121.7944.

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