Top Free Dispersed Camping near Bellingham, WA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bellingham, WA (8)

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      1. Pine Lake Campground

      1 Review
      23 Saves
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Toilets
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
      Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
      Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
      Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
      Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
      Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit

      2. Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit

      3 Reviews
      16 Photos
      69 Saves

      The park offers four 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.

      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Point Doughty

      3. Point Doughty

      3 Reviews
      1 Photo
      12 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

      4. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

      4 Reviews
      11 Photos
      361 Saves

      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.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
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          Recent Dispersed Reviews In Bellingham

          16 Reviews of 8 Bellingham Campgrounds


          • HThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
            Oct. 13, 2024

            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!

          • HThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
            Aug. 19, 2024

            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!

          • DThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
            Jul. 28, 2024

            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.

          • B
            Camper-submitted photo from NF Dispersed Camping
            Jul. 22, 2024

            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.

          • O
            Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
            Aug. 30, 2023

            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.

          • J
            Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
            Aug. 25, 2023

            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!

          • Z
            Camper-submitted photo from NF Dispersed Camping
            Jul. 3, 2023

            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.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from NF Dispersed Camping
            Mar. 31, 2023

            NF 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.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from NF Dispersed Camping
            Aug. 23, 2022

            NF 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.

          • R
            Camper-submitted photo from NF Dispersed Camping
            Nov. 18, 2021

            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.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Point Doughty
            Sep. 25, 2019

            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.

          • Pat M.
            Camper-submitted photo from Point Doughty
            Jul. 22, 2019

            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.
            Camper-submitted photo from Point Doughty
            Jul. 18, 2019

            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

          Camping near Bellingham, WA, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

          What to do:

          • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Deception Pass State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hike to see Deception Pass Bridge is awesome," making it a must-do for nature lovers.
          • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Birch Bay State Park Campground. A camper shared, "Short walk to an amazing beach," perfect for a day of sun and fun.
          • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Rasar State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Great trails in and near this park... watching birds if you like any of these activities."

          What campers like:

          • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Larrabee State Park Campground said, "Clean grounds and bathrooms," which is always a plus.
          • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful park rangers. One camper at Moran State Park - Midway mentioned, "The park rangers were very friendly and helpful."
          • Privacy: Campers enjoy the sense of seclusion at spots like Swift Creek Campground. A reviewer stated, "Most sites are reasonably private," making it a great choice for those seeking peace.

          What you should know:

          • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Larrabee State Park Campground mentioned, "Road noise, train noise, and light noise from the RV pull-thru sites," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
          • Site Size: Campsites can vary in size. One camper at Bay View State Park Campground noted, "Site is small... it only can fit one," so check the details before booking.
          • Reservation Issues: Be aware that some campgrounds have limited office hours for reservations. A visitor at Lynden-Bellingham KOA mentioned, "The ranger office is only open from 2-4," which can lead to confusion.

          Tips for camping with families:

          • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby hiking and swimming options. A family at Rasar State Park Campground enjoyed, "The playground is an easy walk from all sites."
          • Safety First: Choose campgrounds with clean facilities and good supervision. One camper at Birch Bay State Park Campground felt safe enough to camp solo, saying, "Cozy, safe, easy to navigate."
          • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for potential noise from other campers. A visitor at Moran State Park - Mountain Lake mentioned, "A group of mountain bikers... stayed up until midnight," so consider timing your stay.

          Tips from RVers:

          • Check Hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Deception Pass State Park Campground appreciated the "electric hookups," which made their stay more comfortable.
          • Space Between Sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites. One RV traveler at Bay View State Park Campground noted, "Clean bathrooms, enough space between vehicles," which is ideal for RV camping.
          • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to local attractions. A visitor at Larrabee State Park Campground enjoyed being "an easy drive to La Conner and Deception Pass," making it easy to explore the area.

          Camping near Bellingham, WA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to ensure a great experience!

          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 8 dispersed camping locations near Bellingham, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.