Have the kids been begging for a vacation?

Well, don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect solution. RV camping in Mount Rainier National Park!

It’s the perfect outdoor escape for all ages. Whether you want to spend time fishing or just hike down one of the many breathtaking trails, Mount Rainier National Park is the ideal spot.

And the best way to see it all without breaking the bank is definitely RV camping. Follow along to learn more!

Mount Rainier National Park Facts

Established in 1899, Mount Rainier covers more than 235,000 acres, surrounding the highest peak in the state of Washington.

Before you head off to this outdoor lover’s paradise, we have a few Mount Rainier National Park facts that might make you appreciate the experience even more.

• President William McKinley established Mount Rainier as America’s fifth national park. 

• At 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is the tallest peak in Washington State and the 17th highest in the nation. It’s also an active stratovolcano with the potential to erupt again.

• Mount Rainier is known for its biodiversity. There are 65 mammal species, 14 species of amphibians, five species of reptiles, 182 species of birds, and 14 species of native fish that live in park boundaries.

• Evidence of human habitation in the area around Mount Rainier stretches back over 9,000 years.

• Mount Rainier was originally home to the Nisqually, Puyallup, Squaxin Island, Muckleshoot, Yakama, and Cowlitz Native American tribes.

• There are over 890 vascular species and more than 260 non-vascular plant species and fungi in the park. Mount Rainier is also struggling to fight non-native species invasions.

Best Mount Rainier National Park RV Parks and Campgrounds

Photo Credit: Instagram User @farley_the_labrador

Now that our Mount Rainier National Park facts have got you excited about the trip. There’s the question of where to stay.

There are amazing RV parks near Mount Rainier National Park.

However, the best place to go RV camping is inside the park. There are three RV campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park that are all well worth a visit. We’ve listed them all, plus two more independent parks near Mount Rainier National Park for those who’d rather have full hookups and amenities.

Cougar Rock Campground

Amenities: Nestled under cedar and douglas fir trees adjacent to the Nisqually River is the Cougar Rock Campground. At 3,000 feet in elevation, the campground is only open from late May to late September because the roads become impassable. It’s a rustic campground with toilets and not much else, but it’s a serene spot.

Capacity: There are 173 sites at Cougar Rock, and the RV max length is 35 feet.

More information: Cougar Rock Campground

Ohanapecosh Campground

Amenities: Ohanapecosh Campground is the lowest altitude campground in Mount Rainier National Park at 2,000 feet. It’s a rustic campsite with toilets and a dump station, but not much else. The campground has great views of the Ohanapecosh River as well. It’s only open from late May to late September with a 14-day camping limit.

Capacity: There are 188 camp and RV sites at Ohanapecosh Campground. The max length for RVs is 32 feet.

More Information: Ohanapecosh Campground

White River Campground

Amenities: White River Campground is one of the most gorgeous Mount Rainier National Park RV parks. Five miles up from Highway 410 at nearly 4,500 feet, the campground has incredible views. It also sits near the White River, so if you’re looking to kayak or canoe, it’s a good option. White River is only open from late May to late September.

Capacity: There are 112 sites at the White River Campground, but the max RV length is 27 feet.

More information: White River Campground

Mounthaven Resort

Amenities: If you want to visit Mount Rainier in the winter or late fall, you’ll need to stay outside the park. Thankfully, there are plenty of great RV parks near Mount Rainier National Park. Mounthaven Resort is the perfect example. Shaded by giant cedar trees, Mounthaven is open year-round and offers far more amenities than interior campgrounds.

Capacity: Mounthaven Resort boasts 16 RV sites with full hookups (30 amp max) as well as nine family-friendly cabins and three vacation homes.

More Information: Mounthaven Resort

Packwood RV Park

Amenities: Packwood RV Park is another excellent winter option for an RV park near Mount Rainier National Park. There are plenty of amenities, including a small shop, showers, laundry, tables, fire pits, and more. Plus, it’s close to a small town for restaurants and coffee shops, grocery stores, churches, hardware stores, and a post office. The town library with WiFi is also across the street from the park.

Capacity: There are 87 RV sites, including full hookups (30 amp max), and the place is big-rig friendly.

