Ohanapecosh Campground

With a 195 sites total, Ohanapecosh Campground is Mount Rainier National Park's largest campground. The campground is situated in the park's far southeast corner next to the Stevens Canyon Entrance and is relatively removed from the park's most visited areas, Sunrise, Longmire and Paradise, and there-in lies Ohanapecosh's charm.*

Flowing off of Mount Rainier's southeast glaciers, the Ohanapecosh River cuts a deep canyon and actually divides the campground into northwest and southeast sides, with the best campsites flanking the river's banks. From the campground you can hike north past the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs (no soaking, unfortunately) to the white-rock chasm that creates Silver Falls and the numerous other Ohanapecosh River cascades, and you can even venture the 3.0 miles to Grove of the Patriarchs. If you are an excellent kayaker, the campground also makes an ideal launching point for paddling the 2.5-4 mile stretch of canyon below the campground.

Should you be traveling in large numbers or if Ohanapecosh Campground is full, consider La Wis Wis Campground only 5 miles further south on Highway 123/12, just outside of the park. While Ohanapecosh only offers two group campsites, La Wis Wis offers 16.

* Although the campground is more removed, it still lies within one of the nation's most popular national parks, so make no mistake; book reservations early as the park fills quickly in the summer.

Note: Ohanapecosh Campground is open June 28 through September 28 (reservations are possible June 28 through August 31). RVs up to 32 feet and trailers up to 27 feet are permitted, though the campground does not provide electric, water, or sewer hook-ups.