The peak that towers above the Puget Sound is one of the most visited natural places in the state of Washington. We can see Mount Rainier from anywhere in the western part of our state. This is a symbol of who we are. It is also an invitation to see more of this majestic peak that watches over us. Did you know that Mount Rainier is an active volcano? This is why this peak will pique the interest of many types of visitors.
Visiting Mount Rainier National Park with your RV is easy. You can come see the mountain and enjoy its surroundings year-round. It is only an hour away from the Puget Sound. You can take a day trip or stay for a while. When you get there, you will find so much to explore inside the park. There are lush rainforests, alpine meadows, historic landmarks, and places to come inside and experience the park. All is within reach by foot, bicycle, or your RV – accessible via over 150 trails and 147 miles of road.
Your RV is welcome to park at three campsites inside the park. Cougar Rock is in the southwest part of the park with an elevation of 3,179 feet. There are 179 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. This campsite can accommodate a motorhome up to 35 feet and trailers up to 27 feet in length.
The Ohanapecosh campsite is on the southeastern side of the park with 179 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Motorhomes up to 32 feet and trailers up to 27 feet in length are welcomed at this site.
The third site inside the park, White River, is a smaller and very remote site with 88 sites sitting at 4,400 feet above sea level. All RVs are restricted to no more than 27 feet in this campground. It is also first-come, first-serve for these sites.
None of these sites offer hookups for water, waste, and electricity; water and flush toilets are available only from late May to late September. The fee to camp with your RV is $20 for each site. With the exception of White River, you can also book these sites in advance at recreation.gov.
If you are unable to get a camping spot inside the park, there are three RV parks available within reach of Mount Rainier. In Everett, the Maple Grove Resort and Golf Course is considered the best location for RVs in the state. It is less than an hour away from the park. Closer to the mountain, there is also Rainier Wings/Packwood RV Park in Packwood and Mounthaven Resort in Ashford.
There are a few tips to help you enjoy your time at Mount Rainier National Park. July, August, and early September are the busiest months to visit the park. Book your sites early. You are also limited to a maximum of 14 consecutive days at a developed campground and no more than 28 days total in any designated campground within the calendar year. Also, do not camp or park your vehicle anywhere other than designated campgrounds.
If you have campfires, keep them small, and do not leave them unattended. Buy your firewood locally to keep invasive species out of the park’s grounds. As for your pets, keep them caged or on leashes no more than six feet long.
There is so much to see and do within the park, but the main attraction is the mountain itself. If you have the time and stamina to do so, you can try to reach the summit. It’s not easy, but with strength, courage, and determination, it can be the ultimate reward to reach the top of our iconic peak.
The best way to go to Mount Rainier National Park – or any of our great parklands across our country – is by RV. If you are looking for your first or next one, contact us at Valley RV Supercenter to start your journey from right here in the Puget Sound area.
