White River Campground
The Quick Take
White River is Mount Rainier's basecamp for the Sunrise side of the park, and it earns that reputation honestly. Tucked into a forested canyon along its namesake river, the campground offers solid privacy between sites despite having a decent number of them. The trade-off is real: you get the Wonderland Trail literally running through camp and Sunrise -- the highest point you can drive to in the park -- just up the road, but you give up flush toilets, showers, cell service, and any hope of plugging something in. The road in is narrow with tight switchbacks, so oversized rigs should think twice. At twenty bucks a night with no reservation system, this is pure old-school national park camping. Choose White River if you want to hike hard during the day and fall asleep to the sound of glacial meltwater at night.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 88 sites are reservable.
What You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
Restrooms in Loop C are accessible. The road and loops are paved. Campsites tend to be gravel or packed dirt. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Generators:Quiet hours must be maintained between 9 p.m.
- Bear Safety:Do not leave pets unattended for their safety and the safety of visitors and wildlife.
Pro Tips
White River is first-come, first-serve with no reservations, so arrive before noon on weekdays -- sites turn over at checkout time. Thursday arrivals for a weekend stay are your best bet, since Friday afternoon is already too late in July and August.
The Sunrise parking lot fills by mid-morning in peak season, but camping here means you can hike up to Sunrise at dawn before the crowds arrive, or catch the Wonderland Trail to Summerland without fighting for a trailhead spot.
No camp store, no ice, no showers anywhere in the park -- pack a solar shower bag and a quality cooler with block ice from Enumclaw or Greenwater on your way in. The amphitheater hosts ranger programs most summer evenings, which is your best entertainment option since your phone is basically a paperweight here.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
There is no address for White River Campground. It is located 6 miles east of State Route 410, off the road leading to Sunrise area of the park. GPS coordinates are 46.902427,-121.638565.
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