Primitive camping near Burlington, Washington offers sites within dense forests and along mountain-fed lakes. The Cascade region typically receives 70-90 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings but challenging conditions during spring runoff. Most dispersed sites sit between 500-2,500 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 65-80°F during camping season.
What to do
**River activities: Explore streams and shorelines at Mountain Loop Highway Dispersed Camp where sites are "along the river with good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks." The area provides natural exploration opportunities in a "heavily forested and beautiful" setting.
**Kayaking to islands: Hope Island Marine State Park requires boat access but rewards paddlers with isolation. A visitor described it as "an awesome little island" with a "trail that circles the island" for exploration. For those new to kayaking, the park offers "an easy and un-intimidating introduction to kayaking."
**Wildlife viewing: Shoreline camping at Point Doughty provides exceptional wildlife observation. One camper reported seeing "2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment."
What campers like
**Solitude on weekdays: Baker Lake Road offers numerous free camping spots with varied privacy levels. Visitors note even during peak times you can find seclusion if you "keep driving. So many spots along Baker Lake Road."
**Crystal clear water: NF Dispersed Camping features a "fast flowing stream with crystal clear water" according to reviews. The area provides a "quiet mountain/forest area" with "no sounds of civilization" and "multiple turnouts/improvised camping spaces."
**Waterfront access: Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp offers lake access at select sites. One visitor found "an amazing site right on the lake, with great views and it was fairly quiet" while another appreciated the "great views and nice and quiet" atmosphere despite sites being "close together."
What you should know
**Road conditions: Vehicle requirements vary significantly. NF-33 Dispersed Camping access "gets much rougher the further you go, so not big-rig friendly nor for low-clearance vehicles or vehicles with bald/old tires." Similar clearance issues exist at many sites.
**Limited amenities: Most primitive sites have minimal facilities. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite has "free, good views, easy to get to" but campers should note "some spots have lots of trash" and there are "no facilities" at most locations.
**Site competition: Availability fluctuates seasonally and weekly. One camper at Mountain Loop Highway noted coordinates can be misleading, reporting "I discovered that there was real dispersed camping on that road but probably 45 minutes to an hour past where the coordinates took you."
Tips for camping with families
**Pack insect protection: Multiple campers report significant mosquito activity during summer months. A visitor to Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite warned of "A TON of mosquitos so bring your spray!"
**Find established sites: For easier primitive camping with kids, look for locations with basic infrastructure. Pine Lake Campground offers "cute sites" though campers should note "you will be interrupted 500 times a day with walkers who use the trail."
**Water safety considerations: When camping near lakes or streams, be aware of variable conditions. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite provides "plenty of spots with easy lake access" but parents should monitor water conditions as recreational activity increases in summer months.
Tips from RVers
**Size restrictions: Most primitive sites accommodate smaller rigs only. Lower Sandy Camp visitors note there are "not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in."
**Parking limitations: Many dispersed camping areas have challenging parking situations. Even at established sites like Lower Sandy Camp, "parking for some of the spots is not the best" though some visitors report they "were still able to car camp comfortably."
**Turnaround space: Forest roads leading to primitive sites often lack adequate turning areas for longer vehicles. At NF Dispersed Camping, one RVer reported they "didn't get more than a mile in our promaster before turning around. Camped on a wider part of the road."
