Dispersed camping near Belfair, Washington sits at the edge of Olympic National Forest on the Kitsap Peninsula, with elevations ranging from 200-2,000 feet in nearby camping areas. The region features a mix of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar forests. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-45°F with frequent rainfall, while summer months remain relatively dry with temperatures between 60-80°F.
What to do
Fishing access: Joemma Beach State Park offers a long dock for fishing and beach access. "Long dock in the area where you can go fishing. You can walk along the beach as well," notes Diamond A., who recommends this small waterfront campground.
Wildlife viewing: Several pullout sites on NF-2419 provide opportunities to spot local birds and wildlife. "Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest - one of our new favorite memories," reports Trevor M., who camped along NF-2419 Dispersed Site.
Hiking trails: Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead serves as a base for exploring local trails. "There is a trail next to it. I don't know how far but it's cool," shares William T. The trailhead has pit toilets available 24 hours, making it convenient for hikers.
Mountain views: For panoramic vistas, try the pullouts on Forest Service Road 2292. "East of the campsite there is a walking trail that takes you to an overlook, perfect for watching the sunrise," according to Danielle S., who camps at FS-2292 Dispersed.
What campers like
Secluded options: The forest roads around Belfair offer varying levels of isolation. "We stayed here and heard maybe 1 car the whole day/night. Granted, we found a pull off into the woods," says Karson M. about camping on FS-2292.
Summit camping: For those seeking elevation, certain sites provide commanding views. "Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night," reports Amber G. about Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419, adding "It's December so of course it's a bit cold at night."
Beach access: Rustic camping near Belfair includes options with water access. "Basic campsites with restrooms within reasonable distance. Beach is beautiful!" explains Tricia B. about Joemma Beach State Park, which combines primitive camping with waterfront recreation.
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the low fees at some locations. "I don't think you can beat the price at $12/night, only drop toilets, potable water and dumpsters for amenities though," notes Austin R. about Joemma Beach State Park Campground.
What you should know
Cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically between sites. "5 bars of cell service," reports Mar Z. about Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead. Meanwhile at Hilltop Camp, "Cell phone service for Cricket was great. Not so much for Verizon!" according to Kim K.
Road conditions: Many forest road sites require vehicles with adequate clearance. "The road was a little rough but my SUV made it fine," notes Nicholas G. about FS-2292 Dispersed. For Hilltop Camp, "I'd recommend at least AWD to get up here," advises Amber G.
Site availability: Most primitive camping near Belfair operates on a first-come basis. "Mid week after Labor Day, I had my choice of sites arriving in late afternoon," shares Annie B. about Joemma Beach State Park, indicating seasonal variations in site availability.
Traffic patterns: Some sites experience unexpected vehicle traffic. "NF-2419 is a very busy road at all hours. 2 or 3 cars drive by all day and all through the night," warns Spencer L. Similarly, at Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping, Sam S. reports "more car traffic than I wanted very late at night into the early morning."
Tips for camping with families
Established camping: Joemma Beach State Park provides more structure for families. "If you like simple camping, this is a great place. There are about 16 campsites and you can walk down to the beach area. It is dog friendly, and they should be on leash," recommends Dana R.
Campsite selection: When camping with children, consider proximity to facilities. "We got spot 8. Conveniently located right next to the bathroom with an area for parking two vehicles," shares Rebecca V. about Joemma Beach State Park Campground.
Neighborhood dynamics: Be prepared for varied camping cultures. "This is also the spot where you go to camp and party with friends and family. So if you're looking for quiet, that's not always the case here. Be ready for tranquility or a party and join in the fun," advises Katiedawn V. about Joemma Beach.
Insect preparation: Bugs can be prevalent at certain sites and seasons. "Lots of bugs," reports Lisa G. about FS-2292. At Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping, Sam S. notes "There were really huge flies but they did not bite."
Tips from RVers
Pullout sizing: Large pullouts on forest roads can accommodate various vehicles. "There are about four pull outs to set up for the night," explains Beamus R. about Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead.
Spacious options: Some sites offer ample room for larger setups. "It was so large that we could have added a few more vehicles," notes Lynn about NF-2419 Dispersed Pullout, who had "plenty of room for my truck, 21' trailer, and a lost woman who we let pull in and sleep."
Overnight parking: For those needing just a quick overnight stop, look for established pullouts. "Not the most private spot if vehicles were to pass. The road looks like it's used but no one around when we arrived," shares Kahli C. about camping at Large Pull Out on FR 24.
Road limitations: Several forest roads have restrictions for larger vehicles. "Definitely not road you want to be intoxicated to drive on. There is a long drop if you lose control and fail off road," cautions Margaret G. about Rock Candy Mountain access roads, adding they are "not suitable for anything wider than a class B."
