Gifford Pinchot National Forest provides free dispersed camping at NF 020 - Trout Lake Dispersed Site, where campers access forested terrain near both creek and lake features. The US Forest Service manages this drive-in site with rough access conditions that require suitable vehicles. Open terrain areas mix with wooded sections, creating varied camping spots for those comfortable with primitive conditions.
Campers should prepare for basic facilities and plan accordingly for free camping around Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The proximity to water features makes this location functional for extended stays despite the challenging approach road.
Description
Dispersed camping, or camping outside of campgrounds, is permitted throughout most of the Forest! Always follow Leave No Trace principles and PACK-OUT all trash and leave the area cleaner than you found it.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows the roads, trails and areas where you can legally drive. These roads, trails and areas are designated by type of motor vehicle allowed and the allowable season of use.
The following guidelines apply to anyone camping outside of developed campgrounds on the National Forest:
Camping
Camp 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Camp outside of fragile meadows and restricted areas, preferably on bare or mineral soil. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Clean up and remove any trash, manure and straw before leaving. Avoid trenching. Water
Streams and lakes are home to many microscopic organisms; some of them can make you very sick! Treat your water or bring water from home. Never clean dishes in a stream or lake.
Campfires
Have extra water & shovel available to extinguish your fire. Never leave a fire unattended.
Never burn plastic, aluminum or non-paper trash.
Use an existing fire ring where available. If you need one, build it small and away from overhanging branches.
Be sure your fire is DEAD OUT before you leave -- drown it, turn it, stir it until it's cool to the touch.
Gather only dead and down wood for your campfire.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNF 020 is located in Washington near Trout Lake
Coordinates
45.96519268548313 N
121.61979435445627 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
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 NF 020 - Trout Lake Dispersed Site needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Portland, OR
- 2 hrs 24 min from Longview, WA
- 2 hrs 36 min from Yakima, WA
- 3 hrs 14 min from Olympia, WA
