Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.

It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.

Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities and local restrictions, please contact the nearest ranger district office. 

Rules for Dispersed Camping
These rules apply to car camping and backpacking

You may camp in a dispersed area in an individual Ranger District for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move to another Ranger District or off the National Forest until the 30 days has elapsed.
Do not blaze new roads to campsites, create new campsites, clear ground, cut or harm vegetation or construct a trail. 
Do not drive beyond constructed physical barriers, such as berms or gates.  
Do not drive through streams or wetlands to access a camp. 
If campfires are legal in your location and you choose to have a campfire, pick a site with an existing fire pit.  Do not create new fire pits. Make sure your campfire is always attended and is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave your site. Fires may be restricted or banned based on the fire danger rating. 
Follow  Leave No Trace  principles and come prepared to “Pack it in. Pack it out.” Pack all trash home. Dispose of human waste in a sanitary manner. In high use locations, areas above tree line and snow-covered areas it is not possible to bury human waste in a sanitary manner. It will need to be packed out and disposed of at home using a wag bag, blue bag, portable toilet or another Leave No Trace approved method.  
Do not block roads or gates.
Keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store items in your vehicle or use a wildlife resistant storage canister. 
Failure to follow regulations can lead to legal consequences. Additional Forest rules and links to report crimes can be found on our Law Enforcement page.

South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.

It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resource.


Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

Annette Lake 

A Northwestt Forest Pass (daily/annual) is required for entrance to Dorothy Lake. view more information here: https://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes#northwest-forest-pass-details

Lake Dorothy

WTA Pro Tip: This is a popular area for camping. On a sunny weekend, start early to allow plenty of time to find a site. Note that Gothic Basin is an extremely fragile area, so be sure that you're camping on an established site or sturdy surface, like rock or dirt, and avoid camping in meadows or grasses, as this can damage the landscape. You’ll also want a bear can, as there are no trees in Gothic Basin suitable for a bear line.

Gothic Basin

Looking for the best Washington dispersed camping? It's easy to find a Washington campground with dispersed camping with the Dyrt. These scenic and easy to access Washington campsites are perfect for dispersed campers.

Washington

The Best Dispersed Camping in Washington

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Bellevue? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Bellevue's most popular destinations.

Bellevue

The Best Dispersed Camping Near Bellevue, Washington

Traveling along Highway 2, enter the center of the forest along the Skykomish River, a rafting adventurers' dream. Grab your skis! In just two hours you will be gliding down the slopes at Stevens Pass Ski Area. Check in at the Stevens Pass Historic District for an overview of the area's colorful railroad and mining past. Recreation Area Map National Scenic Byway

US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass

Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.

It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.

Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities and local restrictions, please contact the nearest ranger district office. 

Carbon River

Part of the Northern Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park. 

Ipsut Creek Camp

Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

The Emerald City is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier cities and a popular place to stop. While the city doesn’t offer many camping or RV options, it’s rich in amenities and is a great visit on your way to any of Washington’s parks.

The best camping near Seattle is on Blake Island State Park, though it’s only accessible by boat. If that doesn’t bother you, the park is a beautiful place to be during summer evenings. Seattle tends to be a popular stop for travelers heading to campsites in Olympic National Park near Port Angeles, WA. The surrounding Olympic National Forest is also a great choice if you can’t get one of the campgrounds you were hoping for at Olympic.

Seattle

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Seattle. Seattle is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Seattle, WA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Camping Near Seattle, Washington

Join the fun near Spokane. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Spokane. Find the best campgrounds near Spokane, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Spokane

The Best Camping Near Spokane, Washington

Are you in need of a campground near Tacoma, WA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Tacoma is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Tacoma, reviewed by campers like you.

Tacoma

The Best Camping Near Tacoma, Washington

Searching for the best camping near Vancouver, WA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Vancouver, reviewed by campers like you.

Vancouver

The Best Camping Near Vancouver, Washington

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Bellevue, WA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bellevue. Discover great camping spots near Bellevue, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Bellevue, Washington

Join the fun near Everett. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Washington camping adventure.

Everett

The Best Camping Near Everett, Washington

Looking for the best campgrounds near Kent, WA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Washington camping adventure.

Kent

The Best Camping Near Kent, Washington

Looking for the best campgrounds near Yakima, WA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Yakima. Discover great camping spots near Yakima, reviewed by campers like you.

Yakima

The Best Camping Near Yakima, Washington

Renton is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Renton campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Renton, WA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Renton

The Best Camping Near Renton, Washington

Searching for the best camping near Spokane Valley, WA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Spokane Valley, reviewed by campers like you.

Spokane Valley

The Best Camping Near Spokane Valley, Washington

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, WA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, WA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The Best Camping Near Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington

Are you in need of a campground near Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Washington camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

The Best Camping Near Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

Looking for the best campgrounds near Olympic National Forest, WA? Olympic National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Olympic National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

Olympic National Forest

The Best Camping Near Olympic National Forest, Washington

Colville National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Colville National Forest campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Colville National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Colville National Forest

The Best Camping Near Colville National Forest, Washington

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Discover great camping spots near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, reviewed by campers like you.

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Washington

Camping in the North Cascades is an unforgettable experience. Near Seattle, WA, the national park is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s also home to some of the best camping in Washington state. Take an early hike from the campground for bird watching — there are more than 200 species in the park. Grey wolves, deer, and squirrels also call the park home, along with elusive wolverines. Hike into the campground and pitch a tent, or stay comfortably in a cabin or yurt. RV drivers can pull up to their campsites. They are only a stroll away from mountain waterfalls, alpine meadows, and stunning glaciers.

North Cascades National Park

The Best Camping Near North Cascades National Park, Washington

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, WA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Washington

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Mt. Rainier National Park. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Washington camping adventure.

Mt. Rainier National Park

The Best Camping Near Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington

In Northwest Washington, you’ll find one of the most popular parks in the US, Olympic National Park. Located near Port Angeles, WA, this expansive park embodies the best of the PNW. If you want to enjoy camping in some of the best greenery in the country, this is the place you want to hike.

There are a number of developed campgrounds in the park, with just a few (Kalaloch, Sol Duc, Hoh, and Mora) offering summer reservations. With a variety of campsites throughout the park, you can find a spot that best fits your schedule and interests. Nine of these campgrounds are RV-capable, though Olympic has some rough roads that RV’s may struggle on. The best camping near Olympic is in the park itself though there are some dispersed options surrounding the park and a few small cities to stay in.

Olympic National Park

Join the fun near Olympic National Park. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Olympic National Park is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

The Best Camping Near Olympic National Park, Washington

Looking for the best campgrounds near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA? Gifford Pinchot National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

The Best Dispersed Camping in Bellevue

Top Campgrounds in Bellevue (14)

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