Buck Creek Campsites at Ranger Creek Airstrip

Are all of the campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park full? Do you need a large campsite for a larger group? If you're in the Sunrise area and haven't explored availability at Silver Springs or The Dalles Campground, the Buck Creek Campsites may be your answer. Primarily clustered around the perimeter of the Ranger Creek Airstrip (still semi-actively used) and off of NF-7160, Buck Creek Campsites/Campground is a gathering of roughly 38 very spacious primitive campsites located just outside of the national park's northern boundary.

The campsites serve as an excellent rendezvous spot for large groups and as an overflow for the park's campgrounds, where campsites can be nearly impossible to claim during the busy summer season. Due to the fact that there's no camping fee or any on-site camp hosts, however, the campground tends to draw a younger and sometimes rowdier crowd.

ATTENTION: The Forest Service is considering closing all camping in this area due to excessive tree damage, trampled plants, and the high volume of garbage, human waste, and toilet paper left at the backcountry campsites. They simply do not have the budget to maintain the area given these challenges. If you want to continue to camp in the area, pack out all garbage and toilet paper and dispose of it properly, use the vault toilets provided, bring your own firewood, and stay on established paths. Using the area responsibly will increase the chances that visitors will be allowed to continue enjoying the land.