Mt rainier without a camping reservation

[summitchaserCJB]

Either the Emmons or Muir. Thinking about next weekend. I figure both are booked with reservations so I'm not even going to try. What are my chances? Do I have a good chance of camping on Emmons Flats or Ingram Flats? Will the Park System let you go up if the camps are full?

[scooter15]

You are right, many of the camping permits that can be reserved in advance might be gone already, but a certain percentage of the camping permits (I think about 30%) are made available on a first-come, first-serve basis. On a busy weekend with good weather, permits for Muir will sometimes be gone early in the day or possibly even the day before. If the weather is questionable, then you will probably be able to get a walk-in camping permit without too much trouble. I imagine a campsite like Ingraham flats might be a little easier to get than a spot at Muir, especially considering the fact that the conditions on Rainier haven't been that great recently.

 

What I would do if I were you is try to go to Rainier on Friday to get a permit (you have to be there in person to get a walk-in permit). If you can't do that, then plan on showing up extremely early and be at the doors to the ranger station when they open in the morning on Saturday.

 

You might also call the ranger station a few days in advance to check on permit availabilities. They should be able to give you an idea of how early you will need to show up to get a walk-in permit.

 

Also, to answer your second question, the rangers will issue you a climbing permit even if you do not have a campsite. Realize that this means that you won't have anywhere to sleep, so you will have to do Rainier in one continuous push.

 

Good luck!