Elk River "Stony Beach" Dispersed Camping

Nice open area by the river

I’m obsessed with this site. Listening to the river while drifting to sleep was simply heavenly. There was one other group while we were there, but couldn’t even see them from where we were.

Would I recommend bringing a camper down to this spot? Not necessarily. But also, my partner and I had to do it because it was so beautiful and we managed just fine. The road down was fairly steep, but worse were the deep ruts in it.

Elk Rd also had some rough spots from landslides. There was one section that was COVERED in boulders and there was hardly room to get through.

Camped one night, so peaceful. Quiet and dark. Took several divine swims. The water is crystal clear and cool, comfortable to stay in for minutes. Had a wild and beautiful romp up the State creek canyon across the bar. Just one other camper was there overnight. Plenty of room for both of us. Couldn’t even see them most of the time. 3 other parties came and went during the day, all focused on swimming and low key family time in nature. The only negative is a pile of the grossest trash, human waste in plastic bags, and some other random defunct camping items. I collected them and piled them up at the side of the road. People clearly struggle with how to manage the absence of toilet. I dug a little hole in the thimbleberries across the road and used their wide and soft leaves to clean myself up. No biggie.

Elk dispersed camping starts 8 miles up elk river rd. Everything past the fish hatchery is fair game. We found a great pull off that led under a bridge. Beautiful spot and no bothersome traffic

Full time van lifers who work remote. Very dense in a valley spot, starlink would not work great for a work day. So many bugs when we arrived at night.

Wouldn’t dare try going down the steep rough dirt road knowing internet wouldn’t be great.

Site was very easy access after driving down a long back road. Quiet, clean, and pretty. No phone service.

We were looking for a last minute place to camp when our last site didn’t work out. This place was perfect! They have dammed up a bit of the creek to make a perfect deep area to take a bath. It’s nice a secluded behind trees to shield you from the other campers.

We went on a Friday night and there were three other groups but plenty of space for a another couple of people. The road to access this is paved and very accessible BUT there is a steep gravel hill to get down into the campground. It is pitted and difficult to get up/down but we managed in an AWD Subaru crosstrek. Someone else brought down an entire trailer. I have no idea how but I guess it’s possible.

The entrance is marked with a large rock painted red. You can’t miss it. Just put in the coordinates and you’ll take you right to it.

Perfect secluded little campground. Highly recommend!!