Dispersed camping opportunities near Anderson Island, Washington primarily concentrate around the Olympic National Forest, situated on the eastern edges of the Olympic Peninsula. The area features diverse terrain from 600 to 4,000 feet elevation with predominantly mixed conifer forests of western hemlock, Douglas fir, and cedar. Winter conditions often close many forest roads between November and April, with most dispersed sites becoming accessible from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Fishing creek waters: Several dispersed sites along NF-2419 Dispersed Site provide access to small streams for fishing. "Had a blast coming up the mountain with the family, found a few great spots that we pinned for later that are unmarked with fire rings. Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed," reported one visitor who enjoyed feeding bluejays by hand.
Explore forest trails: From Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead camping areas, visitors can access nearby hiking options. "There is a trail next to it I don't know how far but, it's cool," notes one camper. The trailhead serves as both camping spot and starting point for forest exploration.
Photography opportunities: Morning and evening light create ideal conditions for nature photography near dispersed sites. A camper at Hilltop Camp mentioned, "Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night." Sunrise and sunset are particularly good times for landscape photos.
What campers like
Riverside spots: Multiple pullouts along forest roads offer creek-side camping. One visitor to FS-2292 Dispersed shared, "We stayed here and heard maybe 1 car the whole day/night. Granted, we found a pull off into the woods." These secluded water-adjacent sites are among the most sought-after.
Ridge-top views: Higher elevation camping provides broader vistas. "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don't run into anyone. You're camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy," reports a camper about FS-2292. East of this campsite is a walking trail to an overlook perfect for watching sunrise.
Wildlife encounters: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife viewing. At Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419, one visitor noted, "Fantastic secluded spot at the top of the mtn with amazing views!" Cell phone service varies by provider, with Cricket working well but Verizon spotty in this location.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Many forest service roads require high-clearance vehicles. "The road was a little rough but my suv made it fine," noted one FS-2292 visitor. Road conditions typically worsen after rainfall or in early spring.
Weather preparedness: Temperatures drop significantly at higher elevations. "Please be aware it's at the snow line and very cold in March!" warned a Hilltop Camp visitor. Temperature differences between valley and ridge sites can exceed 15 degrees.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans may prohibit campfires during dry months. At Carbon River, one camper shared, "We were so excited when we found a spot with a fire pit. We set up camp and started enjoying ourselves." Always check current fire regulations before your trip.
Limited facilities: No services or amenities exist at most sites. "No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view," noted an FS-2292 camper. Plan to pack out all trash and bring water for your stay.
Tips for camping with families
Shorter forest roads: For family trips with young children, consider sites closer to main roads. A visitor to NF-52 Dispersed Camping shared, "We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates. While we didn't have the comfota of our car parked right next to us, we had spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, easy access down to the river, and a fire pit."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer bird and small mammal viewing. At NF-2419, a camper mentioned, "Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories." Morning hours generally provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Safety considerations: Some remote sites have limited or no cell service. "My spot wasn't right on the river and I had a creek which was just full of mosquitoes," warned an NF-52 visitor. Always bring insect repellent during summer months.
Tips for RVers
Limited options for larger vehicles: Most free camping near Anderson Island requires smaller RVs due to narrow forest roads. "Overall I had a nice quiet stay. This spot isn't anything too awful special. There are about four pull outs to set up for the night," reports a visitor to Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead, noting only basic spots are available for overnight stays.
Turning radius challenges: Many forest roads have tight turns and limited turnaround options. "It gets pretty steep going up the road. The right steep. They wrote it on barely white enough for two vehicles to safely pass each other. Not suitable for anything wider than a class B," observed a Rock Candy Mountain visitor.
Limited level spots: Finding level sites for RVs can be challenging. A Carbon River camper noted, "Lots of spots along the road which I'll utilize next time to avoid the party." Look for wider pullouts on less steep sections of forest roads for best results.
