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Best Dispersed Camping near Bainbridge Island, WA

38 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist in the Olympic National Forest near Bainbridge Island, accessible via forest roads. NF-27 Tunnel Creek offers drive-in dispersed sites with established fire rings along a road that's partially paved and "not too bumpy." Nearby, FR27 Landing provides a large flat area that can accommodate approximately five cars with multiple fire rings. Top of the Hill camping features a more secluded location with scenic views but only enough space for a single vehicle.

Forest Road 2419 provides numerous primitive camping opportunities on the Olympic Peninsula. The road has several pullout spots and creek-side camping areas. One visitor noted that "NF-2419 is a very busy road at all hours" with vehicles passing throughout the night. Hilltop Camp on FR 2419 offers a particularly sought-after site with "amazing views" at higher elevation, though campers should be prepared for colder temperatures when visiting during winter months. According to one camper, "it's at the snow line and very cold in March." Most of these backcountry areas are free but lack amenities—no toilets, drinking water, or trash service are available, so visitors must pack everything out.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bainbridge Island, Washington (15)

    1. NF-27 Tunnel Creek

    2 Reviews
    Quilcene, WA
    22 miles

    "The drive up to this road is half paved and unpaved , not too bumpy. Big area for camp- dry camping. There was already a fire ring made, we opted out of having a fire."

    "There’s a trail from this site that leads to a great tint site as well. Plenty of space if you have a decent sized group. Easily accommodating 3 cars. We have plenty of space with our rig."

    2. Top of the Hill camping

    1 Review
    Quilcene, WA
    23 miles

    "This is actually a really secluded, pivate location with a beautiful view! The road is fairly easy to get up to this spot but really just room for one vehicle."

    3. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 884-1944

    $12 / night

    "Simple, small, peaceful campground with pit toilets and potable water. Mid week after Labor Day, I had my choice of sites arriving in late afternoon."

    "We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."

    4. FR27 Landing

    1 Review
    Quilcene, WA
    24 miles

    "Great large flat spot for camping. Could easily fit about 5 cars here. About 4 fire rings set up and the road is pretty easy getting here."

    5. Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24

    2 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    27 miles
    Website

    "Not the most private spot if vehicles were to pass. the road looks like it’s used but no one around when we arrived. the road itself is a gorgeous drive and since it’s free it’s worth it!"

    6. NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place."

    "Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed . Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories."

    7. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    18 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 888-1421

    "Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn’t recommend driving down it without good ground clearance."

    "PLEASE LEAVE NO TRACE! Other wise we really enjoyed a quick night away in our van."

    8. DUCKABUSH SKIDER LOOKOUT

    Be the first to review!
    Brinnon, WA
    21 miles

    9. Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    3 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    34 miles

    "Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night."

    "No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!"

    10. NF-2419 Dispersed Pullout

    2 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    35 miles

    "Great spot on the NF-2419, about a mile before the Mt Elinor lower trailhead. Plenty of space for a large vehicle"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bainbridge Island, WA

46 Photos of 15 Bainbridge Island Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bainbridge Island, WA

38 Reviews of 15 Bainbridge Island Campgrounds

  • Parker C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2025

    South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    Pretty neat spot

    Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn’t recommend driving down it without good ground clearance. There are a number of established sites where you can pull off the road and drive back into the woods a bit. And I had cell service everywhere!

  • Sam S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Olympic National Forest - Dispersed Camping

    We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed. We picked the first spot we got to since it was getting kind of late. It wasn't the most ideal spot and I think further down the road has prettier and more remote options, but it made do. There were really huge flies but they did not bite. The only complaint was that there was more car traffic than I wanted very late at night into the early morning. One car even slowed down and yelled at our tent around 2am. We never felt unsafe but it was annoying. A lot of trash was left behind from previous camper. I would suggest finding alternative spots if you're looking for a more enjoyable night but if you are just there for an overnight, it is fine.

  • Ginger M.
    Jul. 8, 2024

    South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    Quick easy getaway

    Went up at the end of 4th of July weekend. Found a great spot but it was apparent that the group before us used everywhere to go to the bathroom and covered it with paper towels. PRO TIP: make the hole first for when you need it and you want have any excuse not to use it! PLEASE LEAVE NO TRACE! Other wise we really enjoyed a quick night away in our van.

