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Dispersed Camping

Dome Camp

1 Review
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Dome Camp is located near Mount St. Helens in Washington, offering terrain with forested areas and volcanic landscapes. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer, providing varied conditions for camping throughout the year. Nearby attractions include the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center and the Ape Cave Lava Tubes, which offer educational and recreational opportunities for visitors.

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site

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1 hr 39 min away

Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac Dispersed Campsite

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2 hrs 17 min away

Drive Time

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Location

Dome Camp is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.31239498 N
122.15327554 W

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

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

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5.0

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1 Review

Eric H.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2019

Breathless 360° Views

Mt. Saint Helens has become a 4th of July tradition. In 2019, we hiked the Boundary Trail #1 to the Mount Margaret Wilderness overlooking the Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument. We set out to camp at Dome Camp in between Coldwater Peak and Mount Margaret. Permits are required and limited to 4 per night. At the time, they cost $6ea.

Upon our arrival after a ginger 6 hour hike in, we were greeted with expansive views in all directions. There are 2 campsites, one low in the saddle and one up top, with a latrine in between the two. We chose the higher ground one to have an incredible view of Mount St. Helens to the South, The Dome to the East, and Mount Whittier to the NE. The site is nearly perfectly flat with soft sand gravel mix. There wasn't any debris to clear and plenty of room for 2 two person tents. We staked down the tents as it tends to get a bit windy, but guests never got above 10mph. No camp fires, ever!

We arrived around 2pm, just enough time to settle in, set up, eat and then enjoy the landscape's shifting shadows as Sun lowered toward the horizon behind us. The mountains glowed in the summer evening sun as the clouds sunk lower and lower, down into the valleys below us.

Low cloud fronts built strength at the Whittier Ridge and slowly crept over and down into the valley. The fog rolled up over us and The Dome, creating rivers of clouds flowing down into Spirit Lake and the valley. The clouds came in waves drastically changing the environment every 30mins, giving us something new to see everytime.

In the morning, there was a herd of mountain goats along the ridge to the south west looking down over us, playfully dancing along the steep walls. Woodpeckers and coyotes could be heard in the distance truly expanding the environment.

  • Review photo of Dome Camp by Eric H., July 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Dome Camp by Eric H., July 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Dome Camp by Eric H., July 7, 2019
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Frequently Asked Questions

What permits are required for camping at Dome Camp near Mt. St. Helens?

Permits are required for camping at Dome Camp and are limited in number. These backcountry permits must be obtained through the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument or the U.S. Forest Service that manages the Mount Margaret Wilderness area. Due to the camp's popularity and environmental protection concerns, the permit system helps manage visitor numbers and protect this sensitive wilderness area. Contact the Monument headquarters or check their official website for current permit information and reservation procedures.

Is Dome Camp near Mt. Margaret accessible for RVs?

No, Dome Camp is not accessible for RVs. It is a backcountry campsite only reachable by hiking the Boundary Trail #1 through the Mount Margaret Wilderness. The camp requires a significant hike to reach and is designed exclusively for tent camping. RV campers interested in visiting Mt. St. Helens should look for established campgrounds in the broader area that offer vehicle access, such as those near the monument's visitor centers or in the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Where is Dome Camp located in relation to Mt. St. Helens?

Dome Camp is situated in the Mount Margaret Wilderness area, which overlooks the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. It's positioned between Coldwater Peak and Mount Margaret along the Boundary Trail #1. This backcountry camp provides exceptional views of Mt. St. Helens and its volcanic monument area, making it a popular destination for hikers seeking to experience the dramatic landscape shaped by the 1980 eruption.

When is the best time of year to visit Dome Camp near Mt. St. Helens?

Summer months, particularly July and August, are ideal for visiting Dome Camp when the snow has melted from the trails and high-elevation wilderness areas. Early July through September typically provides the most reliable weather conditions and trail access. The Fourth of July period can be especially popular. Late spring may still have snow on trails, while early fall brings cooler temperatures and potential weather changes. Always check current trail and weather conditions before planning your trip, as mountain weather can be unpredictable even in summer.

What facilities and amenities are available at Dome Camp?

Dome Camp is a primitive backcountry site with minimal facilities. There are no developed amenities such as running water, toilets, or established fire rings. Campers must be self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal bags. The site offers natural tent spaces in a wilderness setting. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and following wilderness regulations regarding human waste disposal. The reward for minimal amenities is exceptional solitude and stunning views of the volcanic landscape.

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