Top Free Dispersed Camping near Carson, WA

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Carson? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Carson just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Carson, WA (45)

    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping

    4. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    25 Photos
    654 Saves

    Forest 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
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gifford Pinchot National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Gifford Pinchot National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Gifford Pinchot National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Gifford Pinchot National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Gifford Pinchot National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Gifford Pinchot National Forest

    6. Gifford Pinchot National Forest

    5 Reviews
    8 Photos
    531 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Huckleberry Mountain Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Huckleberry Mountain Dispersed Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake

    8. Mirror Lake

    7 Reviews
    46 Photos
    247 Saves

    Mirror 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
    • Tents
    • Group
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site

      10. NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site

      2 Reviews
      1 Photo
      37 Saves

      Dispersed camping, or camping outside of campgrounds, is permitted throughout most of the Forest! Always follow Leave No Trace principles and PACK-OUT all trash and leave the area cleaner than you found it.

      The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows the roads, trails and areas where you can legally drive. These roads, trails and areas are designated by type of motor vehicle allowed and the allowable season of use.

      The following guidelines apply to anyone camping outside of developed campgrounds on the National Forest:

      Camping

      Camp 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Camp outside of fragile meadows and restricted areas, preferably on bare or mineral soil. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Clean up and remove any trash, manure and straw before leaving. Avoid trenching. Water

      Streams and lakes are home to many microscopic organisms; some of them can make you very sick! Treat your water or bring water from home. Never clean dishes in a stream or lake.

      Campfires

      Have extra water & shovel available to extinguish your fire. Never leave a fire unattended. Never burn plastic, aluminum or non-paper trash.
      Use an existing fire ring where available. If you need one, build it small and away from overhanging branches. Be sure your fire is DEAD OUT before you leave -- drown it, turn it, stir it until it's cool to the touch. Gather only dead and down wood for your campfire. Human Waste

      Choose a suitable spot at least 100 feet away from any stream or lake. Dig a hole 6 inches deep. After use, re-fill the hole with soil and replace the duff. This allows the waste to decompose naturally. Bury toilet paper in the same hole. Empty built-in or portable toilets at sanitary dump stations.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Dispersed
    Showing results 1-10 of 45 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Carson

    82 Reviews of 45 Carson Campgrounds


    • Kenny L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
      Oct. 23, 2024

      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.

    • Tavi C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
      Oct. 18, 2024

      Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

      Do you like sleep?

      I mostly want to balance out these other reviews. No one said something that wasn’t true, but the weight that they seem to put on how disruptive the trains are surprising to me. You don’t just have trains passing, you have them blowing their horn multiple times a night, and they are close enough you can feel their vibration. If you are a very VERY deep sleeper, I’d say this is a 5 star stop. I wore noise canceling headphones and played a white noise machine in the background- and still had to take a sleeping pill at 3am after being woken up multiple times.

    • Jeffrey P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
      Aug. 31, 2024

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed
      Aug. 20, 2024

      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."

    • Todd J.
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - End of NF 4800-532
      Aug. 6, 2024

      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.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
      Jul. 29, 2024

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake dispersed camping
      Jul. 24, 2024

      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

    • Jeremy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
      Jul. 15, 2024

      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.
      Camper-submitted photo from McNeil Point Dispersed Camping
      Jul. 15, 2024

      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.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake dispersed camping
      Jul. 1, 2024

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR-604 Dispersed Site
      Jul. 1, 2024

      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.
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site
      Jun. 23, 2024

      NF-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.

    • Jeffrey P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
      Jun. 22, 2024

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Forest 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.
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-3511 @ Mt Hood
      Jun. 15, 2024

      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.
      Camper-submitted photo from White River West Sno-Park
      Jun. 8, 2024

      White 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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
      Jun. 8, 2024

      Panther 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!!

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from White River West Sno-Park
      May. 25, 2024

      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.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Zigzag River Camp
      Feb. 14, 2024

      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.

    • Kelly H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from White River West Sno-Park
      Jan. 7, 2024

      White River West Sno-Park

      So easy! Great view!

      We thought we'd try this out with some friends.  Tucked our trailers up in the far corner with a commanding view of Mt. Hood!  Well, not much view the first smokey day, but it cleared up nicely after a wind shift the following day.  So much room it never felt crowded with other folks coming and going.

      Paved, Pit toilets, garbage can.

      Walking and hiking from here.  Road noice not bad!  We actually spent 3 nights and explored the area around Mt. Hood.  

      Just a couple hours from home, an easy get away.

    • H
      Camper-submitted photo from Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
      Nov. 18, 2023

      Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

      Awesome spot right on the river

      Can’t beat a waterfront spot. So far no one else has shown up. It’s about 6pm but been dark for an hour and half. There is a restroom although I haven’t used it yet. I’d say there’s about 5 picnic tables but there’s probably between 7-10 spots if you really tried.

    • Amber H.
      Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
      Sep. 19, 2023

      NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping

      Dispersed campsite above Trillium Lake.

      I would just like to thank whomever originally uploaded this site! We used it this weekend and it was perfect for us!! We will definitely be using it again next summer! Best camping trip of the season!



    Guide to Carson

    Camping near Carson, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "Great 2-mile hiking loop around the lake" at Trillium Lake.
    • Fishing: The lakes are perfect for fishing. One camper at Lost Lake Resort And Campground said, "The lake is fun for fishing and renting a little boat or canoe to get onto the water."
    • Boating: Rent a canoe or kayak to enjoy the water. A visitor at Memaloose State Park Campground noted, "Great spot to set up camp and hit the trails for wildflower season."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Ainsworth State Park Campground mentioned, "Hot showers and clean bathrooms make for a pleasant stay."
    • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between campers. A visitor at Trillium Lake said, "Clean sights with good privacy between camp spots."
    • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Memaloose State Park Campground shared, "Beautiful 180-degree views from our camp site of the river."

    What you should know:

    • Train Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks, which can be loud. A camper at Cascade Locks KOA noted, "The train was very loud (especially at night)."
    • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. One visitor at Lower Falls Campground mentioned, "No cell service. Bring your own water."
    • Busy Seasons: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Mt Hood Village Resort advised, "Book early if able."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A parent at Mt Hood Village Resort said, "Our kids love cruising the loops on their bikes and stopping in at the playground."
    • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. One camper at Lost Lake Resort And Campground reminded, "Tons of hiking trails nearby."
    • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, so plan activities that allow for downtime. A visitor at Oxbow Regional Park appreciated the "quiet hours to enjoy the peace and quiet of outside."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Hookups: Make sure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground noted, "Clean and respectful staff. However, the parking machine was not working when I arrived."
    • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. One camper at Mt Hood Village Resort mentioned, "Many spaces are level dirt parking."
    • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Lower Falls Campground said, "Miles of trails close by and the hike to middle and upper falls is great."

    Camping near Carson, Washington, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Carson, WA is Panther Creek Creekside Camp with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 45 dispersed camping locations near Carson, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.