8 Washington Parks With Campgrounds Near Rainier and St. Helens
If you’re planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest and want to enjoy some camping, Washington offers plenty of great options near two iconic natural landmarks: Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. These areas are known for their stunning landscapes, making them perfect for getting outside and experiencing nature up close.
You can find campgrounds in several state and national parks nearby that offer a range of camping experiences, from rustic tent sites to RV hookups. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful forest setting or a spot with mountain views, there are plenty of parks that fit the bill.
Table of Contents
- Seaquest State Park – camping with views of Mount St. Helens and great hiking trails
- Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds – includes drive-in and backcountry sites
- Harmony RV Park near Mount St. Helens – clean, family-friendly with lake views
- Silver Lake RV Park – 19 back-in sites with stunning Mount St. Helens scenery
- Ohanapecosh Campground in Mount Rainier – forested spots near waterfalls
- Cougar Rock Campground near Mount Rainier – easy access to trailheads
- Sunrise Campground in Mount Rainier – alpine lakes and stunning mountain panoramas
- La Wis Wis Campground near Mount St. Helens – wooded, peaceful setting
Seaquest State Park – camping with views of Mount St. Helens and great hiking trails
At Seaquest State Park, you’ll camp among towering fir trees with a clear view of Mount St. Helens. The park has 475 acres of forest and over a mile of Silver Lake shoreline for you to explore.
You can choose from tent sites, RV hookups, or cozy yurts if you want a bit more comfort. There are more than a dozen miles of trails perfect for hiking or biking, taking you through woodlands and wetlands.
Families will like the flat, easy trails and the playground. After a day outside, you can use the clean bathrooms and showers to freshen up. Find out more about Seaquest’s offerings here.
Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds – includes drive-in and backcountry sites
When you visit Mount Rainier, you’ll find both drive-in campgrounds and backcountry spots. Drive-in areas like Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh let you park close and set up quickly. These spots offer picnic tables, fire pits, and bear boxes for safety.
If you want more adventure, backcountry sites require a permit and a hike to reach. You’ll be more isolated and immersed in nature, perfect if you want some quiet time. Keep in mind some areas are first-come, first-served, so arrive early or book in advance. For more details, check out the campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park.
Harmony RV Park near Mount St. Helens – clean, family-friendly with lake views
At Harmony RV Park, you’ll find clean, well-maintained sites that make your stay comfortable. The park is family-friendly, with plenty of room for kids and pets to enjoy.
You can take in beautiful views of Mayfield Lake while fishing, boating, or just relaxing by the water. The staff is friendly and accommodating, helping you feel right at home.
Located between Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier, it’s a great base for exploring the area’s natural beauty. Check out Harmony RV Park for a calm, scenic getaway near the mountains.
Find more details about this spot at Harmony Lakeside RV Park.
Silver Lake RV Park – 19 back-in sites with stunning Mount St. Helens scenery
At Silver Lake RV Park, you’ll find 19 back-in sites ideal for smaller rigs. Each spot offers electricity and water hookups, plus a fire pit and picnic table to relax outdoors.
The park sits right by Silver Lake, giving you amazing views of Mount St. Helens. You can enjoy fishing or rent a boat to explore the water.
It’s a cozy place where you can enjoy calm scenery and easy access to nature. Check out more details about the RV sites and amenities on the Silver Lake Resort website.
Ohanapecosh Campground in Mount Rainier – forested spots near waterfalls
You’ll find Ohanapecosh Campground nestled in an old-growth forest beside the peaceful Ohanapecosh River. The setting is perfect if you want a quiet, shaded place to relax.
There are plenty of spots near stunning waterfalls like Silver Falls, making it great for easy hikes. The campground offers both tent and RV sites with basic amenities like flush toilets and fire rings.
Open from late May to early October, it’s a solid choice if you want to be close to nature without straying far from trails. Check out more about Ohanapecosh Campground near Mount Rainier for the details you need.
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Cougar Rock Campground near Mount Rainier – easy access to trailheads
If you’re planning to explore Mount Rainier, Cougar Rock Campground is a great base. You’ll find it on the southwest side of the park, close to popular spots like Paradise and Longmire.
The campground sits just above 3,000 feet, offering a cozy, forested setting with plenty of privacy between sites.
From here, you can easily reach trailheads for hikes such as the Wonderland Trail or head straight to visitor centers. The Nisqually River is also nearby if you want some scenic views during your stay.
It’s a solid option if you want quick access to outdoor adventures without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Consider reserving your spot early, especially during peak seasons.
Learn more about Cougar Rock Campground.
Sunrise Campground in Mount Rainier – alpine lakes and stunning mountain panoramas
When you camp at Sunrise Campground, you’re surrounded by high-elevation meadows and rugged mountain views. It’s one of the highest spots you can reach by vehicle in Mount Rainier National Park, sitting around 6,400 feet.
The area offers easy access to alpine lakes and trails with panoramic views. You’ll find wildflower-filled meadows in the summer, making your hike or camp stay feel peaceful and scenic.
Your camp experience is pretty basic but connects you directly with nature. Just a short walk from the Sunrise Visitor Center, it’s a good spot if you want to explore the park’s eastern side and enjoy fresh mountain air. More details are available at Sunrise Campground in Mount Rainier.
La Wis Wis Campground near Mount St. Helens – wooded, peaceful setting
If you want a quiet spot surrounded by old-growth trees, La Wis Wis Campground is a great choice. You’ll find yourself camping near the meeting point of the Ohanapecosh and Cowlitz Rivers, with plenty of forest to explore.
The campground offers a peaceful vibe, with tall Douglas firs, hemlock, and cedar all around. It’s perfect for relaxing hikes and wildlife watching.
Located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, it’s close to Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier, making it an easy base for your adventures. Some sites can even fit your RV if you’re rolling that way. More details are available at La Wis Wis Campground information.


