Best Dispersed Camping near Bellingham, WA
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bellingham, WA (9)
1. Pine Lake Campground
Bellingham, Washington1 Review•23 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
2. Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County
La Conner, Washington3 Reviews•16 Photos•69 SavesA quick paddle or boat ride will get you to Hope Island State Park between La Conner and Whidbey Island on Skagit Bay. Once on the island, quiet hikes through forest and wildland meadows will charm you and relieve your stress.
Boaters know this park as a great place to tie up and take in the sunset or sunrise, but many come ashore and pitch a tent at one of Hope Island's primitive campsites.
Whether you arrive on a luxury boat, by the power of your arms and shoulders, or anything in between, you'll feel far from your daily routine and deserving of this island time.
PARK FEATURES Hope Island Marine State Park is a 181-acre marine park with six campsites, two mooring buoys, lovely beaches and a trail across the island. Most of the island is a nature preserve, and visitors are asked to stay on established trails and in designated campsites.
The park offers six primitive campsites on the north shore bay. The pay station is near the eastern campsite. A vault toilet is in the woods 100-feet south of the campsites. The rest of the island is a Natural Area Preserve, off limits to recreational use. Standard primitive campsite rules apply.The overnight parking fee is in effect at Cornet Bay boat launch.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
3. Point Doughty
Eastsound, Washington3 Reviews•1 Photo•12 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
4. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
Concrete, Washington4 Reviews•11 Photos•364 SavesDispersed 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.- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
Concrete, Washington2 Reviews•8 Photos•162 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
6. NF Dispersed Camping
Marblemount, Washington6 Reviews•8 Photos•463 SavesHas a fire ring made of stones.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Bellingham
16 Reviews of 9 Bellingham Campgrounds
- H
Haley F.
Scout
Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
Quiet camp with great views
Arrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s. Very small, quiet, stunning campground. Felt safe. We have a rooftop tent, not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in. Mostly open, some sites in the forest. Had one bar of Verizon service. Would stay again!
- BBella M.
Traveler
NF Dispersed Camping
Perfect
This area was perfect! Took a nice stroll along the road after dinner. Didn’t really run into any other campers.
- HHaley S.Scout
Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
Great spot on the lake
We found an amazing site right on the lake, with great views and it was fairly quiet. There were a couple people who decided to have campfires despite the statewide burn ban in effect, which was a bit of a bummer. Despite that, great campground with toilets, picnic table, fire ring (when allowed), and lots of trees for hammocking. Loved our weekend here!
- DDouglas H.Scout
Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
Plenty of spots
If you think all the spots are taken, keep driving. So many spots along Baker Lake Road.
Late July, there’s a lot of partying on the lake. It’s not so bad but you’ll definitely hear people having fun.
- BBella M.Traveler
NF Dispersed Camping
Bacon Point
Beautiful spot near the water also has some more secluded spots if wanted. Didn’t see too many people. And had no issues picking a spot to car camp. Definitely recommend.
- MMimi N.
GuideBaker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
Incredible View
It’s free! Beautiful view. Very serene. No facilities! The drive in is easy.
- OOrsolyaTraveler
Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
Beautiful spot
We was there during the week and we could to find a free spot easily.
Just turn right after the Horseshoe Cove CG. It’s a unpaved road, go until the lake. Has a toilet and 10ish campsites with fireplaces and tables.
- JJessica M.Traveler
Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
Great free spot on Baker Lake
Loved this free campground on Baker Lake near mt baker, WA! Take the first turn after horseshoe cove campground and follow the gravel road all the way to the lake.
Lots of spots with tables and fire rings, some spots have nice tent pads. Some sites are marked and some are not. There’s a single pit toilet and no running water. Seems like a pretty popular spot but we were able to get a site mid week at the end of August.
Parking for some of the spots is not the best but we were still able to car camp comfortably. Will definitely be staying here again!
- ZZac S.Scout
NF Dispersed Camping
Deep in the woods
Really deep into the woods. Driveway is a little rough but I made it in a car. All the other paid campsites were packed but found a few open spots here on the 4th of July weekend. Right next to the river! This app is great. Never would have found this!
Russel M.ScoutNF Dispersed Camping
Beautiful
No rain while I was there but I dont imagine it would get too muddy/sloppy. The road does have minimal gravel lining it. (CLEARANCE NEEDED - around the same amount as the Subaru line of vehicles or greater - 4wd not necessary)
Beautiful area, small town nearby where you could likely pick up a few things. I didnt stop. Gas station nearby.
