Best Dispersed Camping near Copalis Crossing, WA

Dispersed camping in the Olympic Peninsula region near Copalis Crossing, Washington includes several primitive sites within Olympic National Forest and along forest service roads. Quinault Ridge Road features roadside pull-outs suitable for tent camping, while areas along South Shore Road provide riverside sites near the Quinault River. Other notable locations include FS-2292 Dispersed sites, which offer ridge-top camping with scenic views, and various pull-offs along NF-2419. Most sites are on U.S. Forest Service land where camping is permitted without established facilities or designated campgrounds.

Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed sites, with many requiring slow navigation on gravel or dirt roads. Areas like Quinault Ridge have narrow mountain roads with few turnarounds, making them unsuitable for large vehicles. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out waste. Fires are permitted at many locations but seasonal restrictions may apply, particularly during summer months. Camping is generally limited to 14 days in any 30-day period on national forest land. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites.

The dispersed camping experience near Copalis Crossing provides secluded forest settings with occasional river access. Several sites offer unique scenery despite their primitive conditions. "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don't run into anyone," noted one camper about the FS-2292 area. Visitors to NF-2419 sites frequently mention wildlife sightings, with one camper reporting "got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand." Most sites require self-sufficiency and preparation for varying weather conditions. Trash accumulation has been reported at some locations, with a Quinault Ridge visitor noting "it was kind of sad how much trash there was laying around." Many sites are best suited for overnight stays rather than extended camping due to limited space and proximity to forest roads.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Copalis Crossing, Washington (20)

    1. Quinault Ridge Road

    2 Reviews
    Amanda Park, WA
    18 miles

    "It was quiet and easy accessible. Once you enter the road there are a few turn outs sprinkled on the side of the road that you can pull in. Please clean up after yourself!"

    2. quinalt ridge vistas

    1 Review
    Amanda Park, WA
    19 miles

    "Narrow road on mountain side with few turn arounds. There is a beautiful view through the trees. 2 bars Verizon LTE"

    3. Cedar Creek Camp

    2 Reviews
    Amanda Park, WA
    26 miles

    5. FS-2292 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Matlock, WA
    35 miles

    "No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view."

    "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don’t run into anyone. You’re camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy."

    6. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Naselle, WA
    49 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!"

    "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."

    7. Dispersed South Shore Road

    3 Reviews
    Quinault, WA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 288-0203

    "Several campsites along the gravel road, we found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River. Drove right into the hidden alcove in our stealth camper van."

    "There are about 5 sites hidden on the road. Please be careful the road is a mix of private land, national forest, national park. The sites can be easily found by their stone fire rings."

    8. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Matlock, WA
    39 miles

    "We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed."

    "This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by."

    9. NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place."

    "Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed . Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories."

    10. Hoh River Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Forks, WA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "Camping right next to river. Tall bushes for shade. Need to drive over very bumpy dirt road to get to sites near river. Then need to drive over rocky road to get into sites near river."

    "Trying to find an open camping site next to the river was proving very difficult, but this semi-hidden pull off was perfect. There’s a fire ring and some extra firewood collected to the side."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Copalis Crossing, WA

49 Reviews of 20 Copalis Crossing Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Dispersed South Shore Road

    Quilaut River-South Shore Road

    Several campsites along the gravel road, we found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River. Drove right into the hidden alcove in our stealth camper van.

  • Mar Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    Perfect woodsy rest stop off highway

    Right off the highway. Pit toilet and wooded areas. Can still hear highway from this exact GPS location, so I went further on up the road for a quieter spot. A few trucks did speed by in the middle of the night, but it was a Saturday and July 4th weekend. 5 bars of cell service.

  • Sam S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Olympic National Forest - Dispersed Camping

    We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed. We picked the first spot we got to since it was getting kind of late. It wasn't the most ideal spot and I think further down the road has prettier and more remote options, but it made do. There were really huge flies but they did not bite. The only complaint was that there was more car traffic than I wanted very late at night into the early morning. One car even slowed down and yelled at our tent around 2am. We never felt unsafe but it was annoying. A lot of trash was left behind from previous camper. I would suggest finding alternative spots if you're looking for a more enjoyable night but if you are just there for an overnight, it is fine.

