Primitive camping near Ariel, Washington provides access to over 1.3 million acres of Gifford Pinchot National Forest terrain. Most dispersed sites sit at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet, creating cooler nighttime temperatures even during summer months. Winter access to many sites requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles due to unplowed forest roads.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Near Beaver Falls Trailhead, a short 15-minute hike leads to stunning cascades. "The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down! The only reason this place got lower than a 5 star is because of all the trash near the parking lot," notes Jaden J.
Mushroom hunting: Fall brings mushroom harvesting opportunities at several sites. At Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac Dispersed Campsite, "During August and September, you can find tons of edible mushrooms," according to Starseed P.
Explore volcanic landscapes: Multiple hiking trails connect to tent sites for day trips. The Pumice Butte Dispersed Campsite sits directly on the Loowit Trail that circles Mount St. Helens. "Pumice Butte is a great place to camp for your first night (about 5-6 miles in respectively). There is some tree cover here before you enter the Plains of Abraham that works for shade or a wind break," writes Stephanie Z.
Fishing access: Several dispersed sites offer direct creek or river fishing. "It's a short hike down to the creek," reports Vanessa T. about Little Soda Springs Road. Seasonal restrictions apply; check regulations before fishing.
What campers like
Scenic views: Many campers appreciate the combination of forest and mountain landscapes. At Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping, "Complete view of the majestic mountain. Lots of room and even some flat spots," says Starseed P.
Privacy between sites: Most dispersed areas offer good separation between camping spots. Jeffrey P. notes at Little Soda Springs Road, "Spaces were far enough apart that you couldn't even tell anyone else was out there."
Water features: Creeks and rivers enhance many camping experiences. Near Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site, campers enjoy "Waterfalls, hiking trails, remote camping!" as Kelsie L. describes.
Dark night skies: Limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities. Many campers report the tall trees make things darker earlier than sunset. "The tall trees make things a lot darker before it actually gets dark," confirms Hannah about Gifford Pinchot sites.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Forest roads can be confusing without proper preparation. One Canyon Creek camper warned, "The coordinates here were incorrect coming from Hood River Oregon. It sent me down a rough dead end forest service road. I ended up lost on the mountain for 3 hours."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads deteriorate significantly after rainfall. At Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed, Johny B. advises, "there's absolutely no cell service, so make sure to download any maps or trail guides before you get there."
Pack out all waste: Improper waste disposal remains a serious issue. Melissa B. reported at Canyon Creek, "We had a private trail (about a country block in length), we quickly realized it was a 'shitty' trail, a trail of Turds."
Limited cell service: Nearly all sites lack cellular connectivity. "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," notes Kevin W. about McBride Lake.
Permits required: Most sites require either Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. "You must have a Northwest Forest pass or America the beautiful pass. Forest service does drive through there frequently to check," reports Vanessa T.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Some areas offer easier access for children. "I was able to get a bar of service and found this area off 83. There's a bunch of pull offs," Autumn B. writes about Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping.
Check site proximity to water: Creek access provides natural entertainment for kids. At Little Soda Springs Rd, one camper noted the "creek access from that first campsite" makes it ideal for families.
Consider bathroom access: Most dispersed sites lack toilets, but some are near trailheads with facilities. Lindsey N. recommends Little Soda Springs Road because "there is a nearby latrine at the trailhead! Perfect for a group."
Safety considerations: Be aware of potential hazards. At Beaver Falls Trailhead, "cops came around about 930pm to inform me there is a high level of criminal activity around. To stay at my own risk," reports Ryan D.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many forest roads limit RV access by width or length. At McBride Lake, Kevin W. warns, "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)."
Campsite turning radius: Consider vehicle maneuverability when selecting sites. "It's plenty big to accommodate a few trucks/cars and one, maybe two towable trailers," notes Kevin W. about McBride Lake dispersed sites.
Level parking: Few sites offer perfectly level parking for RVs. Jeremy B. advises at Beaver Falls Trailhead, "Only downside is it's not perfectly flat. It wasn't too bad though. I just parked with my head pointing uphill when I go to bed."
Consider tent/RV combos: Some sites accommodate mixed camping setups. At Forest Road 81, "Group camping with 4-5 places for tents and 2 maybe 3 spots for travel trailers but will need to back in," reports Kevin W.
