Along the Carbon River corridor in the foothills southeast of camping near Carbonado, this free, dispersed Forest Service site draws campers with river access and forested surroundings. It's drive-in accessible and big rig friendly, though at least one reviewer noted that the bridge providing access has been closed at times, so confirming current road conditions before heading out is worth the effort.
Spots along the river fill up first. Campers who arrive early enough to claim a riverside position get the sound of moving water as a backdrop, and Sarah F. sums it up simply: "Got a spot by the river which was great." Nights in early summer run cold and wet, and reviewers camping in June reported rain, though dry firewood could still be found by walking into the tree cover. Campfires are permitted, and pets are welcome.
Weekend crowds bring noise. Multiple reviewers mention loud music and, on at least one occasion, a fifth wheel running a generator until well past midnight. Arriving on a weekday or positioning yourself farther down one of the side roads off the main route gives more distance from that activity. The gravel road leading up from camp also connects to the Summit Lake trailhead, giving hikers a direct route from their site.
Campers wanting a more structured setup nearby can look at Ipsut Creek Camp inside Mount Rainier National Park, roughly two miles to the south.
Description
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities and local restrictions, please contact the nearest ranger district office.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCarbon River is located in Washington near Carbonado
Coordinates
46.99974533 N
121.9170245 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/1/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Carbon River needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 31 min from Olympia, WA
- 1 hr 37 min from Bremerton, WA
- 3 hrs 13 min from Yakima, WA
