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Best Dispersed Camping near Anacortes, WA

17 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Anacortes, Washington can be found in several primitive locations across the surrounding region. Hope Island Marine State Park offers boat-in dispersed camping with minimal amenities, while the Baker Lake area, approximately 50 miles east, provides more extensive dispersed camping options. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp features waterfront sites with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and a pit toilet, though access requires navigating unpaved roads. Point Doughty offers boat-access camping on a small island with limited facilities, and Pine Lake Campground provides hike-in primitive sites with toilet facilities.

Access to most dispersed sites requires careful planning and appropriate transportation. Many areas are reachable via unpaved routes, though conditions vary significantly by season and recent weather. Lower Sandy Camp requires travel on a gravel road with large potholes, according to visitor reports. Baker Lake Road features multiple pull-off camping locations along its length. Most dispersed sites have no drinking water available, making water purification equipment or ample water supplies essential. Fire restrictions are common, particularly during summer months, and permit requirements vary by location. Hope Island and Point Doughty require boat access, making them more challenging but typically less crowded.

The region's dispersed camping areas provide opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with varying levels of seclusion. Baker Lake sites offer views of the water and surrounding mountains, while island camping at Hope Island provides a unique experience with wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers can expect variable conditions depending on location and season. "We found an amazing site right on the lake, with great views and it was fairly quiet," notes one visitor to Lower Sandy Camp. Hope Island campers report seeing "sea lions swimming around in the area" and enjoy "beautiful views with a trail that circles the island." Some visitors note that popular areas can become crowded, particularly during summer weekends and holidays.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Anacortes, Washington (10)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Anacortes, WA

17 Reviews of 10 Anacortes Campgrounds

  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    All things considered, good spot

    Many pull offs along the gravel road. Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access.

    Pros: free, good views, easy to get to, plenty of spots (even on Labor Day), fire rings.

    Cons: some spots have lots of trash (please remember leave no trace), most spots are along the gravel road so there are cars passing by every once in a while and sometimes they go by quite quickly kicking up lots of dust.

    All things considered, pretty good spot and would stay again.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    Quiet camp with great views

    Arrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s. Very small, quiet, stunning campground. Felt safe. We have a rooftop tent, not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in. Mostly open, some sites in the forest. Had one bar of Verizon service. Would stay again!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    Great free spot on Baker Lake

    Loved this free campground on Baker Lake near mt baker, WA! Take the first turn after horseshoe cove campground and follow the gravel road all the way to the lake.

    Lots of spots with tables and fire rings, some spots have nice tent pads. Some sites are marked and some are not. There’s a single pit toilet and no running water. Seems like a pretty popular spot but we were able to get a site mid week at the end of August.

    Parking for some of the spots is not the best but we were still able to car camp comfortably. Will definitely be staying here again!

  • Jill R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2019

    Point Doughty

    DNR site badly in need of care

    For such a fabulous location, this campground is woefully behind the times. Compared to other Cascade Water Trails locations under the WA State Parks jurisdiction that are clean and now sport awesome composting toilets, Point Doughty under the Department of Natural Resources has a particularly horrible pit toilet that you have to scramble up a bluff to get to. I understand a storm took out the stairs a while back and it's obvious there's been some activity to get stairs rebuilt. However, it's impossible as of this writing to get any gear from the beach to the campsites on the bluff. I wound up camping on the beach as I was in my kayak and there were no other options nearby. Actually the beach was quite pleasant as 2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment.

  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park

    Lake Ángeles Campground

    Super cool, isolated campground right next to Lake Ángeles. Only way to access is by hiking to it. Lots of bugs so make sure to bring bug repellant. Primitive campground, so bring your own water, trowel, tp, everything!! Hike is about 4 miles from the trailhead with ~ 2,500ft of elevation gain. Trailhead is right by the toll booths for the park. Parking is limited so try to get there at a reasonable time.

