Free dispersed camping along the Mountain Loop Highway runs the range from highway-side pullouts to forest sites along a creek, and knowing which section you're headed to makes a significant difference. Campers who stop near the coordinates often find themselves close to road noise, with traffic audible through the night. The better sites come once the pavement gives way to gravel, where the road narrows and forested pullouts appear alongside a stream. It's worth driving past the initial access point.
Once past the pavement, sites sit within heavily forested terrain with logs serving as natural benches and rock-built fire rings already in place. Jennifer H. describes the area as "meandering sites along the river," which captures the informal layout well. Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome, and there's no fee. The access road can be rough, so lower-clearance vehicles should proceed with care on the gravel stretch.
This dispersed area sits within Mt. Baker National Forest, alongside developed options like Marten Creek Group Campground just to the northeast and Red Bridge Campground to the west, for campers who want hookups or reservable sites. For a one-night stop the gravel-road sites work well, but those planning multiple nights may find it worth continuing further up the South Fork Sauk corridor. Bring your own water or a filter, as no treated water is available on site.
Description
What is Dispersed Camping? 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.
Rules for Dispersed Camping These rules apply to car camping and backpacking
You may camp in a dispersed area in an individual Ranger District for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move to another Ranger District or off the National Forest until the 30 days has elapsed.
Do not blaze new roads to campsites, create new campsites, clear ground, cut or harm vegetation or construct a trail.
Do not drive beyond constructed physical barriers, such as berms or gates.
Do not drive through streams or wetlands to access a camp.
If campfires are legal in your location and you choose to have a campfire, pick a site with an existing fire pit. Do not create new fire pits. Make sure your campfire is always attended and is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave your site. Fires may be restricted or banned based on the fire danger rating.
Follow Leave No Trace principles and come prepared to “Pack it in. Pack it out.” Pack all trash home. Dispose of human waste in a sanitary manner. In high use locations, areas above tree line and snow-covered areas it is not possible to bury human waste in a sanitary manner. It will need to be packed out and disposed of at home using a wag bag, blue bag, portable toilet or another Leave No Trace approved method.
Do not block roads or gates.
Keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store items in your vehicle or use a wildlife resistant storage canister.
Failure to follow regulations can lead to legal consequences. Additional Forest rules and links to report crimes can be found on our Law Enforcement page.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp is located in Washington near Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Coordinates
48.0687239734108 N
121.61037427805925 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
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 Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 27 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 32 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 50 min from Bellingham, WA
- 2 hrs 29 min from Bremerton, WA
