Cougar Rock Campground

Cougar Rock Campground is a camping area in Mount Rainier National Park with 173 sites set at 3,180 feet elevation, surrounded by thick forest and near the Nisqually River. The basic campsites have access to drinking water and toilets, but offer no electricity or shower facilities.

The campground was developed as part of Mount Rainier National Park to provide visitor access to this volcanic landscape. The mountain itself shows evidence of activity during the 1800s, shaping the geological story of the area.

The amphitheater here hosts ranger talks about local ecology and mountain geology that help visitors understand the landscape around them. These programs connect people to the forces that shaped this forest and the animals that live here today.

The campground sits along a popular hiking route and fills up quickly during summer months, so booking ahead helps. The forest provides good shade, which helps on hot days, but also means the sun rises late and sets early among the trees.

The Wonderland Trail, a 150 km loop, starts or connects near here and circles the entire mountain. Along the way you pass numerous waterfalls including Carter, Madcap, and Narada, making it a special trek.

Location: Pierce County

GPS coordinates: 46.76734,-121.79429

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:28