Mount Rainier NP in Winter — RV camping guide
PickRV Editorial
The small team behind PickRV
winter warmth
22°–38°F
Highlights
5
RV advisories
4
Permits
1
Winter at Mount Rainier centers on Paradise. The road is plowed daily (weather permitting). Snowshoeing and snowplay are the activities. Paradise becomes one of the snowiest places in the US — average 50+ feet annually. No in-park camping in winter. Day-trip or stay outside.
Same park, other seasons
Pack for this
Typical weather, month by month
December
Heavy snow · short days
January
Coldest · deepest snow
February
Still wintery · longer days
What's special now
Highlights this season
Paradise snowplay area
Designated snowplay area. Family-friendly. Bring sled.
Snowshoeing tours
Ranger-led snowshoe walks on weekends.
Snow-laden Paradise Lodge
Historic lodge buried under 20+ ft of snow. Photogenic.
Ohanapecosh old-growth in snow
Lower-elevation forests with snow on cedars.
Mount Rainier views from outside
Drives from Enumclaw or Packwood.
Time it right
When to go
Best window to plan
January through February for the deepest snow + best photography.
Before you tow in
RV-specific considerations
No in-park camping
All campgrounds closed for winter.
Paradise day-use
Road plowed daily. Chains often required.
Day-trip from outside
Stay in Enumclaw or Packwood.
Cold-weather prep critical
If you bring rig anyway, full winterization.
Reserve ahead
Permits + reservations
Stay safe out there
Safety considerations
- Heavy snowstorms can close roads.
- Avalanche risk on certain slopes.
- Hypothermia.
- Chains required.
- Cell service patchy.
No surprises
Honest pricing reality
What it actually costs
No in-park camping. Outside RV parks: $30-60/night winter.
Quick answers
Frequently asked
Is Mount Rainier open in winter?
Paradise road plowed daily (weather permitting). Most other access closed.
Can I camp at Rainier in winter?
No in-park camping. Stay in nearby town.
What winter activities?
Snowplay, snowshoeing (rentals available), ranger-led walks. Family-friendly.
How much snow does Paradise get?
Average 50+ feet annually. One of the snowiest places in the US.
What the NPS site won't tell you
Locals know: the snow-buried Paradise Lodge after a major storm is one of the most photogenic NPS scenes in the country. 20+ feet of snow piled against the windows. Arrive on a clear day after a storm.
Sources we checked
Keep planning