Camping in Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks

We went to Mt Rainier last June and could not get into the NP CG which was crowded. We stayed at a NFS CG La Wis Wis just out side the park in the NF. Sites were bigger and much less crowded. There is a nice aqua marine river running through the CG. A short hike up the river are some nice deep pools that my GS and I snorkeled in, lots of white fish on the bottom. For Olympic NP is was the same thing we ended up staying at South Beach an overflow CG right on the ocean. It was nice saw whales, orcas and even a large white shark chasing a baby whale. Don't miss Cape Flattery while in Olympic, it had to be one of the prettiest places that we have been to. Stayed at Mora CG which had a lot of sites available and was a short drive to Cape Flattery. My experience is the NFS CG's are larger usually more secluded and easier to get into than the NP CG's.

If it were me I would camp outside the Parks. Then you can have some peace and quiet. I spent a quarter in the woods near Mt Rainier in forestry school. The remote parts of the park are spectacular. Ohanapecosh is my favorite place with 1,000 year old Doug fir and red cedar trees.

I would NOT count on getting one of the hold backs. They go very quickly.
If I were you, I would make a resi in one of the local RV resorts.

enblethen ~ thanks for the correction

White River opens June 22. From White River also is Sunrise Visitor center, great hiking trails and information at the visitor center.

Also beware that a site may show as Walkup but in reality you can never get them because it’s the Host site.

You get a view OF mt Rainier at White River CG but not Ohanapecosh. If you are lucky get D26 at White River atnd you’ll have the greatest view of Mt Rainier. So good you won’t want to ever leave. Lots of hiking trails to get even closer views.

"Walk up" sites are for people like me that do not make reservations.
"walk in" sites are for back packers, tent campers and the like.

At Mt Rainier White River campground is first come first serve. No hookup with 22 ft length limit. Your B+ no problem. I think opening date is late June, need to check date. Usually never fills up during mid week and only sometimes on week ends. There is water facets and flush toilets but no dump station. Ohanapecosh campground is on the reservation system, ,no hookups but there is a dump station. You can Mt Rainier at White River CG but not at Ohanapecosh. There are also lots of Campground on Highway 410 and 12. On Highway 410 Lodgepole campground is a great USFS Campground, all paved camp sites and very clean newer outhouse. Just outside Mt Rainier on 410 is Silver Spring and The Dalles CG, very clean, all with great HOSTS. NEED more info PM ME.

Thought 'walk-up' sites were for bicyclists & back packers. As they are in Yosemite. JM2¢ YMMV