Best Dispersed Camping near Burlington, WA
Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Burlington, Washington, with several primitive sites available on public lands. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp offers lakeside camping with basic amenities including pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Baker Lake Road provides numerous free campsites with mountain views and lake access. Hope Island Marine State Park requires boat access and features limited primitive sites on a small island with vault toilets and established fire rings. NF Dispersed Camping areas offer secluded forest sites near flowing streams.
Most dispersed sites require permits, which can be obtained from ranger stations or online. Vehicle access varies significantly by location. According to reviews, Lower Sandy Camp requires navigating "a long gravel road with lots of huge potholes" and some sites need higher clearance vehicles. Several campers noted that NF Dispersed Camping areas may require "Subaru-level clearance or greater" though 4WD is not always necessary. Water is generally not available at these sites; visitors must pack in their own supplies. Fire regulations change seasonally, with complete bans common during summer months.
Weather conditions in this region can change rapidly. The Baker Lake area experiences significant recreational activity during summer weekends. Campers report that "late July, there's a lot of partying on the lake." Wildlife sightings are common, particularly at coastal sites. Hope Island visitors have observed "sea lions swimming around in the area" and even orcas near Point Doughty. Weekday camping typically offers better site availability and more solitude. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Pack-out all trash as most locations have no waste disposal facilities.
