Best Dispersed Camping near Camas, WA
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Camas, WA (45)
1. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
Cougar, Washington4 Reviews•41 Photos•183 SavesThis small, lightly used campground is tucked into dense forest adjacent to Canyon Creek. Eight campsites are available for tent camping only.
Nine small campsites. Smaller RVs can camp here. There is a newer, accessible vault toilet. Each site has a table and fire ring. The campground is sort of hidden away in the dense forest. Canyon Creek is nearby. If pulling a trailer, it is best to leave it at a pullout on the 54 road and find the campground first. There is no chance to turn around if the entrance is missed.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
3. Mirror Lake
Government Camp, Oregon7 Reviews•46 Photos•250 SavesMirror Lake offers a few sites for overnight camping. The hike to the lake is one of the most popular hikes on Mt Hood. While the vast majority of hikers only visit during the day, a few primitive sites are located just above the lake.
When I refer to primitive sites, that is what they are. There are no facilities here. No picnic tables, and no toilets. A few fire pits have been fashioned out of rock and you may also find a makeshift bench. But for some this is an ideal camping experience. By day Mirror lake can get crowded. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains and it can get loud here. But at night it is as peaceful as you could ever want. Views of Mt Hood and Tom Dick and Harry Mountain are all outstanding.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
4. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
Cougar, Washington9 Reviews•25 Photos•655 SavesForest Road 83 provides access to Mt St Helens campgrounds. There are dispersed sites along this road for camping, and the area provides access to Climber's Bivouac, Ape Cave, and Lava Canyon. Camping near Mt St Helens is open from Memorial Day until snow blocks the roads. Food, lodging, gas, and other services are available in nearby communities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
Carson, Washington2 Reviews•6 Photos•83 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8. Blue Lake Road by Bridge of the Gods
Stevenson, Washington2 Reviews•30 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Group
- Toilets
- Alcohol
9. White River West Sno-Park
Government Camp, Oregon8 Reviews•30 Photos•220 SavesSno Park permit required November 1 - April 30
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
10. McNeil Point Dispersed Camping
Government Camp, Oregon4 Reviews•43 Photos•228 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Camas
84 Reviews of 45 Camas Campgrounds
Kenny L.
Scout
NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
Great Spot!
Such an awesome find! The first campsite is small and perfect for a couple tents. The second site could easily fit 3 or 4 tents and has plenty of additional space for parking, kitchen set-up, etc… both sites also have really nice fire pits. Also don’t let the Trillium Lake camp hosts scare you. They told us the gravel road to access the sites was “rough as hell” and were completely wrong. Nothing more than a few potholes. Any vehicle could make the trek.
- GGarrett B.
Guide
White River West Sno-Park
Good camp site, but hard to level
This is a large, paved parking lot with a stream nearby. Has a good view of Mt. Hood and vault toilets, so that's a positive. The downside is that it's not level. Trailers shouldn't have a problem, but even with several blocks under our tires, our 39ft Class A was still un-level.
- Steve G.
Traveler
Teacup Lake Sno Park
Paved Pull off
Maybe if you’re in a pinch this place would work for the night but definitely not somewhere I’d stay longer than that.
Isaac H.Traveler
Panther Creek Creekside Camp
PNW road trip 🏕️
A great spot with privacy ! Lots of turnouts along the road with river accesses just steps away ! Definitely recommend!
Jeffrey P.Guide
Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
Easy Get Away
A couple spots right off the road for car camping or small campers. There was an “official” camp sight more near the Dry Creek Trail (has a bathroom). We opted to walk south along the river to try and find a space. Ended up crossing the river where there are a couple more hidden spots. We found out later that there is a trail right before you cross Trapper Creek that leads you to the spot we were at. There were a few people out and you can sometimes hear cars but overall it was an easy stay with some nice views. The river drowns out most the noise. Would definitely come back here
Kevin W.Guide
McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed
Lots of shade, very private and trailer friendly.
I have camped here twice now, once during a scouting trip in 2016 with my boys and again in September 2024 with just me and my dog :). I could pull my 17' pop-up "A" frame trailer and back into one of the two spots with no problem. Due to the narrow road, it may be a bit more snug with bigger rigs (25+ feet long and anything more than 8+ feet wide). I would scout the road and area before committing; however, there is a turnaround that you could use to maneuver the trailer to drive out. It's plenty big to accommodate a few trucks/cars and one, maybe two towable trailers. If you're going tent camping, there are about four flat places for tents. The area has no trails, so you would not have to worry about people wandering into the campsite. The Ape Caves is a small drive away. The town of Cougar, WA. is about 10 miles away if you need gas or food. There is a lot of shade, and it is not solar-friendly. The main road is about 100 feet away, relatively quiet, and very private. There was a large rock fire pit in the middle. There is no cell phone reception; however, if you drive East for a few miles, you may be able to get 2 bars with Verizon.
