Mount Rainier NP in Spring — RV camping guide
PickRV Editorial
The small team behind PickRV
spring warmth
28°–60°F
Highlights
5
RV advisories
4
Permits
1
Spring at Rainier is lower-elevation focused. Paradise (5,400 ft) remains under deep snow through May. Carbon River and Ohanapecosh sections open earlier. Wildflowers below 5,000 ft bloom in May. Most RV campgrounds open mid-May to June.
Same park, other seasons
Pack for this
Typical weather, month by month
March
Wet · snowy at elevation
April
Wildflowers below 5,000 ft
May
Lower trails opening · Paradise still snowed
What's special now
Highlights this season
Carbon River old-growth
Lower elevation, rainforest feel. Easy hiking once snow melts.
Ohanapecosh hot springs (closed but area)
Ohanapecosh area has some of the largest old-growth in the park.
Paradise viewing from below
Even when Paradise is snowed, drive to Longmire for views.
Waterfalls at peak
Snowmelt drives Christine Falls, Narada Falls.
Wildflowers in lower meadows
Spring beauty, glacier lily. May at lower elevations.
Time it right
When to go
Best window to plan
Late May for lower-elevation hiking + waterfall peak. Paradise wait for July.
Before you tow in
RV-specific considerations
Cougar Rock + Ohanapecosh
Open mid-May typically, RVs to 35 ft, $20/night, no hookups.
White River + Sunrise closed
Higher elevation, open June-September.
Paradise day-use
Plowed in spring when conditions allow.
No hookups in park
Dry camping only.
Reserve ahead
Permits + reservations
Stay safe out there
Safety considerations
- Snow melt rivers run fast and cold.
- Avalanche risk at elevation.
- Hypothermia in wet + cool conditions.
- Cell service patchy.
- Black bears emerging.
No surprises
Honest pricing reality
What it actually costs
In-park: $20/night. Outside RV parks: $40-80 spring.
Quick answers
Frequently asked
When does Paradise open?
Paradise (5,400 ft) sees deep snow through May. Trails clear by July typically.
Can I camp at Rainier in spring?
Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh typically open mid-May. Higher-elevation campgrounds open June.
Are waterfalls at peak?
Yes — snowmelt drives spring waterfalls. Christine, Narada both spectacular.
Where do I see Mount Rainier without going to Paradise?
Longmire viewpoints, Reflection Lakes (when road open), Sunrise (open later).
What the NPS site won't tell you
The NPS rarely promotes this: the Carbon River area (NW corner of park) feels like a temperate rainforest and rarely sees the Paradise-side crowds. Old-growth Douglas fir + cedar, easy walking, waterfalls. Park at Carbon River entrance.
Sources we checked
Keep planning