Cougar Rock Group Campground

Show on map 360-569-2211 matthew_chalup@nps.gov

Overview

Cougar Rock Group Campground, on the southwest side of Mt. Rainier National Park, is conveniently located near Paradise. Group campsite reservations can be made on this page. Individual campsites are reservable via Cougar Rock Campground.

Paradise is the most popular destination in the park, with a lodge and visitor center, many miles of hiking trails and a commanding view of the mountain. The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is the mountain itself, a glacier-clad volcano of immense proportions. At 14,411 feet, it dominates the skyline for hundreds of miles. Visitors travel through majestic old-growth forest, past tumbling waterfalls and historic buildings to reach sub-alpine meadows, where world-famous wildflower displays are seen through July and August. Popular activities in the park include sight-seeing, hiking, rock climbing and camping.

The Cougar Rock area is located at an elevation of 3,180 feet. Summers are dry and cool with daytime temperatures in the 60 to 80-degree range. Weather throughout the park can be variable, so visitors should come prepared.

Recreation

From the facility, experienced hikers and backpackers can access the well-known, strenuous but beautiful Wonderland Trail, which encircles the park for 93 miles. For those who enjoy learning more about the park's natural and cultural history, there is an on-site amphitheater where interpretive programs are held.

Facilities

The group campground has five campsites and is located within the general Cougar Rock Campground. Sites are relatively rustic, but have drinking water, flush toilets and picnic tables. All group campsites must be reserved. Visitors must use extra caution with food storage, as foxes and other animals have been known to frequent the campground looking for food.

Natural Features

The campground has one lookout point from which campers can view Mt. Rainier. Although it is peaceful now, the still-active volcano last erupted in the mid 1800s. The campground is adjacent to the Nisqually River and is surrounded by thick forests. A short drive to Paradise in summer reveals fields of lush wildflowers.

Nearby Attractions

Mount Rainier National Park is about 50 miles southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.

Camp site features

Across 5 camp sites:

Pets allowed: all 5 sites
Group sites: all 5 sites
Longest RV: 20 ft
Largest party: 40 people

Directions

Cougar Rock Campground is located 14 miles east of Ashford, Washington, on State Route 706/Paradise Road.

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

25 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Mitsuyo K

Loop:Loop F-Group

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Spacious site with plenty of room. Parking is right in front, and the bathroom is just across the way—very convenient.

Dick O

Loop:Loop F-Group

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Group campsites are spacious, clean, and close to water and restroom facilities. Being close to the Carter Falls trailhead was a plus, and staying in the campground gives you a chance to get up to Paradise before the parking lot fills up.

Kelly K

Loop:Loop F-Group

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

We loved group camping in F001. There was plenty of room for our 4 x-large and 2 large tents. Two bathrooms were easily accessible and Mt Rainier was out making it a fantastic trip! 4 cars had mice get in and eat their food so make sure you have closed plastic bins even inside your car.

Pavel K

Loop:Loop F-Group

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

This is a really good camp with a short distance to beautiful places and hikes. The host is really kind and respectful. Love this park!

Joe O

Loop:Loop F-Group

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Fantastic campsite, a lot of room. Rangers were friendly, nightly presentations were super fun! We can't wait to come back!

Valerie S

Loop:Loop F-Group