OHANAPECOSH CAMPGROUND
Part of Mount Rainier National Park
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 and the Grove of the Patriarchs.
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.
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.
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 Grove of the Patriarchs trail, which leads hikers through stands of old growth forest, and 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.
Important Notices
Visitors with an Ohanapecosh Campground reservation will still need to obtain timed entry reservations to gain access to either the Paradise Corridor or the Sunrise Corridor. Visit https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservations.htm for more information about Mount Rainier Timed Entry Reservations.
- Please pay attention to campsite maximum limits when selecting a site. If you exceed posted limits, you may be turned away upon arrival if a larger site is not available.
- Maximum two tents per site provided both tents fit within the specified tent pad dimensions. Most campsites can only accommodate one tent. There is a maximum six people per campsite. Many campsites can only accommodate four or less.
- Maximum two passenger vehicles per site provided both vehicles fit in the driveway, are not parked on any vegetation, and are clear of the roadway.
- Maximum one RV and tow vehicle per site provided both vehicles fit in the driveway, are not parked on any vegetation, and are clear of the roadway.
- Motor homes over 32 feet and trailers over 27 feet are not allowed to enter the campground. Turns on loop roads are tight and vehicle damage is likely to occur.
There are no electric, water or sewer hook-ups available at individual campsites. Potable water is located in the B Loop. The dump station is out of order.
Please call the campground office at (360) 569-6627 for same day cancellations or if you will be arriving a day late. 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.
- Reserving multiple individual sites for events or family gatherings exceeding 12 people is not permitted.
Groups larger than 12 people must stay at Ohanapecosh Group Campground.Group sites are tent-only. RVs are not permitted.
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Camping fees do not include entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. Visit https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/fees.htm to learn more about park fees.
- Only valid America the Beautiful Interagency Lifetime Access, Lifetime Senior, and Annual Senior passes qualify for discounted camping rates. Passes used for discounts must be verified at the campground upon arrival.
In loops with 7-day reservations, using the sliding window with the intention of booking sites for the weekend (while not occupying your site during the weekdays of your reservation) may result in the cancellation of your entire reservation without a refund as per our discretion.
The Ohanapecosh Campground will be closed for the 2025 summer season due to construction.
Notifications and Alerts
- The dump station at the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed. The
nearest dump station is located at the Maple Grove Resort 28 miles west on
Hwy 12.
Available Activities
- DAY USE AREA - Amphitheater
- PICNICKING - Picnic Tables
- HIKING - Hiking
- CAMPING - Camping
Directions
Located on State Route 123, four miles north of State Route 12.
Cancellation Policy
<p> 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. </p>