Mount Rainier National Park
A volcano park in Washington with five entrances but only one open all year. Campgrounds have no hookups, and several roads close for winter.
- State
- Washington
- Established
- 1899
- Best season
- Jul–early Sep (Sunrise road open)
- Passes
- Cayuse and Chinook (closed in winter)
Before you go
- Only the Nisqually entrance in the southwest is open to vehicles year-round. The road to Longmire stays open in winter apart from severe weather.
- SR 410 (Chinook Pass) and SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) close completely for winter. SR 123 has a height limit of 13 ft 1 in (about 4.0 m). Carry tire chains in winter.
- The park lists no electrical, water or grey-water hookups in any campground. Maximum RV length per the park: Cougar Rock 35 ft (about 10.7 m), White River 27 ft (about 8.2 m).
Planning
The park has five entrances: Nisqually in the southwest, Carbon River/Mowich Lake in the northwest, Ohanapecosh in the southeast, White River in the northeast and Chinook Pass in the east. The northwest entrance was last reported as not accessible by vehicle. The Sunrise road typically opens around July 1 and closes in early September. The White River road closes in mid-October or earlier after heavy snow. Paradise Road closes nightly from November into spring. Check the park's official road status page daily.
Camping
The main campgrounds are Cougar Rock in the southwest, White River in the northeast and Ohanapecosh in the southeast, plus walk-in tent sites at Mowich Lake. Cougar Rock takes reservations through Recreation.gov. White River is first-come, first-served. Ohanapecosh is closed for rehabilitation in 2026. The RV dump station at Cougar Rock was last listed as closed. Seasons depend on weather and snow, so check the park's campground page.
Getting around
Ohanapecosh is reached via Stevens Canyon Road, which generally opens from late May to early November and closes seasonally depending on snow. The Stevens Canyon tunnel has a height limit of 12 ft 6 in (about 3.8 m), and SR 123 has 13 ft 1 in (about 4.0 m). RVs and trailers over 25 ft (about 7.6 m) should avoid Sunrise Road beyond White River Campground. All winter travellers must carry tire chains. Unexpected closures can occur at any time, so check road conditions each morning.
FAQs
Which entrance is open all year?
Only the Nisqually entrance in the southwest. The road to Longmire stays open in winter with limited exceptions in extreme weather. Paradise Road closes nightly from November through spring.
Are there hookups for campers?
No. The park lists no electrical, water or grey-water hookups in any campground. Maximum RV length differs between campgrounds, so check the park's campground page before booking.
Is there a height limit on park roads?
The park names a limit of 13 ft 1 in (about 4.0 m) on SR 123 and 12 ft 6 in (about 3.8 m) in the Stevens Canyon tunnel. Check the road status page for current restrictions.
Places to see
Paradise, Mount Rainier
Wildflower meadows at 5,400 feet on the flank of Mount Rainier, with trails toward the glaciers.
Reflection Lakes
Roadside lakes on Stevens Canyon Road that mirror Mount Rainier on calm mornings. Parking is along the…
Sunrise, Mount Rainier
The highest point reachable by car in Mount Rainier National Park, at 6,400 feet, facing the Emmons…
Box Canyon
A slot about 115 feet deep cut by the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz, seen from the road bridge on Stevens…
Tipsoo Lake
A small subalpine lake below Chinook Pass on SR-410, with Rainier reflected in calm water. Wildflowers peak…
Windy Ridge Viewpoint
A viewpoint on the east side of Mount St. Helens looking into the crater and over Spirit Lake, still…
Johnston Ridge Observatory
A viewpoint looking straight into the crater of Mount St. Helens, five miles from the 1980 blast.
Lava Canyon
A gorge scoured out by the 1980 mudflows, with waterfalls and a suspension bridge. The upper loop is short…
Campsites nearby
- Ohanapecosh CampgroundCampsite7 mi from · 188 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalNo dogs
- Cougar Rock CampgroundCampsite8 mi from · 173 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalNo dogs
- Silver Springs CampgroundCampsite13 mi fromTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Big Creek CampgroundCampsite16 mi from · 29 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Upper Bumping Lake CampgroundCampsite17 mi from · 45 pitchesCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Soda Springs CampgroundCampsite22 mi fromTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026