  • 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.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2022

    Dispersed South Shore Road

    Rainforest heaven!

    There are about 5 sites hidden on the road. Please be careful the road is a mix of private land, national forest, national park. The sites can be easily found by their stone fire rings. The site that is directly on the river was very popular. I ended up staying 2 nights at one of the last sites before it turns to private land. It was tucked away, walk in site, had a nice fire ring, nice tent pad area. It has a large rope so you can access the river. The scenery is breath taking. Down the road there are at least 2 waterfalls on the right. In the town of quinault there is a laundry mat/shower facility!

  • B
    May. 1, 2023

    Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great spot by the river

    This is a killer camp site, we parked a 25 foot travel trailer here with a lot of room to spare. The bluff it very steep into the river so watch how close you get to the edge. As a note, it is NOT on the national forest. It’s on the nature conservancy land. The best googling I can do says it’s legal to camp here. Just FYI.

  • Cassie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Hoh River Dispersed Camping

    River camping 30 min away from hoh river visitor center

    Camping right next to river. Tall bushes for shade. Need to drive over very bumpy dirt road to get to sites near river. Then need to drive over rocky road to get into sites near river. The sites were well tucked away and cozy. Just make sure your tires can handle the bumps and rocks.

  • Suzie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Safe and quiet

    This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by. Felt safe as a single tent camper

  • 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.


Guide to Copalis Crossing

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Copalis Crossing, Washington, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Copalis Crossing

  • Enjoy the serene environment at Quinault Ridge Road, where you can find peaceful turnouts perfect for a quick overnight stay.
  • Experience the breathtaking views and secluded spots along the Dispersed South Shore Road, ideal for fishing and relaxing by the river.
  • Take advantage of the hiking opportunities near Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping, which offers access to stunning trails and river views.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Cedar Creek Camp

  • Cedar Creek Camp is a great option for those who prefer a no-permit-required experience, making it easy to set up camp and enjoy the surroundings.
  • The drive-in access allows for a hassle-free arrival, letting you focus on enjoying your time in nature rather than navigating complicated routes.
  • With its peaceful atmosphere, Cedar Creek Camp is perfect for a quick getaway, providing a chance to unwind without the need for extensive planning.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Copalis Crossing, Washington

  • When visiting Hwy 101 - Near South Beach Campground, be aware of the nearby South Beach Campground for additional amenities like toilets and beach access.
  • Always pack out what you pack in; many areas, including FS-2292 Dispersed, have reported issues with litter left behind by previous visitors.
  • For those seeking a more remote experience, consider Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419, which offers stunning views and a chance to escape the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I camp on Copalis Beach with my vehicle?

Yes, vehicle camping is possible in the Copalis Beach area. The Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping area allows vehicle access with enough space for larger vehicles including travel trailers. Be careful of steep bluffs near the river edge. For a more secluded option, Dispersed South Shore Road provides several hidden alcoves accessible by vehicle where you can camp right next to water. Many campers successfully navigate these areas with stealth camper vans and small to medium-sized RVs, but always check current conditions as access can change seasonally.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Copalis Crossing, Washington?

Dispersed camping opportunities abound around Copalis Crossing. The Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping area features numerous pull-offs along gravel roads where camping is allowed. These sites offer peace and quiet in wooded settings. The Hoh River Dispersed Camping sites provide riverside camping, though you'll need to navigate bumpy dirt roads to reach them. Other options include spots along forest service roads, with multiple secluded sites available throughout the Olympic National Forest. Look for established fire rings which often indicate permitted camping locations.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Copalis Crossing?

Dispersed camping in Copalis Crossing follows standard national forest regulations. In areas like Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed, camping is generally allowed but requires awareness of land boundaries, as some areas mix private land with national forest and national park land. At HOH RIVER, you may need to pay a small access fee ($5) to use the private road leading to public camping areas. The typical 14-day stay limit applies, and you should follow Leave No Trace principles: camp in established sites when possible, pack out all trash, and properly extinguish campfires. Always verify current regulations with the Olympic National Forest office before your trip.