Best Dispersed Camping near Conway, WA
Dispersed camping in the Conway, Washington area is permitted primarily on National Forest lands with several free sites available along Mountain Loop Highway, Baker Lake Road, and near the Suiattle River. Most camping areas are primitive with minimal or no facilities, requiring self-sufficiency for overnight stays. The region features a mix of riverside pull-offs, lakeside clearings, and forested sites that accommodate both tent and limited RV camping without reservations.
Baker Lake Road provides numerous primitive camping spots with several pull-offs overlooking the lake. The gravel road has multiple clearings suitable for camping, though sites tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. Most dispersed sites lack amenities beyond basic fire rings. One camper noted, "If you think all the spots are taken, keep driving. So many spots along Baker Lake Road." High clearance vehicles are recommended for some sections, particularly after rainstorms when potholes and ruts can develop.
Mountain Loop Highway offers additional dispersed camping options, particularly once the road transitions to gravel. Camping areas typically include established fire rings and occasional picnic tables, though amenities vary widely by location. Most sites have no drinking water or waste facilities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out trash. As one visitor described, "Meandering sites along the river with good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks. Heavily forested and beautiful." Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp near Baker Lake provides more established sites with pit toilets and picnic tables, though several reviewers note the limited number of spots and high summer occupancy. The Suiattle Riverside Camp offers a more secluded experience with riverside sites that provide access to flowing water, though primitive conditions still apply.