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Ohanapecosh Campground: Insider's Guide

Ohanapecosh Campground is one of the most beloved camping destinations in Washington state. Nestled in the stunning beauty of Mount Rainier National Park, this campground offers breathtaking views and unparalleled access to nature (along with all the crowds you'd expect from a national park!)


Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just beginning to explore the outdoors, Ohanapecosh Campground is the perfect place for your next camping trip. In this blog post, we’ll provide an insider’s guide to the campground, from what to expect when you arrive to the best activities to enjoy during your stay.

Ohanapechosh Campground


Location and Getting There

Ohanapecosh Campground is located in the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State, just off Highway 123. The campground is easily accessible from Seattle and Portland and can be reached in about 3 hours from either city.


The campground is in a magnificent old-growth forest and offers spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding valleys. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature, with many hiking trails nearby.


Packwood is the nearest town with amenities, located just 8 miles west of the campground. Packwood has a range of restaurants, grocery stores, and other services available for visitors.


Mt. Rainier National Park is home to the largest mountain in Washington and Oregon.


Ohanapecosh Campground: At a Glance

  • Location: Ohanapecosh Rd, Randle, WA 98377

  • Nearest City: Packwood, Washington

  • # of sites: 188

  • Fee: $20.00

  • Best Feature: Within Mount Rainier National Park

  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early fall

  • Pet Friendly? Yes, but pets should be on a leash.

  • Tent or RV? RVs can't surpass 32 feet (and 27 feet for trailers).

  • Elevation: 1,914 ft

  • Drinking water? Yes.



Mount Rainier and Tacoma
An image of Mount Rainier looming over Tacoma.

Amenities and Facilities

Ohanapecosh is not the largest campground in Washington, but it has much to offer. There are numerous facilities to enjoy and, throughout much of the year, plenty of space.


But remember that this is the most popular campground in Mount Rainier National Park (which sees hundreds of thousands of visitors a year).

  • Tent and RV camping spots

  • Picnic tables

  • Tent pads

  • Fire pits

  • Fire rings

  • Accessible campsites

  • Day-use area nearby

  • Nonelectric sites

  • Drinking water

Did you know? "Ohanapecosh" is believed to be the Taidnapam word for "standing on the edge."

The campground is not open all year due to the intensity of winter in the park. You can stay from May 26th to September 21st (dates that vary depending on the year). Call ahead, or check online if you're unsure when the campground opens or closes for the season.



Activities Nearby

Ohanapecosh Campground is conveniently located near various outdoor activities, perfect for visitors looking to make the most of their stay. With Mount Rainier National Park just outside your door, the possibilities for exploration are endless.


There are several great hikes nearby for those looking to take in the incredible views of the Ohanapecosh River and the surrounding mountains. The Glacier View Loop Trail offers spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and plenty of wildflowers and wildlife along the way.


We highly recommend heading deeper into the park and checking out Myrtle Falls, which has a very beautiful Mt. Rainier behind it. For a harder hike, we love the Eagle Peak Trail. It, too, offers great views of the ever-present Mt. Rainier.


Waterfall lovers should check out Silver Falls, accessed via a short 0.7-mile hike from the campground. This impressive waterfall cascades into a deep pool at the bottom, making for a great spot to cool off on a hot day.


For those looking to explore a bit further away, Mount St. Helens National Park is to the south, as is the Columbia River Gorge.



Ohanapecosh Campground vs. Cougar Rock Campground

Ohanapecosh and Cougar Rock Campgrounds are the two most popular places to camp in Mt. Rainier National Park. The latter is generally considered to be the second most popular spot.


Check out this awesome table we made to help you compare Ohanapecosh Campground vs. Cougar Rock Campground:



Cougar Rock Campground

Ohanapecosh Campground

​# of sites

173

188

RVs and Tents?

Yes, but no electric sites

Yes, no electric sites

Proximity to Outdoor Activities

Close to: ​Carter Falls and Madcap Falls

Close to: Silver Falls and Grove of the Patriarchs

Crowd levels

Very busy in the summer​

Very busy in the summer​

Reservations?

Yes, highly recommended

Yes, highly recommended

Price

$20.00

$20.00

Elevation

3,100 feet

1,914 feet


Other Nearby Campgrounds

If you can't get a spot at Ohanapecosh Campground, don't despair. Many other nearby sites exist (even if you exclude Cougar Rock). These campgrounds are around the same price as Ohanapecosh and not too far away.


North Fork Elk Group Camp

Location: Randle, WA 98377

A large campground that offers spots for up to 25 people to camp. It has room for six cars. The campground is along the Cispus River and within the North Fork Campground.


Silver Springs Campground

Location: Enumclaw, WA 98022

A campground along the White River in the old-growth forest of Mt. Rainier National Park. It costs $24 to camp there, not including a reservations fee and extra fees for RVs. They also offer yurts and bungalows for rent.


Silver Falls
Silver Falls is easily accessed from the campground.

La Wis Wis Campground

Location: Randle, WA 98377

The campground features 109 sites and is off Highway 12. It's close to the Cowlitz and Ohanapecosh Rivers. The campground is open from early June to mid-September.

FAQs

Does Ohanapecosh Campground have toilets?

Yes, Ohanapecosh Campground has toilets. The campground has almost everything you'd need except for electricity.


Is there cell service at Ohanapecosh Campground?

No, most people will find no cell service at Ohanapecosh Campground.


Are there bears at Ohanapecosh Campground?

It will be very rare to find a bear at Ohanapecosh Campground. That being said, there are bear boxes at every campsite to prevent animals from wandering into the area and returning for more food.


Are dogs allowed in Ohanapecosh Campground?

Yes, dogs are allowed in Ohanapecosh Campground but must be on a leash. The same goes for any other adventure pets you might have!


Can you swim in the Ohanapecosh River?

Yes, you can swim in the Ohanapecosh River! It's a great, peaceful spot during the summer.



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