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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed

McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed is located near a lake in Washington, surrounded by forested terrain. Temperatures in the area can range from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration.

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Location

McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.14076000687527 N
122.25141554654336 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • 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.


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2024

Lots of shade, very private and trailer friendly.

I have camped here twice now, once during a scouting trip in 2016 with my boys and again in September 2024 with just me and my dog :).  I could pull my 17' pop-up "A" frame trailer and back into one of the two spots with no problem.  Due to the narrow road, it may be a bit more snug with bigger rigs (25+ feet long and anything more than 8+ feet wide).  I would scout the road and area before committing; however, there is a turnaround that you could use to maneuver the trailer to drive out.  It's plenty big to accommodate a few trucks/cars and one, maybe two towable trailers.  If you're going tent camping, there are about four flat places for tents.  The area has no trails, so you would not have to worry about people wandering into the campsite. The Ape Caves is a small drive away. The town of Cougar, WA. is about 10 miles away if you need gas or food.  There is a lot of shade, and it is not solar-friendly.  The main road is about 100 feet away, relatively quiet, and very private.  There was a large rock fire pit in the middle. There is no cell phone reception; however, if you drive East for a few miles, you may be able to get 2 bars with Verizon.

Per the state website, "On the southwest side of Mount St. Helens, Forest Road 81 provides an experience away from crowds. On this road, access Kalama Horse Camp, Red Rock Pass, and Forest Road 830, the road to Climber's Bivouac, and the start of the summer climbing route. From the west, the road begins on Forest Road 90, near Cougar, WA, and travels through private timberlands and state lands before entering Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The road connects with Forest Road 83 on its east side. While mostly paved, be prepared for several miles of gravel(between Forest Road 830 and 8123) and a road that is sometimes very rough."

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed by Kevin W., August 20, 2024
  • A bird's eye view and 360-degree view of the campsite.
  • Review photo of McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed by Kevin W., August 20, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed?

    McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.