  • Suzie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Safe and quiet

    This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by. Felt safe as a single tent camper

  • Nicholas G.
    Dec. 12, 2024

    FS-2292 Dispersed

    There was a ton of dispersed sites on this FR

    The road was a little rough but my suv made it fine. No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2024

    South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    Great Camping in the PNW!

    This spot was truly beautiful. Green as far as the eye can see, with a creek by that provides the perfect white noise to fall asleep to. The road is fairly accessible, though there are some fairly large potholes that could damage smaller vehicles, and the road could become muddy after raining. On weekends you might have to drive pretty far down the road to find an unclaimed spot, but I didn't have a hard time on a Tuesday night. There was some trash, including broken glass in firepits and a few beer cans spotted in the woods, but for the most part it was clean! The sites further down the road are definitely cleaner. No bathrooms, so plan on dropping the kids off at the pool before visiting. Seeing as there is water nearby, there are plenty of mosquitoes. Bring some bug spray! There are towns within 15 minutes of the road.

  • Amber G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    Amazing

    Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night. It’s December so of course it’s a bit cold at night and I’d recommend at least AWD to get up here. Will be back.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    Incredible view!

    Fairly large and level site with an amazing view. No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!

  • Jason C.
    Jun. 22, 2024

    NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    NF-2419

    Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place. It is frequented by others so low privacy unless you camp away from the vehicle path. Grateful a place like this exists.

Guide to Bainbridge Island

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bainbridge Island, Washington, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bainbridge Island, Washington

  • Look for spots like Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24, which offers a straightforward drive-in access and allows campfires, making it perfect for a cozy night under the stars.
  • Be prepared to bring your own water and supplies, as many areas, such as NF-2419 Dispersed Site, do not provide drinking water or trash services, ensuring a true back-to-nature experience.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, especially at places like Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419, where stunning views await those who venture to the top.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Bainbridge Island

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails near Joemma Beach State Park Campground, where you can explore the beach and enjoy fishing from the long dock.
  • For those seeking a serene riverside experience, South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site offers beautiful scenery and access to hiking trails, perfect for a day of exploration.
  • If you're looking for a more secluded spot, consider FS-2292 Dispersed, where you can enjoy epic views and a quiet atmosphere, ideal for sunrise watching.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The picturesque landscapes around Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park provide a stunning backdrop for those willing to hike in, making it a rewarding destination for adventurous campers.
  • Experience the charm of the Olympic National Forest at Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping, where you can find remote spots that allow for a peaceful escape into nature.
  • For a unique camping experience, check out Dispersed Woods Camp, which offers a chance to immerse yourself in the woods while enjoying the freedom of dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free dispersed camping available on Bainbridge Island?

Bainbridge Island itself does not offer free dispersed camping options. The island is primarily residential with no public lands that permit dispersed camping. For free dispersed camping near the Puget Sound area, you'll need to venture to the nearby Olympic Peninsula where Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping offers numerous established sites. These areas follow standard national forest dispersed camping rules - free to use, typically limited to 14-day stays, and operating on a first-come, first-served basis. For alternative free options, consider Joemma Beach State Park Campground which offers waterfront views on the nearby Key Peninsula.

What are the regulations for boondocking on Bainbridge Island?

Boondocking (dispersed camping without hookups) is not permitted on Bainbridge Island as there are no public lands designated for this purpose. Instead, consider nearby National Forest lands like NF-27 Tunnel Creek or FS-2292 Dispersed where boondocking is allowed. Standard regulations apply: camp at least 100-200 feet from water sources, stay on existing sites, pack out all trash, properly dispose of human waste (dig a 6-8 inch cat hole), observe fire restrictions, and limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. Most sites are accessible by vehicles with decent ground clearance, though road conditions vary seasonally.

How do I get to dispersed camping areas on Bainbridge Island from Seattle?

Since Bainbridge Island doesn't offer dispersed camping, you'll need to travel to nearby areas. From Seattle, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island (35 minutes), then drive west toward the Olympic Peninsula. For excellent dispersed camping options, head toward South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site (accessible via I-90 East from Seattle) or Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419 in the Olympic National Forest. Both require driving on forest roads with varying conditions - some paved initially but transitioning to gravel with potholes. A vehicle with decent clearance is recommended, especially for accessing the more remote sites.

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