More Information: Packwood RV Park

Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier National Park

Believe it or not, Mount Rainier National Park is open year-round! 

In the winter, the park is covered in snow, making it the perfect spot for skiers or snowboarders. While in the spring and summer, Mount Rainier has great fishing, mountain biking, and hiking.

No matter the season, there’s no best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park!

Spring

Mount Rainier is known for its incredible wildflower blooms. You can’t miss them! It’s why the park is so popular during late spring and early summer. The hillsides turn golden, purple, and red, and with a view of Mount Rainier in the background, it’s truly a sight to behold.

Spring is also the best season for mountain biking while it’s still cool. Whether you want to go hiking, biking, or just sit and marvel at the flowers from your campground, spring is an amazing season in Mount Rainier National Park.

Summer

If you missed the start of the wildflower season in spring, you might still be able to catch it during the summer. Check out the National Park Service’s Wildflower Guide for more information. 

Average daytime temperatures in the summer at Mount Rainier range from 50 °F to 80 °F, depending on your altitude. That means all your recreational activity options are on the table. 

From fishing to rock climbing, there’s something for everyone in the summer. And if you get too hot, you can always take a dip in one of the many lakes.

Winter

Winter in Mount Rainier National Park can get quite chilly. Daytime temperatures average around freezing even at the lowest elevations, meaning you need to come prepared with your best snow gear.

Mount Rainier winters are all about snow sports. Skiing, snowboard, snowshoeing—if you love winter weather, this is the place to enjoy it all. 

Fall

Fall is an amazing time of year at Mount Rainier. Although many of the park’s trees are evergreens, There are still many deciduous trees that give the park amazing fall colors.

The park isn’t nearly as busy as it is during the spring or summer. Fall is the best time of year to relax at Mount Rainier. Take a hike up to the Reflection Lakes, and you’ll see what we mean.  

Things to do in Mount Rainier National Park

Photo Credit: Instagram User @alexeulrich

Now that you know the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park and where to stay, it’s time to pick some fun things to do.

Mount Rainier is an adventure lover’s dream. From climbing to mountain biking, this national park has it all. Here are just a few of the top things to do in Mount Rainier National Park.

• Try canoeing, kayaking, or fishing on the serene Mowich Lake.

• Test your climbing skills with a trek to the top of Mount Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States.

• Take a mountain biking trip down the Paradise or Sunrise Trails. 

• Head out into the snow on a ranger-guided snowshoe walk.

• Let the kids take on the Junior Ranger Program at the Cougar Rock Picnic Area.

• Go day hiking on the Trail of Shadows or Rampart Ridge Trail.

There’s so much to do at Mount Rainier; it’s impossible to do it all in one trip. That’s why so many RV lovers come back year after year to go RV camping near Mount Rainier National Park.

Tips on Visiting Mount Rainier National Park

Now that you know what you’re going to do at Mount Rainier, you’re probably thinking about RV rentals and getting excited.

Before you do, here are a few top tips to make your RV camping trip near Mount Rainier National Park all the more enjoyable.

• Mount Rainier contains a variety of wildlife that can be dangerous, including, black bears and mountain lions. Always keep your distance from wildlife and follow all park wildlife safety guidelines.

• Mount Rainier’s weather can be unpredictable. Remember to dress for the season and wear layers. You should also consider bringing ankle-high waterproof hiking boots, warm socks, and a beanie or hat. 

• Visiting Mount Rainier in the summer is amazing, but you can avoid the congestion by visiting in late spring or early fall for a similar experience.

• Help the National Park Service keep wildlife wild! Please don’t feed any animals in the park, and always ensure you collect all your garbage before leaving.

RV Rental for Mount Rainier National Park

Photo Credit: Instagram User @hrzlbbmft

Without a doubt, the best way to visit Mount Rainier National Park is in an RV. RVs allow you to stay within park boundaries the entire trip. That means you can spend more of your vacation time connecting with nature instead of fighting the crowds.

If you don’t own an RV already, consider an RV rental from Cruise America. Prices start at just $50 per night! 

Plus, there are 125 Cruise America rental locations nationwide, so you’ll always be able to find an affordable Cruise RV near you.

Don’t wait! Call Cruise America today and start the experience of a lifetime RV camping in Mount Rainier National Park.