Dispersed camping near Anacortes, Washington includes numerous primitive sites throughout the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, located within 50-75 miles of the city. The area sits at the northern edge of Puget Sound, where the San Juan Islands transition to mainland forest terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-75°F during peak camping season, with cooler 45-55°F temperatures in spring and fall when camping traffic decreases significantly.
What to do
Hiking at Pine Lake: Pine Lake Campground offers trail access without the crowds. "Cute sites, but you will be interrupted 500 times a day with walkers who use the trail and want to go straight through your site," notes Duane and Janey D., suggesting midweek visits for more solitude.
Kayaking to island campsites: Hope Island Marine State Park provides boat-access primitive camping. "This campground is on a tiny island in the Puget Sound. Rent kayaks (or bring your own) at Boston Harbor in Olympia. It's a short trip to the island, which is only accessible by boat," reports Raphaela H., who enjoyed having the island to themselves.
Wildlife viewing: The areas surrounding Anacortes offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "There were some sea lions swimming around in the area but never actually approached the land," mentions Jess G. about camping at Hope Island. Water access points throughout the region allow campers to observe marine mammals and birds in their natural habitat.
What campers like
Lake access at dispersed sites: Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite offers waterfront camping without facilities. Eric O. notes, "Many pull offs along the gravel road. Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access...free, good views, easy to get to, plenty of spots (even on Labor Day), fire rings."
Privacy despite popularity: Several campers mention the balance of accessibility and seclusion. "Spots are not near each other so you get privacy that way. A lot of through traffic because of the hikes nearby and the sites are right on the road," reports Alaina I. about Baker Lake Road camping areas.
No-cost options: Free camping near Anacortes, Washington is available at several locations. "It's free! Beautiful view. Very serene. No facilities! The drive in is easy," says Mimi N. about Baker Lake Road dispersed camping, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious campers.
What you should know
Access challenges: Point Doughty requires boat access and challenging terrain navigation. "The path up to the sites is steep and slippery with loose dirt but there's a rope to help out. Looks like they started to build steps, who knows if it will get finished. Not recommended for hauling myriad items up from kayaks," warns Pat M.
Variable site conditions: Campers report significant differences between areas. "For such a fabulous location, this campground is woefully behind the times," notes Jill R. about Point Doughty, while others mention site quality varies within each camping area.
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires navigating unpaved roads. "A handful of dispersed sites along this national forest road. The road does get much rougher the further you go, so not big-rig friendly nor for low-clearance vehicles or vehicles with bald/old tires," explains Meghan B. about NF 33 Dispersed Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Lake-view sites with amenities: Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp offers some comforts for family camping. "Quiet camp with great views. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View's. Very small, quiet, stunning campground," reports Haley F.
Accessibility considerations: When camping with children, choose sites with easier access. "Parking for some of the spots is not the best but we were still able to car camp comfortably," notes Jessica M. about Lower Sandy Camp.
Water safety planning: Many sites border water bodies requiring supervision. "Super cool, isolated campground right next to Lake Ángeles. Only way to access is by hiking to it," says Luis N., emphasizing the need for water safety planning when camping with children at Lake Angeles.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Limited options exist for RVs around Anacortes. "We have a rooftop tent, not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in," reports Haley F. about Lower Sandy Camp.
Parking limitations: Most primitive sites have restricted parking areas. "Our spot (site #3) was tucked away in low area by the water. Semi-private and peaceful. Perfect space for 2-4 people to camp," notes Geoffrey P., mentioning the "somewhat steep walk downhill from parking to the site" at Lower Sandy Camp.
Road condition awareness: RV campers should research recent road reports. Baker Lake Road has "many pull offs along the gravel road" according to Eric O., but dust and road conditions can present challenges for larger vehicles during dry seasons or after heavy rainfall.