Per the state website, "On the southwest side of Mount St. Helens, Forest Road 81 provides an experience away from crowds. On this road, access Kalama Horse Camp, Red Rock Pass, and Forest Road 830, the road to Climber's Bivouac, and the start of the summer climbing route. From the west, the road begins on Forest Road 90, near Cougar, WA, and travels through private timberlands and state lands before entering Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The road connects with Forest Road 83 on its east side. While mostly paved, be prepared for several miles of gravel(between Forest Road 830 and 8123) and a road that is sometimes very rough."
MouniTraveler
NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site
Don’t recommend
Good luck. This takes you to the middle of nowhere with no camping spots. You’ll have no service.
John P.Scout
Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight
Easy Car Camp
Relative to other options in Northwest Oregon this was an easy to find, plenty of space place to park the car. My partner and I angled our vehicle to block our tent from the road and slept like rocks.
Not scenic (though the waterfall that is a short hike away is). My only safety concern is someone taking the corner too fast running into your car.
Todd J.Guide
Dispersed Site - End of NF 4800-532
Sweet spot not far from White River East
This spot is pretty nice, feels very secluded despite White River being close enough to use the restroom if you want. Access to a stream down the hill if you need to filter water, and it sounds very pleasant at night. Lovely trees, plenty of room for a couple of small tents among the trees, plus a ton more out on the gravel. Established fire pit, for the 2-3 days a year that's legal to use.
We got in at 5pm on a Friday in summer; I think four more cars came down to see if the spot was free before 9pm.
- MMelissa B.Guide
Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
Trail of Turds…
The site was great honestly, nice flat pads for tents, plenty of room for a trailer if you’re brave enough to bring it down about 5 miles of rough rough gravel road. For being such a remote location it was very busy this weekend lots of cars, foot traffic, and fishermen. It’s beautiful u can’t blame anyone for wanting to come but i was surprised by the volume. Maybe try a weekday for less crowds.
We had a private trail (about a country block in length), we quickly realized it was a “shitty” trail, a trail of Turds😭😭💩🧻
Other then that water and surrounding scenery was breath taking..
tom P.Scout
Clear Lake dispersed camping
Pretty good
There's lots of other pull outs on the drive into this spot which are nicer. The road is in bad shape so v slow and not really suitable for cars. Quiet and private. Some trash around
Bobby J.
RangerPanther Creek Creekside Camp
Awesome stay on the creek
This was an awesome stay right on the creek which was secluded and nice to hear the rushing water of the creek
Jeremy P.Traveler
Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
Fanastic sunset views of Mount Hood
There's a handful of dispersed campsites throughout NF44 and various side roads. I had several options to choose from and never saw another person. This was on a Thursday afternoon.
Kennedy F.Guide
McNeil Point Dispersed Camping
Can’t beat the views at McNeil point
Ended up backpacking up here on a whim right before I headed back to Utah. I started at the Top Spur trailhead and hiked the clockwise route up to McNeil (a little longer but saved be the scramble through rocks). On my way I ended up going to Muddy Fork which added about 4 miles to my overall trek up. I ended up camping at the point rather than further down, which was a challenge to carry my pack up, but so worth it in my opinion. It’s dispersed camping so solitude is easily reachable considering not too many people stay the night. This was easily one of the top 5 most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen. The mountain range is unbeatable and waking up to Mt. Hood as your veiw is incredible. It’s a challenge with the best reward.
- JJack O.Scout
Clear Lake dispersed camping
Beautiful area ruined by humans.
I stopped for the night while traveling and found a huge dispersed camping area right off the road. Unfortunately, some disgusting, disrespectful, immature family left a ton of garbage and feces all over the site. There were three sites with piles of feces and toilet paper right on the camp site. Not 100 feet away, not buried. It was disgusting. This makes me lose faith in humans.
- Ashlyn C.Guide
FR-604 Dispersed Site
Private and spacious campsite!
The campsite was nice, right off the road but there wasn’t an absurd amount of traffic to where it bothered me but you will hear the cars on the road while you sleep if you’re in a tent. If you follow the trail by foot in the back of the forest for maybe 10 minutes you will find a beautiful swimming hole and small waterfalls! I recommend blocking the entrance with your vehicles to block noise and people trying to drive in to the campsite.
