Best Dispersed Camping near Buckley, WA

Dispersed camping near Buckley, Washington provides several primitive options for campers seeking free sites on public lands. The area features notable locations such as Carbon River, White River Dispersed Camping, and Ranger Creek Airstrip. These sites typically allow tent and RV camping with varying accessibility. White River Dispersed Camping sits conveniently outside the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, offering riverside sites with multiple access points from the main road. Several campers note this area requires high-clearance vehicles, as the access roads contain numerous potholes and rough terrain.

Most dispersed sites in the region lack basic amenities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service exists at most locations, with Ranger Creek Airstrip being an exception with its vault toilets. Campers must pack out all waste and come prepared with sufficient water supplies. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. Established fire rings exist at many sites, but always check current fire restrictions before your trip. Cell service ranges from weak to nonexistent depending on location and carrier.

The dispersed camping areas around Buckley operate under various permit requirements. Some sites require Northwest Forest Passes or other federal recreation passes, while others may request a $5 donation fee. According to reviews, Ranger Creek Airstrip accommodates approximately 100 sites with a 14-day stay limit. The area can become crowded and noisy on weekends and holidays, with weekday visits offering more solitude. The White River drowns out most highway noise at riverside sites. Proper waste disposal remains a persistent issue at these locations, so strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles is essential for preserving these free camping opportunities.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Buckley, Washington (41)

    1. Carbon River

    4 Reviews
    Carbonado, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 270-7504

    "My fiance' and I are sleeping in a tent and it has rained a lot but if you go into the woods, you can still find dry branches for starting a fire."

    "I go every year, but unfortunately the only bridge to gain access to camping is closed until further notice"

    2. White River Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 825-6585

    "Right outside the entrance to Mt."

    "If you come here you must leave no trace."

    3. Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    14 miles
    Website

    "Located at the trailhead are two bathrooms, a covered picnic area and a handful of parking stalls with additional parking located along the road. "

    4. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 783-6000

    "We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out."

    "We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out."

    5. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    17 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    28 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."

    6. Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    21 miles

    "There were many spots right next to the stream. There was a fire ban during our stay but there are many fire pits at each site."

    7. Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200

    2 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    22 miles

    "A drive leads out to a flat area with a fire pit It was raining when we pulled in, so views were limited. In the clear morning, we got a beautiful view of Mount Rainier."

    8. NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Puyallup, WA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1103

    "Forest Service has installed 6 temporary toilets for the third year in a row to assist with human waste issues. "

    "We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates."

    9. Annette Lake

    3 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 888-1421

    $5 / night

    "Hike was definitely challenging for middle aged man but I made it and my 10 year old did too (albeit after handing his backpack to dad to carry)."

    "We hiked in to Annette Lake to test out some new backpacking gear as we’re just getting into backpacking - it was great!"

    10. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    37 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 41 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Buckley, WA

124 Reviews of 41 Buckley Campgrounds



Guide to Buckley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Buckley, Washington, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of dispersed camping.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking views of Mount Rainier at Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200, where a narrow gravel road leads to a flat area with a fire pit, perfect for a cozy evening.
  • The Carbon River offers numerous spots along the river, allowing campers to wake up to stunning sunrises and the soothing sounds of flowing water.
  • For those seeking a more remote experience, Ipsut Creek Camp provides a peaceful setting along the Carbon River, ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Buckley, Washington

  • Always check for permit requirements before heading to Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off, as some areas may require a permit for camping.
  • Bring your own water and supplies, as places like White River Dispersed Camping do not provide drinking water or trash disposal facilities.
  • Be prepared for varying conditions; for instance, NF-52 Dispersed Camping offers beautiful views but can be busy, especially on weekends.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Ranger Creek Airstrip

  • The Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed site is spacious and accommodating for larger rigs, making it a great choice for those traveling with RVs.
  • Located near a river, this spot offers ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation in the surrounding woods.
  • Despite its popularity, the area remains relatively quiet, allowing campers to enjoy the tranquility of nature while being close to nearby towns for supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Buckley, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Buckley, WA is Carbon River with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Buckley, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 dispersed camping locations near Buckley, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.