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.
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.
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.
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.