Camp at White River in Mount Rainier NP

Getting There From Seattle: Head East on I90 to 405 South, Take the exit for 169 heading towards Enumclaw. I recommend stopping for a bite at the down home, family restaurant called Kitchen in downtown. The food was great with lots of local flavors! Continue on 169 where you will jump on Highway 410. The campground is located five miles up from Highway 410, after you enter the park. 

White River Campground sits at 4,232 feet, making it the highest of the three drive-in campgrounds at Mount Rainier. Make sure to check of the campground is open, due to its high elevation in is the last drive in campground to open and first to close within the park. The campground is also first come- first serve so plan on a few backups if you are going on a weekend. We arrived at 10AM on a Wednesday in mid July and there were only a few spots left.

There are 112 individual sites within the campground. Sites costs $20 (cash or check only) and most of the sites are well placed for both privacy and scenic value. There are four main camping loops, with the majority of the sites positioned on loops C and D. We stayed at B9 which was elevated and very private. Because of the steep terrain around the campground and its proximity to the White River, there are multiple small waterfalls and brooks that provide a perfect sleep soundscape.

There are restrooms and washing facilities located in each loop and in the picnic area although, as in the rest of the campgrounds in the park, there are no showers. Ranger-led evening programs take place in the rustic campfire circle on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and there are Junior Ranger activities for the kids offered each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.