Brooks H.ScoutNF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site
Many Sites Available of Variety
Plenty of spots available. At the bottom of road coming from Carson often crowded, but if you go further you are bound to find something. Beautiful trees and foliage with obvious sites on side of road.
Bradley B.Guide
Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
Chill spot
It’s a little busy with everyone checking out the water fall during the day . Quite at night ! Nice and chill
- Jeffrey P.Guide
Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
Pretty good!
Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out. Really relaxing next to the sound of the river. Would definitely recommend sleeping mats if you’re in a tent as the grounds rather hard. The spot we went didn’t really have anywhere for hammocks but saw a couple on the way out. “Spaces” were far enough apart that you couldn’t even tell anyone else was out there. Wood was kinda sparse in the spot we were in too but you’re close enough to your car that you can just bring some. Would definitely recommend for a quick and convenient spot.
Jason B.GuideForest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
Great/Quiet Spot
Took a while to discover this spot, but clearly seems well used for dispersed camping. I parked nearest the access road, as my van would have hit trees to go a little further in. For smaller vehicles (e.g. roof top tents), you can get in a little further and off the access road. There was actually someone else back there, and we can't hear nor see each other.
Shelby S.Guide
NF-3511 @ Mt Hood
Great views on the drive up
While you can't see the mountain from the site itself.There's a great turnaround point and views on the way up and down! Past a few vans pulled over on the way up, But no one drove past me the entire night
Susannah H.ScoutWhite River West Sno-Park
Great view and pit toilets
Big paved lot with really well managed pit toilets. Short walk takes you to the White River, which was more of a creek when we were there, and a breathtaking view of Mt. Hood.
Vanessa T.ScoutPanther Creek Creekside Camp
Best spot ever!
I was headed down 14 looking for somewhere to camp between the Dalles and camas. I got stuck in road construction and decided to open up the dyrt app. I clicked on one that looked closish lol I decided to take the chance and go check it out. Man I'm glad I did This is one of the best dispersed camp sites I've ever stayed at!!
- KKyle S.Scout
Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
Beware of Samsquatch
He’s out there 👽
- MMikeGuide
White River West Sno-Park
Great spot to stay.
We did not know what to expect when we reached this site. It is just a large parking area, we found a pretty level place for our travel trailer. Only 2 other trailers and 1 tent camper during the day. A lot of van and car campers the latter the day got. Good spot to stay when checking out the area. The view out our door was amazing, when the sun was out. We stayed 5 nights, had all types of weather on our stay, from lots of rain to sun and also snow. Would stay here again if in the area. Free to stay from May 1 to October 31.
Logan K.Traveler
Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks
Snowed out
Went up at the end of the snow season and I couldn't quite make it. My 4wd rav only has road tires and I eventually got to a point I wasn't able to make it. My brothers 2022 Outback did completely fine but regardless we had to turn back. I plan to revisit the site here in about two(ish) weeks. The area surrounding the site is trafficked regularly by the looks of it, lots of people coming out shooting, HOWEVER the area is patrolled very heavily by Sheriff Department. I was told by a guy more akin to the area that the spot is a pretty normal spot for locals and that some better areas are farther up.
- RRon G.Scout
Zigzag River Camp
Side of the road camping?
These coordinates get you the Kiwanis camp, other than that I wouldn't say a great dispersant camping spot, area is nice though.
Guide to Camas
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Camas, Washington, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Camas, Washington
- When heading to Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping, be prepared for a rough gravel road that leads to beautiful, flat tent pads. It's a great spot for those looking to escape the crowds, especially on weekdays.
- Make sure to bring your own water and firewood, as Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed does not offer drinking water or firewood on-site. This ensures a more comfortable stay while enjoying the scenic views.
- If you're camping at Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed, consider bringing sleeping mats for added comfort, as the ground can be quite hard.
Scenic river access for dispersed campers
- For those seeking a peaceful riverside experience, Panther Creek Creekside Camp offers stunning views and the soothing sounds of rushing water, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
- The river sites at Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed are particularly beautiful and located just a mile from the trailhead, providing easy access for a refreshing dip.
- If you prefer a more secluded experience, FR-604 Dispersed Site features a private swimming hole and small waterfalls just a short hike from the campsite, perfect for a day of exploration.
Top activities while free camping near Camas
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities available near Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping, where the nearby waters attract both anglers and nature lovers alike.
- Hiking is a must at Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed, with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints and the chance to encounter local wildlife along the way.
- For a unique experience, keep an eye out for Sasquatch while camping at Gee Creek Rest Area I-5, where the surrounding wilderness adds an element of adventure to your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Camas, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Camas, WA is Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Camas, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 dispersed camping locations near Camas, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.