  • Pat M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2019

    Point Doughty

    Point

    3 non-reservable sites are available on Washington area preserve land. 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. The restroom is a vault toilet that lacked toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We brought a couple rolls from Sucia to help out. During low side it is very rocky and tough on fiberglass kayaks, but there’s a small path that can launch one or two kayaks at a time. There’s a couple short paths to explore the area, and an epic view at the tip of the point. Best used for small groups and simple camping.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2025

    Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    Hidden Gem

    Driving through the area on the way back from camping in a different area, my wife and I were pleasantly surprised to find a well kept small campground by the lake. And… an available site on the water. 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. The fire pit setup was perfectly sized and shielded from wind. The only downside (which is a stretch to find a downside) were the bugs. And there somewhat steep walk downhill from parking to the site.

  • Pat M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2019

    Point Doughty

    Gamble for a view

    Only 3 non-reservable sites with tables and fire pits on DNR land. The path up to the sites from the beach is very steep and slippery on the dirt but there is a rope to help. Looks like they’re trying to create a stairway in the future. Not recommended if you need to haul myriad items up to the campground. One vault toilet had no toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We grabbed some rolls from Sucia to restock it for people. There is an epic view with short trails to walk around though.

Guide to Anacortes

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Anacortes, Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone looking to escape into the wild.

Dispersed campers should check out Point Doughty

  • Point Doughty offers a unique experience with its boat-in access, making it perfect for those who enjoy kayaking.
  • While the facilities are basic, the stunning views and wildlife sightings, including orca whales, make it a memorable spot for adventurous campers.
  • Be prepared for a steep hike to the campsites, as the path can be slippery and challenging, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking scenery.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Anacortes, Washington

  • Consider visiting Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County, where you can kayak to a secluded island with only a couple of sites available, ensuring a peaceful getaway.
  • Always check the weather and water conditions before heading out, as the paddle to the island can be rough, especially for beginners.
  • Bring your own supplies, as amenities are limited to a vault toilet and picnic tables, making it essential to plan ahead for a comfortable stay.

Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite for serene views

  • For those seeking tranquility, Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite offers numerous spots along the lake, perfect for tent camping and enjoying nature's beauty.
  • The area is known for its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for campers looking to unwind and connect with nature.
  • Keep in mind that there are no facilities, so be prepared to pack out what you bring in and enjoy the raw beauty of the landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Anacortes?

The Anacortes area offers several free dispersed camping options. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite provides free camping with beautiful lake views and easy drive-in access, though no facilities are available. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp is another option near Mt. Baker, offering sites with tables and fire rings. Take the first turn after Horseshoe Cove Campground and follow the gravel road to the lake. For paddlers, water-access campsites are available in the area, though they require boat transportation. These sites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early on weekdays is recommended, especially during peak summer months.

What amenities are available at free tent camping sites around Anacortes?

Free tent camping sites around Anacortes offer varying levels of amenities. Point Doughty provides three non-reservable sites with tables and fire pits, though the path from the beach is steep with a rope assist. Hope Island Marine State Park features vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings on a secluded island accessible only by boat. Most dispersed sites have basic amenities like fire rings and tent pads, but typically lack running water, electricity, and trash service. Facilities are generally primitive, so campers should plan to pack in drinking water and pack out all trash. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, offering a true disconnected outdoor experience.

How much does dispersed camping cost in the Anacortes area?

Many dispersed camping options in the Anacortes area are free, though conditions and regulations vary. Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park offers free primitive camping but requires a 4-mile hike with significant elevation gain to access. Some sites like Walker Valley ORV Recreation Area also provide free camping opportunities. While most dispersed camping doesn't have direct fees, some areas may require passes such as the Northwest Forest Pass ($30 annual) or Discover Pass ($30 annual/$10 daily) for parking at trailheads. It's always best to check current regulations before heading out, as fees and requirements can change seasonally. Remember that free camping typically means no services, so prepare to be self-sufficient.

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