Cougar Rock Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates late May through early October depending on snow conditions. The RV dump and fill station will be closed for the 2026 season.
Timed Entry Reservations required on weekends/holidays for the Sunrise Corridor ONLY in 2025.
A timed entry reservation is required only for the Sunrise Corridor in the northeast corner of the park from 7 am to 5 pm on weekends & holidays from Sept 1 through end of the season (early- to mid-October).
SR 123 is closed to all through traffic from Stevens Canyon Rd to Cayuse Pass in September 2025
Due to construction, SR 123 will be closed Sept 2 - 30 to all vehicles, pedestrians, & bicyclists from Stevens Canyon Road to Cayuse Pass / SR 410. Stevens Canyon Entrance remains open. Expect detours of 3-4 hours.
Trail Closures: Shriner Peak Trail and Naches Peak Trail
Access is prohibited to Naches Peak Trail as well as trailheads on SR 123 between Cayuse Pass and Stevens Canyon Road to protect public health and safety due to the vicinity of the Wildcat Fire burning outside of the park to the east.
Westside Road temporarily closed due to debris flow activity.
Westside Road is temporarily closed until further notice due to recent thunderstorm events that caused loose sediment and large rocks from Dry Creek to be deposited on the road.
SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.
There is NO public access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from SR 165. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles and there is no alternate route.
Expect delays & limited parking due to construction between Nisqually and Stevens Canyon Entrances.
Pavement preservation work will impact all roads, pullouts, and parking areas from Nisqually Entrance to Stevens Canyon Entrance, including Longmire and Paradise. Expect limited parking availability and up to 30-min delays from 7 am - 7 pm, Mon - Fri.
Fire ban in effect June 10 until further notice.
All campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills is prohibited. This ban is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire.
Expect long lines at entrances on weekends.
Lengthy delays are likely at the southwest park entrance on SR706 on weekends. Check Google Maps for backup (represented by the orange/red line) at link below. Please do not block driveways or roads while in line outside the park.
Ohanapecosh Campground area closed for construction in 2025.
The entire Ohanapecosh Campground area is CLOSED for the duration of the construction project, including all campsites, visitor center, restrooms, picnic area, & Ohanapecosh river access.
Sunrise Service Road Closure
Effective July 14, 2025 until further notice, the eastern portion of the Sunrise Service Road (Sunrise area), access points at Wonderland Trail, Sunrise Parking Lot and Sunrise Picnic Area. Sunrise Road and Sunrise parking area both remain open.
About
Cougar Rock Campground is situated in a steep river valley on the southwest side of Mount Rainier National Park, about 2 miles uphill from Longmire Historic District. At 3,180 feet elevation, the campground is surrounded by majestic old-growth forest that provides privacy for campsites while offering access to some of the park's premier destinations. The Nisqually River runs across the main road from the campground, and the facility includes 179 total sites organized into loops A through E and R, with 133 sites available for reservation and 46 first-come, first-served. The location is ideal for exploring the park, with Paradise less than 15 minutes away, where visitors can experience spectacular wildflower displays through July and August, along with miles of hiking trails and commanding views of Mount Rainier. The Wonderland Trail, a strenuous 93-mile route that encircles the mountain, is accessible directly from the campground. Nearby waterfalls including Carter Falls, Madcap Falls, and Comet Falls are within moderate hiking distance. The campground features an amphitheater where interpretive programs are held seasonally, helping visitors learn about the park's natural and cultural history. Due to the steep valley location and winding roads, RV access is limited to vehicles 35 feet or less, with only a limited number of pull-through sites available.
Directions
Located 14 miles east of Ashford, Washington, on State Route 706/Paradise Road, about 2 miles uphill from Longmire. Enter Mount Rainier National Park through the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of the park.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 27ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (360) 569-6626 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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