This Small and Quiet Campground Is the Perfect Home Base for Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is an outdoor lover's paradise. Not only are the views extraordinary within and around this Washington park, but there is plenty to do, from hiking to scenic drives. In fact, with so many recreational activities to enjoy, you need several days to explore. And while you can always book a stay in a hotel or a vacation rental, I recommend spending the night in the fresh mountain air, and there’s no place quite like Paradise Pines, a small and quiet campground just outside of Mount Rainier National Park.

Paradise Pines is not your typical campground. It’s not large, it’s not packed with services, and it’s not crowded. It’s the perfect place to stay for a visit to nearby Mount Rainer National Park.

In fact, Paradise Pines, located just outside Ashford, features only two primitive campsites. There is no electricity, water, or trash services. Instead, you have only the essentials for a cozy camping experience, like a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table. There is also a shared porta-potty.

However, despite a long list of amenities, you won’t feel like you are sleeping in a random forest. The campsites are well-maintained with rock/gravel ground, well-constructed tent pads, and sturdy tables.

Do you want to know my favorite part about this small campground near Mount Rainier? It’s the quiet and remote experience you’ll receive when staying here. The campground is tucked away in the trees, so you’ll feel far away and completely off the grid. Because of the limited campsites, you never have to worry about large crowds or excessive noise. This is truly a place where you can relax, unwind, and just enjoy your time outdoors.

The campsites are of two different sizes. The Wonderland Campsite, located on the eastern side of the property, offers plenty of room for up to eight guests. Pets are allowed. There are two 12x12 tent pads, two picnic tables, and one fire ring.

The Skyline campsite, the western site, is smaller. It features only one tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring, and can sleep up to four guests. Keep in mind that neither campsite has wheelchair access, and each site can accommodate only two vehicles.

This campsite is near the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, and if you need any additional services, the small town of Ashford is just a short drive away. Because the Nisqually entrance is one of the busiest and most popular, I recommend leaving your campsite early to avoid long lines at the entrance. And once you are inside the park, consider hiking the Nisqually Vista Trail or the Alta Vista Trail. Don't forget to make the drive to see Reflection Lakes and Inspiration Point as well.

Paradise Pines Campground near Mount Rainier National Park may not be your typical place to camp in Washington—it’s small, designed only for tents, and primitive—but there’s so much more to it. This campground is the perfect place to disconnect, go off the grid, and unwind. It’s a place where you can have an adventure you’ll never forget.

You can reserve a campsite at Paradise Pines 18 months in advance. Learn more, including availability and rates, on Hipcamp. Share this article with someone you want to spend a night camping under the stars with.