Best Dispersed Camping near Chinook, WA

Road to Snag Lake provides free dispersed camping opportunities near Chinook, Washington, requiring a Discovery Pass for overnight stays. The dirt access road is relatively well-maintained but features steep grades, washboard sections, and occasional washed-out areas that most vehicles can navigate carefully. Multiple primitive sites are available along this route, with the most desirable locations near the summit by the cell towers, offering valley views when weather permits.

Several campsites are scattered throughout the area, particularly at higher elevations where concrete pads from old structures provide level spots for tents or vehicles. These sites lack amenities – no toilets, water, or trash service – and campers should be prepared to pack out all waste. A recent visitor noted, "Very quiet. Spots for van or tent are between radio/cell towers, so doesn't feel like wilderness but there is the potential for spectacular views if the clouds clear." Cell service is excellent near the towers, making this area suitable for remote workers needing connectivity while camping.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Chinook, Washington (10)

    1. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    Naselle, WA
    12 miles
    Website

    "There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!"

    "We were the only campers that we are aware of; very quiet night. No trash on site."

    3. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    29 miles

    "The coordinates did not take us to the exact spot, but the pin on the map was the closest, it’s actually to the left on the dirt road. You’ll see a tiny dirt road going up hill and that’s the spot."

    "This spot has an almost 180 degree view around to the west! Could fit about 2-4 people comfortably. No amenities but such a good time!"

    4. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach

    5 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    29 miles

    "Some paths are less driven on so maybe avoid with a big RV or van, can also get a little hilly and tight. I got in around 8:45pm and there were a good amount of spots left."

    5. soapstone lake trail dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    Arch Cape, OR
    31 miles

    "Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach. Road was very accessible. Creek and trailhead nearby. Spot at the dead end is best."

    6. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

    7. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    8 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    41 miles

    "Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down!"

    "The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping."

    8. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    43 miles

    "Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable."

    "It’s just past a river around a bend when heading east on the south side. You’ll see signs off the pavement for Cook Creek campground. Keep on driving up staying on the main road."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Chinook, WA

46 Reviews of 10 Chinook Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for Overland and off-road vehicle camping

    Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise! Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs. No facilities obviously but that’s what makes this place special. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and a gorgeous piece of the PNW coastal area.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    GPS takes you to the top!

    My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there’s other cars coming through, especially the logging semis.

    Nonetheless a cool spot. Dry camping. Please clean up after yourselves.

  • Jeremy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great secluded spot in the woods

    Great spot because it's so secluded in the forest. There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!

    There are at least 4 other campsite off this road at different points if you keep driving. Some of them are more or less level and more or less muddy. This one was the best, but there are lots of options. All of them are commonly used because there are ashes from fires. There's a moderate amount of trash at most of them.

    Requires a Discovery Pass. I bought a day pass for $12 online since I don't need the annual pass. They tell you to write the date and order number in large print on a piece of paper and put it on your dash. No one came to check my pass though (in January, so it's the off season)

    You have to take a dirt road to reach the campsite, but it is pretty well maintained. The only difficulty I encountered were two points where a few inches of road were a bit washed out. They were small enough that I could manage them alright in a 2WD van that had normal clearance. So most cars could probably manage them.

    There's a small trail behind this spot that that leads to the creek, which is nice. Other than that, you can hike along the dirt roads, but there aren't any actual hiking trails that I found. I saw a porcupine for the first time while wandering one of the side roads! I didn't drive up to Snag Lake.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Amazing Hike!!

    This place was beautiful!! Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down! The only reason this place got lower than a 5 star is because of all the trash near the parking lot. Too beautiful of a place to be used as a dump!! Definitely used as a party spot but aside from this it’s worth the visit!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    4WD Ideal

    Great camp spot for the night; would have gotten 5 stars had I been able to experience the view. The road in was a little bumpy and in some parts an incline but nothing my Ram 3500 and teardrop couldn’t handle. We followed recommendation from a previous review and followed the road until it ended for the best spot. It was a concrete pad so set up for the teardrop was easy. We were the only campers that we are aware of; very quiet night. No trash on site. Sadly due to the cloud coverage and rain we did not stick around for breakfast but imagine on a clear day a slow morning taking in the sights would be nice.

    Front and 4WD ideal; site fit my 42 foot truck/camper very well.

  • EThe Dyrt ADMIN User
    May. 29, 2025

    Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    360 views!

    This was a really fantastic campsite! Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable. There are a few options up here but one really phenomenal site with wide ranging views. Be weary that it is a long drive to get here and no way to tell if there's sites available until you do the entire drive up. No water up here.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Decent place for the night

    A big pavement pull off on the ride of the road. The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping. Had some issues with people stopping and playing loud music, seems to be a hangout spot.

  • Ryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great view of the valley

    There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there. The spot we chose was the best as it is away from the towers and buildings, plus has a great view overlooking the valley and bay, and you can see the ocean between the peaks in the distance. The road getting here is a bit rough with lots of washboard, steep grades and rocks. But it's fun. No amenities, obviously, but there is a concrete pad from an old structure you can park on. Other sites have solid pack gravel covered by grass.

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Oct. 10, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot—tons of off road noises and activity

    Loved this spot. Gorgeous, lots of unique sites. Only downside is incredibly loud atv and dirt bike activity.

    These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots.

    There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups.

    OHV vehicles are incredibly loud and ran throughout the weekend— but I have a feeling it’s very quiet on the week days.

    Gorgeous—lovely area, no real amenities or ATT/ Verizon service.


