Dispersed camping near Conway, Washington offers primitive sites primarily in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Elevation ranges from 500 to 2,500 feet across camping areas, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during the day and 45-55°F at night. Most sites require high-clearance vehicles due to unpaved roads that deteriorate after rainfall.
What to do
Kayaking to islands: Access Hope Island Marine State Park from Boston Harbor in Olympia for a unique camping experience. A reviewer noted, "It's a short trip to the island, which is only accessible by boat. I was worried, with only four camping spots, that we wouldn't get one, but we ended up being the only people on the island."
Hiking nearby trails: Many dispersed camping spots near Conway provide access to trails within Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. At NF Dispersed Camping, one camper mentioned, "Beautiful area, small town nearby where you could likely pick up a few things. There is a fast flowing stream with crystal clear water. Quiet mountain/forest area."
Wildlife viewing: The Baker Lake area offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. Visitors at Baker Lake Tent camping report, "Didn't stay here but hiked in it and it's very spacious. There are 2 fire rings set up with an upper and lower camping option. The lower is right by a river that spills into the lake."
What campers like
Secluded water access: Many sites along forest roads provide private river and lake access. According to a camper at Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite, "Spots are close together and there are a lot of people. But we couldn't tell we had people around us. You will need a tent if you want to sleep by the water."
Remote feeling despite proximity: Several camping areas maintain a wilderness atmosphere while remaining accessible. At Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp, one visitor shared, "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."
Free options: Most dispersed camping areas near Conway don't require fees. As noted by a camper at Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite, "It's free! Beautiful view. Very serene. No facilities! The drive in is easy."
What you should know
Site availability fluctuates: During summer weekends, finding open dispersed sites requires persistence. According to a reviewer at Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite, "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."
Road conditions vary: Access roads to dispersed camping areas often require appropriate vehicles. A visitor at NF Dispersed Camping reported, "Probably some good camping out this way, but we didn't get more than a mile in our promaster before turning around. Camped on a wider part of the road."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. At Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp, a camper mentioned, "Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain views. Very small, quiet, stunning campground."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: For camping with children, select areas with some infrastructure. At Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp, a reviewer shared, "We found an amazing site right on the lake, with great views and it was fairly quiet. Despite that, great campground with toilets, picnic table, fire ring, and lots of trees for hammocking."
Consider accessibility: Some sites require significant walking from parking areas. One camper at Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp noted, "The only downside were the bugs. And there somewhat steep walk downhill from parking to the site."
Watch for hazards: Be aware of natural risks when camping with children. At Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp, a visitor mentioned, "the better spots were once the road turned to gravel, found a spot by the stream, parked the car to protect us. if staying longer i'd say it's best to keep going to south fork sauk."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites near Conway accommodate smaller recreational vehicles only. A visitor to NF Dispersed Camping advised, "Lovely spot right by the National park. We camped in our truck. The road was rough. We have a 27 foot rv I would not bring any trailers down here. Vans were there."
Pull-off camping: Some areas offer roadside options for larger vehicles. At Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite, one RVer explained, "Many pull offs along the gravel road. Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access. All things considered, pretty good spot and would stay again."
Level site scarcity: Finding flat parking for RVs presents challenges. According to a camper at NF Dispersed Camping, "Not super level, but worked with limited options available. Proximity to North Cascades is nice. River nearby. There were some people pulled off on the side of the road camping that we saw before getting all the way to the coordinates."
