Visitors can check in to the campground and get guidance from park staff at the ranger station.
Photo: NPS Photo
About
Cougar Rock Campground is located on the south side of the park, on the road between Longmire and Paradise. It is in a steep valley with the Nisqually River across the main road. Thick forest extends through the whole campground providing privacy for campsites. Access to the Wonderland trail is across the road with waterfalls a moderate hike away. Less than 15 minutes of driving can take you to the trails and facilities at Longmire or Paradise.
Campsites
Location
Mount Rainier National Park
Ashford, WA 98304
Fees
Hours
Cougar Rock is only open for camping during the summer season which runs from late May to early October. Opening and closing dates vary depending on the highly variable mountain weather and snow conditions. The number of sites available in the early season can also be affected by this. During the summer season, campground is open 24 hours a day with a noon checkout time.
Reservations
Reservations can be made online or by telephone 1-877-444-6777. Cougar Rock campsites tend to open in mid to late May as weather allows. From opening until the end of June, all open sites are first-come, first-serve. Reservations are accepted up to 6 months in advance.
Make a Reservation →Directions
There is no address for Cougar Rock Campground. It is located 14 miles east of the town of Ashford, Washington, on State Route 706/Paradise Road, and about 2 miles uphill from Longmire.
Weather
This campground is in a mountain river valley, about 3,180 feet above sea level. During the summer, it typically has comfortable day time temperatures, but expect those to fall quickly near sunset. Mountain weather can change rapidly. Most summer days are dry, but rain, thunderstorms and even snow have occurred in July and August. This area is subject to sudden and severe geological hazards such as flooding, landslides and rock fall.
Accessibility
The campground road and parking spurs are paved. Campsites consist of packed dirt of gravel with a picnic table, fire pit and tent pad.
Public wifi is available in the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. The wifi has limited bandwidth and can be slow during times of high volume.
Cellular service is spotty at best, and varies with service provider. Please contact the cellular providers directly to ask for a coverage map.
Campfires are only allowed in the designated fire pit at each campsite. No gathering of wood allowed though firewood can be purchased at stand in campground or at the Longmire General Store.
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Cougar Rock Campground is located in a steep river valley on the side of Mount Rainier. The loops do include some sharp curves. There are a limited number of pull-throughs. No hook-ups are available though there is a dump station near the campground entrance. Loop E allows no generator use.
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Accessible restrooms are located at the Cougar Rock campground. There are four wheelchair accessible sites within the campground. An America the Beautiful Access Card is required for these sites. The amphitheater is also accessible using a wooden ramp.
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Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Developed Campground