Top Free Dispersed Camping near Burlington, WA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Burlington, WA (10)

    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

    1. 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
    • No image available

      2. Pine Lake Campground

      1 Review
      23 Saves
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Toilets
      • Alcohol
      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

      3. 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 Point Doughty

      4. Point Doughty

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

      6. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

      3 Reviews
      13 Photos
      112 Saves

      What is Dispersed Camping? 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
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Dispersed
      • Market
      • No image available
        • No image available
          • No image available
            • No image available

            Recent Dispersed Reviews In Burlington

            19 Reviews of 10 Burlington 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.

            • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
              Jul. 21, 2024

              Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

              Coordinates off

              The directions had me believing that the dispersed camping was just various pull offs on the highway loop and that’s where I stayed. It was loud and it felt like the traffic was coming through my tent at times. After driving to North Cascades I discovered that there was real dispersed camping on that road but probably 45 minutes to an hour past where the coordinates took you. Once the highway turned into a gravel road is when I started seeing nice dispersed campsites

            • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
              Oct. 20, 2023

              Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

              Sites just off the gravel portion of the mountain loop

              Easy enough to access right off the mountain loop highway. Meandering sites along the river with good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks. Heavily forested and beautiful.

            • 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 Burlington

            Camping near Burlington, WA, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the campfire, there’s something for everyone.

            What to do:

            • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Deception Pass State Park Campground. “The hike to see Deception Pass Bridge is awesome,” one camper noted, highlighting the park's stunning views.
            • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Larrabee State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, “Close to Bellingham, spots are very close together, but the view is priceless.”
            • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Rasar State Park Campground. One camper shared, “We saw a deer in the morning in the campground,” making it a great spot for nature lovers.

            What campers like:

            • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Birch Bay State Park Campground stated, “Hot showers and nice restroom facilities” made their stay enjoyable.
            • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground mentioned, “The campground, while quite full, was incredibly quiet.”
            • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful park staff. One review from Howard Miller Steelhead County Park noted, “The host was incredibly generous,” which made for a welcoming experience.

            What you should know:

            • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or train tracks. A camper at Larrabee State Park Campground mentioned, “Road noise, train noise, and light noise from the RV pull-thru sites” could be bothersome.
            • Site Sizes: Campsites vary in size, and some may feel cramped. A review from Bay View State Park Campground pointed out, “The road through campsites are a little tight, but we fit!!”
            • Reservation Recommendations: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Fort Casey Campground advised, “Reservations are almost a necessity for weekends, holidays, and summer months.”

            Tips for camping with families:

            • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and trails. One camper at Rasar State Park Campground mentioned, “The playground is an easy walk from all sites.”
            • Safety Precautions: Be aware of wildlife. A visitor at Howard Miller Steelhead County Park noted a recent cougar sighting, so keep an eye on the kids while exploring.
            • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the little ones happy during hikes. A camper at Birch Bay State Park Campground enjoyed the “short walk to the beach for some stunning sunsets,” making it a perfect spot for a picnic.

            Tips from RVers:

            • Check Hookups: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A review from Larrabee State Park Campground mentioned, “Paid over $50 for one night with electric, and then they shut the power off at 10 PM????”
            • Space Between Sites: Look for campgrounds with ample space between RVs. A camper at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground appreciated the “decent spacing between sites.”
            • Plan for Wind: Be prepared for windy conditions, especially near the water. A visitor at Fort Casey Campground warned, “If there’s a storm in the forecast, be ready for some wind.”

            Camping near Burlington, WA, has its perks and quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic outdoor experience!

            Frequently Asked Questions

            • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Burlington, WA?

              According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Burlington, WA is Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

              TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Burlington, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.