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Map showing campground location near Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Camper submitted image from Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National ParkView 11 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

3 ReviewsAdd Review

The five-mile hike into Carbon River Camp eliminates most crowds, creating a quiet backcountry experience within Mount Rainier National Park. Campers follow a combination of old road and replacement trail where the Carbon River has washed out vehicle access, with the route staying close to the river for most of the journey.

Sites spread across the hillside provide natural separation, with some positioned high enough to offer two tent spots. A log bridge crosses the stream for water access, though all water requires filtering. The suspension bridge over the Carbon River connects to trails leading to the lowest glacier in the lower 48. For those seeking more tent sites around Mount Rainier National Park, this hike-in location rewards the effort with solitude and direct trail access.

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Location

Public Campground

Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.94970652 N
121.79443427 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
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    AT&T
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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Toilets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Hike-in campground offers excellent privacy and well-separated sites with good ground conditions. Basic facilities with no potable water require filtering from stream, but peaceful atmosphere compensates for limited amenities.

KN Y.
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2022

not super easy to get to but worth it

you used to be able to drive and car camp here but the carbon river keeps washing things out.  Now there is a roughly 5 mile hike on combo of old road and replacement trail wherever the road is washed out.  it is a slightly uphill hike but nothing terrible, you are along the river for almost the entire time.  once there expect a fairly large campground with everything you need.  You will have very little company due to the hike in.  if you made it this far make sure you continue across the suspension bridge over the carbon river and the short hike to the lowest glacier in the lower 48.

Danielle S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

A good, quiet campground

You have to hike-in to get to this campground. When we were there, the river access was washed out, so you have to hike down to get to it. Our knees were killing us by the time we got there.

You have to cross a log bridge to access this site, which I have pictured. I love that kind of log bridge, but it can be a little intimidating.

If you are coming from one direction (there were two, and if the river access is not washed out, three) ways to get to the campsite, you cross a really awesome suspension bridge. We crossed it the next day, but if you didn't cross it on your way, go take a look, it's one of the best suspension bridges I have been on.

The sites are separated from each other, so much so that while I knew there were others there, I never heard or saw them. The group site is first, and the rest are past a fallen tree and up the hill. We had the spot way up the hill (just keep climbing!), and really, it was two spots if you have two tents. We chose the lower of the two for our tent and the ground was nice, hard and flat. We had a good night's rest.

The toilet, if I recall was back down our site's trail and up the main campground trail a bit.

There is no potable water, we filtered our water at the stream with the log bridge.

You are surrounded by hiking at this spot... pick a direction on the trail and enjoy.

  • Review photo of Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National Park by Danielle S., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National Park by Danielle S., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National Park by Danielle S., August 31, 2018
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Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Carbon River Campground located in Mt. Rainier?

Carbon River Campground is located in the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park. The campground sits along the Carbon River, but access has changed over time due to river washouts. Currently, reaching the campground requires approximately a 5-mile hike on a combination of old road and replacement trail sections. The trail follows the river for most of the journey with a slight uphill grade. A log bridge crossing is required to access the campsite area.

Is dispersed camping allowed in the Carbon River area?

Dispersed camping is not allowed in the Carbon River area. Mount Rainier National Park requires visitors to camp only in designated campgrounds, including Carbon River Campground. The park maintains strict camping regulations to protect the sensitive alpine environment. All overnight stays require proper permits from the park service. For backcountry camping in the broader Carbon River area, you must obtain a wilderness permit and stay in designated backcountry sites only.

What hiking trails are accessible from Carbon River Campground?

Carbon River Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring several trails in the northwest section of Mount Rainier National Park. The main access trail itself offers scenic river views along the 5-mile route to the campground. From the camp, hikers can continue further into the park, exploring old-growth forest trails and scenic viewpoints. The area features riverside paths and connections to the broader trail network within this section of the park. Be prepared for possible trail washouts or reroutes due to the active river system in the area.

How many people can camp at Carbon River Campground sites?

Carbon River Campground typically accommodates small groups with standard tent sites. While the exact capacity per site isn't specified, most backcountry sites in Mount Rainier National Park accommodate up to 6 people per site. The campground is designed for tent camping, with each site able to fit a standard 6-person tent. Always check with Mount Rainier National Park for current regulations and site limitations before your trip.

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