8 Must See Dispersed Camping Near Seattle, Washington

Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by

The Pacific Northwest is unlike everywhere else in America. Mountain ranges that reach the sky, rich and dark rainforests, and a wild coastline so beautiful that you’ll forget you’re only a morning’s drive from Seattle’s city lights may be found in Washington’s “upper left” state.

Boondocking and dispersed camping opportunities abound in Washington.

So pack your tent or RV, fill up on snacks, and head to one of Washington State’s hidden gem campgrounds.

Washington State is brimming with free dispersed campgrounds if you know where to look.

Free camping can be found all around Washington, from the Olympic Peninsula to Eastern Washington to the Cascade Mountains, whether you’re camping in a tent, camper, trailer, or RV.

This article will discuss the best dispersed camping near Seattle, Washington.

What are the Best Dispersed Camping Near Seattle, Washington?

1. Olympic Peninsula DNR Campgrounds

The Olympic Peninsula is home to ten free campgrounds run by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

A Discover Pass (only $35 per year) is required to stay at a DNR campground. Thus they aren’t truly free. On the other hand, a Discover Pass grants you “free” admission to hundreds of additional campgrounds and hiking trailheads around the state.

Despite the fact that these are established campgrounds (albeit basic ones with only vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings), you will prefer them to dispersed camping when visiting the Olympic Peninsula because of their convenient locations.

The Hoh Oxbow Campground is possibly the most picturesque. It’s located on the Hoh River near the Hoh Rainforest, just off Highway 101.

Because Hoh Oxbow and adjacent Cottonwood and Minnie Peterson Campgrounds fill up quickly, search for backups at Coppermine Bottom, Upper Clearwater, and South Fork Hoh Campgrounds.

2. Salmon La Sac Dispersed Camping Area

Another of our favorite spots for free dispersed camping in Washington is near Salmon La Sac Road in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

It’s close outside of Cle Elum, making it highly accessible for anyone traveling from Seattle (the first campgrounds are just about two hours away from Seattle).

Make your way to Salmon La Sac Campground (a charming developed campground). Starting near the northern end of Cle Elum Lake, a few scattered campsites along the main road can be found. You can camp here as long as you stay within the bounds of the national forest.

Our favorite dispersed camping spots, on the other hand, are along NF-4330. Take the right turn before Salmon La Sac Road enters Salmon La Sac Campground.

Almost quickly, you’ll come across great dispersed campsites. Along the dirt road, look for pullouts. The majority of them have handcrafted rock fire rings.

Before reaching Tucquala Meadows, NF-4330 continues for a little over 12 miles. Along this stretch of road, numerous dispersed campsites mixed in with developed campgrounds are situated.

Turn left onto NF-46 towards Cooper Lake if you’re an RV boondocking. On the route up to the lake, you’ll pass dozens of fantastic dispersed campsites (typically gravel pullouts off the main road).

3. Methow Wildlife Area

Try Methow Wildlife Area adjacent to Winthrop, on the east side of the North Cascades Highway, for some of our recommended dispersed camping (State Route 20).

Although there are various camping possibilities in this area, our favorites are near Cougar Lake. You’ll want to camp near the lake on the enormous sandy beach, but more campsites along the walk-in near the vault toilet.

On the route to Cougar Lake, the campsites at Bear Creek are well worth a look. Along the dirt road just past Cougar Lake, there are even more dispersed campsites.

Additional dispersed camping options can be found in the adjacent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and at Boulder Creek Sno-Park (wide open and spacious, ideal for large RVs and trailers).

To camp in Methow Wildlife Area as well as Boulder Creek Sno Park, you’ll need a Discover Pass (which costs $35 per year).

4. Mountain Loop Highway

One of the best sites for dispersed camping near Seattle is the Mountain Loop Highway. The Granite Falls-Darrington scenic byway links the towns of Granite Falls and Darrington and usually is available from late spring to early fall, depending on snow and road conditions.

Although there are a few dispersed campsites along the paved sections of the road, the best campsites are situated along the approximately 14 miles of single-lane unpaved (dirt/gravel) road.

This road connects Barlow Pass and White Chuck River Road – make sure you’re within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest boundaries before you set up camp.

The loveliest campsites are located along the South Fork Sauk River.

Many people have easy access to the river. Only a few of these campsites are hidden from the road, but the bulk is somewhat visible, with moderate traffic, so don’t anticipate complete seclusion.

5. Babyshoe Pass

Forest Road 23 in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest leads to some of Washington’s most remote dispersed campgrounds. Despite the fact that there are other dispersed campsites in the area, our favorites are around Babyshoe Pass.

You can reach there from the north, from Randle, or the south, from Trout Lake. Start looking for campsites at either Babyshoe Pass or Council Lake (which has a small free campground). Off Forest Road 2334 and Forest Road 335 are two of our favorites.

You should be aware that the roads leading to this location are rugged. Expect 9% gradients, loose gravel, and a rough washboard surface.

Even paved roadways are riddled with potholes. Don’t go for a drive late at night. Only small trailers and RVs are permitted in this area.

6. Frenchman Coulee

Frenchman Coulee is a fantastic free camping location between Vantage and George just minutes from I-90.

The scenery is beautiful, but be aware that it can be very windy. It’s so windy that you’ll probably want to sleep in a hard-sided car. RVs and trailers will have plenty of room.

The first camping place you see as you drive in is our favorite. There’s a vast open space on the right side of the road with views of the Frenchman Coulee Waterfall.

These campsites are right next to the Feathers, a famous rock climbing spot. Continue through the rocky pillars to the third and final free camping place, which is similarly located on the left side of the road.

The dispersed campsites in the third camp area are also suitable for tent camping, particularly those nearest to the road and tucked up against a hill that will provide a break from the wind.

7. McCroskey State Park

One of the most incredible spots for free camping near Washington’s Palouse region is Mary McCroskey State Park.

It’s just minutes from Washington and offers extremely great views of the Palouse and neighboring Steptoe Butte while being just across the state line in Idaho.

The calm and quiet are two of our favorite aspects of camping in McCroskey State Park. You’ll see a daytime visitor here and there, but I’ve never seen any other campers.

The free and primitive campsites are situated along the 18-mile Skyline Drive. There are both dispersed and built campsites, including the ones in Iron Mountain Campground.

Many of the campsites are large, level pull-throughs with spectacular views. The maximum RV length recommended by Idaho State Parks is 28 feet, although you can go a little longer if you are comfortable driving on twisting, gravel roads with minor wash boarding.

There are several options for getting into the park. You will arrive just outside of Farmington from Washington. Start in Tensed if you are coming from Idaho. For RVs and trailers, the best access is from Tensed (through King Valley Road).

8. Olympic Peninsula

Campers go to the Olympic Peninsula to discover Olympic National Park’s beaches, mountains, and rainforests. Although the national park campgrounds are a great paid alternative, there are many free camping options on every side of the peninsula.

The Olympic National Forest has a lot of dispersed camping and ten free established campgrounds maintained by the Department of Natural Resources.

Conclusion

This article discussed all of the best dispersed camping near Seattle, Wahington.

Washington State – and the Pacific Northwest as a whole – is home to some of the best camping sites in the country.

Get a start here for the best dispersed campsites with our recommendations above, but keep in mind that there are countless other free campgrounds to discover.

Enjoy your adventure!

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