Guide to Chinook

Road to Snag Lake offers free camping near Chinook, Washington at elevations around 2,500 feet. The area features concrete pads from former structures that provide level camping spots between radio and cell towers. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with fog and clouds often rolling in despite summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F during peak season.

What to do

Hiking opportunities: The Beaver Falls Trailhead provides access to a beautiful waterfall just a short distance from the parking area. "The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down!" says Jaden J. The trail is on the left side of the parking lot and leads to a scenic water feature.

Wildlife viewing: Watch for local fauna throughout the forest areas. At Road to Snag Lake, Clayton P. reports: "Amazing views and complete silence! Tons of rabbits and wildflowers." The higher elevations attract various birds and small mammals.

Photography: Mountain vistas provide excellent photo opportunities when conditions permit. "There is the potential for spectacular views if the clouds clear," notes several campers. Morning fog often creates dramatic landscape scenes as it lifts from valleys below.

What campers like

Cell service: Unlike many remote camping areas, the towers at Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping provide excellent connectivity. Eric R. mentions, "Sunrise was one of best I've ever seen, especially with the clouds below." Many digital nomads appreciate the rare combination of wilderness and connectivity.

Privacy: Multiple sites allow for secluded camping experiences. Michael P. shares: "I setup camp at one of the spots here 3 nights in a row & had no visitors the entire time! Very quiet & can hear some noise in the distance from time to time." The scattered nature of sites throughout the area ensures space between campers.

Accessibility: Despite being remote, many sites can be reached with standard vehicles. According to Clayton P., "Road is gravel but in great condition, even passenger cars will be totally fine." Most free camping areas near Chinook require careful driving but don't demand specialized off-road vehicles.

What you should know

Discovery Pass requirement: Washington State requires a Discovery Pass for overnight stays. Jeremy B. explains, "I bought a day pass for $12 online since I don't need the annual pass. They tell you to write the date and order number in large print on a piece of paper and put it on your dash."

Road conditions: Expect variable road quality depending on recent maintenance and weather. "The road getting here is a bit rough with lots of washboard, steep grades and rocks. But it's fun," says Ryan S. from Cole Mt Ridge. Some sections may be challenging during wet conditions.

Limited amenities: No services are available at these sites. As Dawson T. notes, "Road is gravel, pretty well maintained. There's a lot of pull off roads, not sure if you can go down all of them." Pack in all supplies including water, food, and waste disposal containers.

Weather variability: Coastal mountains create unpredictable conditions. Ashleigh Z. reported, "Overall this was a great campsite. Very peaceful and quiet. Unfortunately we could see nothing but clouds this visit, but I would still come back!"

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose areas away from steep drop-offs for safety. At Soapstone Lake Trail dispersed camping, Alicia W. points out, "There are several spots with established fire pits. Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach. Road was very accessible."

Pack extra clothing: Mountain temperatures drop significantly at night, even in summer. Bring layers and rain gear as weather can change quickly at higher elevations.

Wildlife awareness: Teach children proper food storage to avoid attracting animals. Keep all food items secured in vehicles when not in use, especially overnight.

Emergency planning: Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region. Kyle B. warns, "Be aware that Verizon cell service is nonexistent in the area." Download offline maps and have a communication plan before arrival.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Large RVs will struggle on many forest roads. Charlotte S. from Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach cautions, "Not friendly to large vehicles or RVs, roads are very thin and no place to park."

Leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks as most sites have uneven terrain. Several concrete pads provide more level options for those who find them first.

Turn-around space: Scout potential sites before committing to narrow roads. Christian C. advises, "Roads are narrow. Not recommended for large longer vehicles." Consider your exit strategy before driving deep into forest roads.

Gate closures: Some access roads have gates that close at specific times. James T. warns, "Right at the start of the road, sign that says 'gate ahead' and you'll be locked in." Check local regulations and posted signs to avoid being trapped overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed near Chinook Pass in Washington?

Dispersed camping is permitted in several areas near Chinook Pass in Washington's Mount Baker-Snoqualmie and Gifford Pinchot National Forests. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed offers secluded forest sites with multiple spots available along the dirt road. These sites are quite private with minimal traffic, making them ideal for those seeking solitude. Look for established pullouts and clearings that show previous use. Remember that dispersed camping typically requires you to camp at least 100 feet from water sources, trails, and roads. Most sites near Chinook Pass are accessible via forest service roads, though some may require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles depending on road conditions.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping at Chinook Pass?

When dispersed camping at Chinook Pass, you must follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight and similar areas demonstrate the importance of proper waste disposal, as sites can deteriorate from improper use. Campfires may be restricted during dry seasons or fire bans—always check current regulations before your trip. Camp at least 100 feet from water sources, roads, and trails. Most dispersed sites have a 14-day stay limit. No services are provided, so bring your own water or purification equipment. Vehicles must remain on established roads and in designated parking areas. Human waste must be buried at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources.

What is the best season for dispersed camping in the Chinook Pass area?

The prime season for dispersed camping near Chinook Pass runs from late June through early October. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek and similar elevated sites offer spectacular views during summer months when roads are fully accessible. Snow typically blocks access at higher elevations until mid-June, with some years seeing late-season snowfall that delays openings. September offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for solitude seekers. Fall brings beautiful colors but also unpredictable weather. July and August provide the warmest, driest conditions but also attract more visitors. Always check road conditions before departing, as weather can change rapidly in mountain environments, especially in spring and fall.