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Campground Overview

Introduction

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.

Campsite Details

Reservable133

First Come First Serve46

Total Sites179

Group5

Horse0

Tent Only78

Electrical Hookups0

RV Only24

Walk/Boat To0

Other0

Operating 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.

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.

Amenities

Trash & Recycling Collection

Toilets

Amphitheater

Staff or Host On-Site

Potable Water

Firewood For Sale

Food Storage Lockers

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.

Rates & Fees

$20.00

Campground Site Fee

Fee to camp in one campsite in the campground with up to 2 tents and 6 people (unless immediate family) for one night.

$10.00

Discount Campground Site Fee

With an America the Beautiful Access or Senior Pass, the card holder can get a discounted rate for a campsite. A single campsite can have up to 2 tents and 6 people (unless immediate family).

$60.00

Group Site Fee

If you plan to use the group sites at Cougar Rock or Ohanapecosh campgrounds between Memorial Day weekend and Columbus Day, you must make reservations. Groups of 12 or more are permitted only in specific group sites. Group sites are designed for tent camping only so RVs are not permitted. At campgrounds throughout the park, parking is limited. Those using group campsites may need to consult the campground ranger to arrange additional parking. Maximum groups sizes vary by site.

Rules & Regulations

Fire/Stove Policy

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.

Regulations Overview

Quiet hours must be maintained between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Generators may be used only between 8 a.m.-10 a.m., 12 p.m.-2 p.m., and 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Loop E in Cougar Rock is closed to generator use. Please show respect for others by keeping noise to a minimum at all times. Pets are not permitted in amphitheaters, buildings, on trails or in vegetated areas. Pets are permitted only in parking lots and roads open to vehicles and within the designated campsite. Pets must be crated, on a leash or otherwise under physical restraint at all times. Do not leave pets unattended for their safety and the safety of visitors and wildlife. For your safety and theirs do not feed the wildlife. Never leave food unattended. Store food, including coolers, in vehicles overnight and whenever your campsite is unattended. Keep your campsite clean of food scraps and garbage. Do not drive nails into trees or dig ditches around tents. Tents may not be placed on vegetation.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
The campground road and parking spurs are paved. Campsites consist of packed dirt of gravel with a picnic table, fire pit and tent pad.
Internet Information
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.
Cell Phone Information
Cellular service is spotty at best, and varies with service provider. Please contact the cellular providers directly to ask for a coverage map.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
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.
RV Maximum Length
35
Trailer Maximum Length
27
ADA Information
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.
Trailer Allowed
Yes

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