Cougar Rock Campground

Star4.26
968 reviews
Longmire, WA 98361, USA
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

3,180 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

173 campsites

Season

Opens May 23, 2025. ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mount Rainier National Park site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026
Cougar Rock Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $20 per night for standard sites and RV sites without hookups. Discounts are available for America the Beautiful Interagency...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
360-569-6626
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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 968 reviews

269 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietrestroomsfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

reservation

"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."

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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).
Nearby supplies
Longmire General Store (2 miles away) offers basic groceries, camping supplies, and firewood ($15 per bundle). Ashford has additional supply stores approximately 30 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Cougar Rock Campground

Summer transforms Cougar Rock into a temperate haven where daytime temperatures hover pleasantly between 60 and 80°F, perfect for trail adventures without the swelter. As evening falls, the mountain's influence brings refreshing coolness that makes for ideal sleeping weather. Pack layers—Mount Rainier's moods can shift like a restless giant, occasionally blessing the forest with gentle rain that keeps everything emerald green and brings out the earthy perfume of cedar and fir.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 4% in WA

Peak season: mild 60–80°F, trails and Paradise open—most popular and best-access season.

Planning Tips

  • Peak Season: June 24, 2025 - September 7, 2025.. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Tree hazards have led to multiple campsite closures. The RV dump station is non-operational. Visitors should confirm campground status in advance due to ongoing maintenance.

About Cougar Rock Campground

Nestled on the southwest slopes of Mount Rainier, Cougar Rock Campground serves as your gateway to one of America's most iconic volcanic peaks. This beloved basecamp sits just minutes from the legendary Paradise area, where wildflower meadows and glacier views await. Wake up to the scent of old-growth forest, enjoy modern conveniences like flush toilets and drinking water, and settle into your site complete with a sturdy picnic table—all while staying connected to the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest wilderness.
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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14-night consecutive stay maximum, and a total annual limit of 28 nights.

Need help booking Cougar Rock Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.


Amenities available

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

Activities you can enjoy

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.
Hiking
Climbing
Wildlife viewing
Cultural and Educational Programs
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFalling branches and diseased trees are major hazards; approximately one-third of campsites may be closed for tree maintenance. Wildlife like bears and foxes frequent the area, requiring secure food storage.
Active AlertsTree hazards have led to multiple campsite closures. The RV dump station is non-operational. Visitors should confirm campground status in advance due to ongoing maintenance.
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.

Weather at Cougar Rock Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

From Booking Sources
4.3
968 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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...
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Based on 968 reviews
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Last updated March 8, 2026
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