Cougar Rock Campground, Mt. Rainier National Park, Ashford, Washington

Mt. Rainier National Park has is a beautiful park in central Washington that offers several campgrounds to choose from within the boundaries of the park. We chose Cougar Rock for it's peek-a-boo views of Mt. Rainier, wooded sites and proximity to the park's free shuttle service and hiking trails. At just over 3,000 feet in elevation, the campground offers over 180 sites for RVs up to 35 feet. I recommend you take that recommendation seriously, as it was at times very difficult to maneuver through the roads of the campground, including those leading to the water fill and dump station. Smaller rigs are better suited here as trees are abundant. Despite being a larger campground, sites are nicely spaced and heavily wooded, providing a quiet and private experience. Sites offer picnic tables, fire pits and bear boxes. Interior roads are paved, while pads are dirt and gravel. Reserve carefully, as some sites have moderate to severe grades, as noted on the

reservation website. The campground has restrooms, an amphitheater offering several weekly ranger programs, free shuttle service throughout the park and abundant hiking trails. The campground is located on the southern side of Mt. Rainier, a dormant volcano that looms through the trees of camp. The free shuttle will take you up to the base of Rainier (a climb of several thousand feet), where a lodge, nicely appointed Visitor's Center, restaurant and hiking are available. Along the way you will catch glimpses of many of the abundant waterfalls that flow throughout the park. Reservations are accepted here for the park's short season: late May through early October.

Location
Best Sites: A17, A21, B19, B20, B22, C15, D20, D26, D27
Poor Sites: None
Hookups: None
Potable Water: Yes (not easily accessed by longer RVs)
Dump within Facility: Yes (not easily accessed by longer RVs)