Permits

You must have a permit to camp on the wonderland trail and camp in a designated and assigned area. In January begin your planning with this handy online tool titled The Wonderland Trail Online Planner

Obtaining a Permit

There now are three ways to obtain a permit.

Apply online for Early Entry Lottery starting early March at http://www.Recreation.gov. If selected from the lottery you will be assigned a window of date and time to apply with your desired itinerary. Be prepared to make alternate plans.
General On Sale for everyone begins after Early Entry Lottery is over end of March beginning of April use http://www.recreation.gov
Walk-up to a Mt. Rainier National Park Ranger Station and get in line at least one day before their desired trip date. I think is wise to consider you might be starting your trip that day. Try to have alternate plans and be flexible.

Details on obtaining permits can change often. Click the following link that will direct you to the parks Wildness Permits page.

Backcountry Camps on the Wonderland

The coveted permit grants you permission to camp overnight in these backcountry campgrounds only when listed on the permit and in the number of days you believe you will need to complete the loop. In other words you must submit your itinerary.

Pyramid Creek- (no group site) 3,765 feet
Devil’s Dream- 5,060 feet
South Puyallup River- 4,000 feet
Klapatche Park- (no group site) 5,515 feet
North Puyallup River- 3,750 feet
Golden Lakes- 5,130 feet
South Mowich River- 2,605 feet
*Mowich Lake Campground- 4,929 feet
Ipsut Creek Campground- 2,330 feet
Carbon River- 3,195 feet
Dick Creek- (no group site) 4,185 feet
Mystic Camp- 5,570 feet
Granite Creek- 5,765
Sunrise Camp- 6,245
*White River Campground- 4,280 feet
Summerland- 5,940 feet
Indian Bar- 5,120 feet
Nickel Creek- 3,385 feet
Maple Creek- 2,815 feet
Paradise River- 3,805 feet
*Cougar Rock Campground– 3,180 feet
(Cougar Rock must be reserved through Recreation.gov.)