Cougar Rock Group Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from late May through early September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov during the operating 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 Group Campground is located on the southwest side of Mount Rainier National Park, 14 miles east of Ashford, Washington. At an elevation of 3,180 feet, the campground is surrounded by thick old-growth forest and sits adjacent to the Nisqually River. The facility is conveniently positioned near Paradise, the most popular destination in the park, which features a lodge, visitor center, and commanding views of the 14,411-foot glacier-clad volcano. The campground offers access to the renowned Wonderland Trail, a strenuous 93-mile route that encircles the park, ideal for experienced hikers and backpackers. An on-site amphitheater hosts interpretive programs focused on the park's natural and cultural history. The campground features one lookout point offering views of Mount Rainier, a still-active volcano that last erupted in the mid 1800s. Summers are dry and cool with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees, though weather can be variable throughout the park. A short drive to Paradise in summer reveals fields of lush wildflowers in the sub-alpine meadows. The area offers opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, rock climbing, and exploring majestic old-growth forests and tumbling waterfalls.
Directions
Located 14 miles east of Ashford, Washington, on State Route 706/Paradise Road in Mount Rainier National Park.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| matthew_chalup@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (360) 569-2211 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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