
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.


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
130
Reservable
4
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
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
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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