Ohanapecosh Campground

Show on map360-569-2211 x6627rene_ellis@nps.gov
208 Ohanapecosh Road
Packwood, WA 98361

Overview

Ohanapecosh Campground, on the southeast side of Mount Rainier National Park, is surrounded by old growth forest and crossed by an exceptionally beautiful snow-fed river. Close to Ohanapecosh are popular hikes to Silver Falls. The Grove of the Patriarchs trail is closed to public access until the bridge accessing the Grove is replaced.

The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is the mountain itself, a glacier-clad volcano of immense proportions. At 14,411 ft., it dominates the skyline for hundreds of miles. Visitors travel through majestic old-growth forests, past tumbling waterfalls and historic buildings to reach sub-alpine meadows, where world-famous wildflower displays are seen in July and August. Popular activities in the park include sight-seeing, hiking, climbing and camping.

Ohanapecosh campground has an elevation of 1,914 feet. Weather is dry, cool and sunny in the summer with daytime temperatures in the 60 to 80-degree range. Even though the eastern side of the park can be sunnier than other areas, weather can be variable and visitors should come prepared.

Recreation

The most popular campground in the park, Ohanapecosh is convenient to both the Paradise and Sunrise areas. Numerous hiking trails originate both in and nearby the facility, including the several trails that lead to Silver Falls waterfall. For visitors who would like to learn more about natural and cultural history, the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center is close by as well.

Grove of the Patriarchs - The Grove of the Patriarchs is CLOSED to all public entry due to flooding in November 2021 which caused significant damage to the suspension bridge that provides the only safe access to the area (News Release, 11/17/21). See the attached emergency regulation signed by the Deputy Superintendent. The Grove of the Patriarchs Trail will remain closed until the bridge can be replaced. During the closure, the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot and restrooms have normal seasonal access, along with the Eastside and Silver Falls Trails. Construction to replace the bridge is scheduled to begin summer 2027. In addition to site clearing, the project will require supplies transport, bridge construction, trail reconstruction to meet the new bridge. This process is expected to take several years and construction work is limited to the summer season. Summers represent the only viable construction season in the park due to the heavy snow that blankets the park from roughly November through May.

Facilities

This large campground has 188 individual sites for RV or tent camping situated among the ancient trees. There is drinking water, but no electric hookups. Visitors must use extra caution with food storage, as bear and other animals inhabit the area around the campground.

Natural Features

Ohanapecosh is thought to be a Taidnapam Indian word for "standing on the edge" of the Ohanapecosh River. The river itself is lined with mossy boulders and drains cold, clear water down from higher elevations. Its banks are lined with thick, old growth Douglas fir trees and other evergreens. There is no view of Mt. Rainier directly from the campground, though the mountain dominates the landscape in nearby areas of the park.

Charges & Cancellations

 If a camper does not check-in at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center at the campground window by 12:00pm check-out time the day after the scheduled arrival date, their reservation will be cancelled, the camper will incur a $10.00 service fee, and forfeit the first night's camping fee. 

Camp site features

Across 154 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: 151 of 154 sites
  • Picnic table: 149 of 154 sites
  • Pets allowed: 130 of 154 sites
  • ADA accessible: 2 of 154 sites
  • Longest RV: 32 ft
  • Largest party: 6 people
  • Equipment: CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, PICKUP CAMPER, RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

Located on State Route 123, four miles north of State Route 12.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

638 reviews
5 stars
446
4 stars
129
3 stars
33
2 stars
14
1 stars
16
Matt Y
Loop:Loop H
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
One of the best campgrounds. I really liked the new 1 week out booking as it made it easier for us to book several sites for our group. This site was quiet and next to a small creek. Nobody ever came to the site next to this one (H15) so we had a lot more privacy. This site is really close to site H15. But otherwise one of the best being at the very end of the road!
Odessa M
Loop:Loop C
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
First, I want to start with, the campground is beautiful, large sites, bear boxes, picnic bench, and a fire ring on every site. The poor star rating is for our particular site C006 has an unmarked trail to a beach off the river (the true entrance to this is near D loop) and we dealt with people, probably close to a hundred on our 2 night/3 day stay trampling through our site to get to said beach. It did not matter if we were on site, multiple groups would be coming through. It really put me off this campground, and I will not be returning. We had one person mess up our $700 Big Agnes Copper Spur tent lines up with said trampling. It really was a nightmare, and put me completely off ever returning to this camp ground. Such inconsiderate humans here.
bruce c
Loop:Loop A
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great place
Amanda L
Loop:Loop A
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
Great campground with well stocked restrooms and fire circles/stoves.
Wendy V
Loop:Loop A
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
I visited in mid-September, so good campsites were available, first come-first served. The campground was relatively clean and restrooms were acceptable. The staff were friendly and helpful. I drove up to Paradise in the morning, but it was so crowded that the nearest parking was 2 miles away, so I went on several shorter hikes elsewhere. I highly recommend the Silver Falls loop, which begins and ends at Ohanapacosh. It rolls through a beautiful forest, with plenty of creeks, waterfalls, moss and massive boulders. The only negative was the constant annoying tourist helicopter flights overhead throughout the afternoon, I think rich people can do without helicopter rides at Mt. Rainier.
Pamela P
Loop:Loop A
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
The reservation system had just switched to FF, First Come/First Served, when I decided to camp. I wasn't sure how that would work but I trusted in the system. As I drove up to the Visitor Center a large white board signed explained everything. I checked in with Park Staff and was quickly able to reserve my favorite site from my previous on line review. Staff assured me that I had a good site. I was very pleased when the Staff member asked if I had my senior access pass for the Park. I did and received 1/2 off the site cost. Nice surprise. I found the grounds clean, quiet, and well maintained. The Staff must work very hard because there were not a lot of them on duty. I would love to see Grove of the Patriarch again. It's been since the 1980's I believe. I read it was closed indefinitely.
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