There is a fast flowing stream with crystal clear water. Quiet mountain/forest area. No sounds of civilization. Multiple turnouts/improvised camping spaces. Keep driving till you find one you like. Easy to access the creak bank at any point along the road by walking through a little brush.
Lauren M.
RangerNF Dispersed Camping
Great location
The location is amazing!!!! Sadly though the campsites are not well cared for. I stayed at two different sites, one toward the end of the road and one closer to hwy 20. The end of the road spot did require 4wheel drive and higher clearance (suv height), the one closer to hwy 20 could have easily been driven to in a std. car. The river was gorgeous! The further down the road the likelihood you won’t have access to the river (creek). Both sites were straight up trashed! Trash everywhere!!! The site closer to hwy 20 had both trash and food debris (pineapple and coconut shell) everywhere. The tent pad was completely unusable because of trash. This site has a gorgeous water access but again found plastic bags floating on the creek edge. The site further down was littered with toilet paper and a huge polystyrene cooler full of “waste” so gross. I just used these spots as jumping off point for my hikes in the cascades and I slept in my car so it was a fine stay both times.
- RRaphael M.Traveler
NF Dispersed Camping
Quiet, secluded, good hangout spot.
This site will be on your right as you drive up NF-1062. someone made a firepit using stones, it will be easy to spot.
This was my very first dispersed camping that i did with my dog. will comeback if i drive by or something.
Jill R.Ranger
Point Doughty
DNR site badly in need of care
For such a fabulous location, this campground is woefully behind the times. Compared to other Cascade Water Trails locations under the WA State Parks jurisdiction that are clean and now sport awesome composting toilets, Point Doughty under the Department of Natural Resources has a particularly horrible pit toilet that you have to scramble up a bluff to get to. I understand a storm took out the stairs a while back and it's obvious there's been some activity to get stairs rebuilt. However, it's impossible as of this writing to get any gear from the beach to the campsites on the bluff. I wound up camping on the beach as I was in my kayak and there were no other options nearby. Actually the beach was quite pleasant as 2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment.
- DDuane and Janey D.Traveler
Pine Lake Campground
Busy with walkers
Cute sites, but you will be interrupted 500 times a day with walkers who use the trail and want to go straight through your site.
- Pat M.Traveler
Point Doughty
Gamble for a view
Only 3 non-reservable sites with tables and fire pits on DNR land. The path up to the sites from the beach is very steep and slippery on the dirt but there is a rope to help. Looks like they’re trying to create a stairway in the future. Not recommended if you need to haul myriad items up to the campground. One vault toilet had no toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We grabbed some rolls from Sucia to restock it for people. There is an epic view with short trails to walk around though.
- Pat M.Traveler
Point Doughty
Point
3 non-reservable sites are available on Washington area preserve land. The path up to the sites is steep and slippery with loose dirt but there’s a rope to help out. Looks like they started to build steps, who knows if it will get finished. Not recommended for hauling myriad items up from kayaks. The restroom is a vault toilet that lacked toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We brought a couple rolls from Sucia to help out. During low side it is very rocky and tough on fiberglass kayaks, but there’s a small path that can launch one or two kayaks at a time. There’s a couple short paths to explore the area, and an epic view at the tip of the point. Best used for small groups and simple camping.
Guide to Bellingham
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bellingham, Washington, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these locations offer a perfect escape into the wilderness.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- Experience breathtaking vistas at Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp, where you can enjoy views of the lake and mountains while camping in a peaceful setting.
- The Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite provides incredible scenery and a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude.
- For a unique experience, visit Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County, where you can camp on a small island surrounded by stunning water views.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bellingham, Washington
- Be prepared for a bit of a hike at Pine Lake Campground, as the sites are accessible via a trail that sees foot traffic throughout the day.
- When visiting Point Doughty, keep in mind that the path to the campsites is steep and may require some effort to navigate, especially if you're carrying gear.
- Always check for amenities before heading out; for instance, Baker Hot Springs lacks facilities, so plan accordingly to ensure a comfortable stay.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Baker Lake
- The Baker Lake Horse Camp offers a great location for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the area on horseback.
- If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, the Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite is popular during the summer, providing plenty of opportunities for socializing while enjoying the great outdoors.
- For a more secluded experience, consider NF Dispersed Camping, where you can find quiet spots along the river, perfect for relaxation and reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bellingham, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bellingham, WA is Pine Lake Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bellingham, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Bellingham, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.