Best Dispersed Camping near Cougar, WA
Looking for the best Cougar dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Cougar, WA (30)
1. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
Cougar, Washington9 Reviews•25 Photos•655 SavesForest 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
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington5 Reviews•8 Photos•533 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
3. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
Cougar, Washington4 Reviews•41 Photos•183 SavesThis small, lightly used campground is tucked into dense forest adjacent to Canyon Creek. Eight campsites are available for tent camping only.
Nine small campsites. Smaller RVs can camp here. There is a newer, accessible vault toilet. Each site has a table and fire ring. The campground is sort of hidden away in the dense forest. Canyon Creek is nearby. If pulling a trailer, it is best to leave it at a pullout on the 54 road and find the campground first. There is no chance to turn around if the entrance is missed.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
5. Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac Dispersed Campsite
Cougar, Washington1 Review•1 Photo•1 Save- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed
Cougar, Washington1 Review•7 Photos•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
7. Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
Carson, Washington2 Reviews•6 Photos•83 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
9. Oldman Pass Sno-Park
Carson, Washington2 Reviews•5 Photos•17 SavesA Washington Sno-Park permit is required from Dec. 1 - March 31
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
10. Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
Carson, Washington3 Reviews•10 Photos•322 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Cougar
50 Reviews of 30 Cougar Campgrounds
Isaac H.
Traveler
Panther Creek Creekside Camp
PNW road trip 🏕️
A great spot with privacy ! Lots of turnouts along the road with river accesses just steps away ! Definitely recommend!
Jeffrey P.
Guide
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.Guide
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."
MouniTraveler
NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site
Don’t recommend
Good luck. This takes you to the middle of nowhere with no camping spots. You’ll have no service.
John P.
Scout
Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight
Easy Car Camp
Relative to other options in Northwest Oregon this was an easy to find, plenty of space place to park the car. My partner and I angled our vehicle to block our tent from the road and slept like rocks.
Not scenic (though the waterfall that is a short hike away is). My only safety concern is someone taking the corner too fast running into your car.
- MMelissa B.Guide
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..
Bobby J.
RangerPanther Creek Creekside Camp
Awesome stay on the creek
This was an awesome stay right on the creek which was secluded and nice to hear the rushing water of the creek
- Ashlyn C.Guide
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.ScoutNF-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.
Bradley B.Guide
Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
Chill spot
It’s a little busy with everyone checking out the water fall during the day . Quite at night ! Nice and chill
- Jeffrey P.Guide
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.
Boosa L.Traveler
Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot
Nice hidden gem
We are a 29ft, easy to get there but take it slow (take a right turn from the 48th first road). Good Verizon reception, Pretty level, there is a fire pit made by someone before us.
Vanessa T.ScoutPanther 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!!
- KKyle S.Scout
Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
Beware of Samsquatch
He’s out there 👽
- JJaden J.Guide
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!
Lindsey N.TravelerFR-604 Dispersed Site
Convenient spot next to the road!
We tried 3 campgrounds that were all full and then found this free site right next to the road. Luckily, we were able to buy "US National Forrest camping passes" from the gas station in Carson. It ended up working great for us to have a trailer, 2 cars, several dogs, kids, and an SUV tent.
- Lindsey N.Traveler
Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
Golden location for solo travel or with friends!
This location has 2-3 free sites you can drive in and, 2 more walk-in sites near the bridge. It was so nice on a super hot day and there is a nearby latrine at the trailhead! Perfect for a group. There is also a nearby paid camp so, if you're a solo traveler, you will feel safe knowing there are other campers nearby. No cell service! And, these sites require a US National Forrest camping pass.
- mmaliaScout
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.
- ccheyenneScout
Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot
It’s okay
You are just pulled over on the side of a gravel road I honestly thought it was kinda creepy. No trespassing signs everywhere in the woods. 
Ryan J.ScoutDispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
Private
This camp site is overlooking the parking lot. It's a wide-open rocky area. Close enough to hear the falls. Super dark at night with plenty of stars.
Alex R.ScoutSluice Creek Dispersed Spot
Amazing
Amazing place. 8 min from brewery and isolated
- AAutumn B.Traveler
Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
A little tricky to find, but stumbled upon a gem
A friend and I drove around for a campsite for hours because our original one was under 2 feet of snow (late April 2023). I was able to get a bar of service and found this area off 83. There’s a bunch of pull offs, we found one that was covered in twigs and brambles. It was easy to get back to the site once we moved the blockage. Great, quiet area. Clean and not much left behind. Bet it’s busy in the summer but we didn’t see anyone for miles in late April.
- Kathy C.Traveler
Pumice Butte- Dispersed Campsite
Nice, but busy camp spot
The camp is around a gully on the north side of Pumice Butte with outstanding views of Mt St Helens and Mt Adams. Water was flowing at this camp when we passed in late July, but it was silty in the late afternoon and early evening, clear in the morning. There is a lovely site in the trees near the water, but more spots are scattered on the hillsides. The camp gets very crowded on peak summer weekends.
Sarah S.
LegendDispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
Beautiful dispersed camping near Panther Creek Falls
This area of Gifford Pinchot National Forest has lots of dispersed camping spots but this area was a gem. To access it, as you are driving on NF 65 you will see a small road to the right just a bit before you see the parking for Panther Creek Falls also on the right. If you are at the parking area for Panther Creek Falls and look up you will see a huge wall of rock…the area is up there and you need to turn on the road before the parking area to access it. There are actually 3 areas where you could camp: As you drive up the small road, you will notice the first, pretty large area for camping straight ahead. It looks like a road continues up toward the right but that is actually blocked. If you go to the left you will see the road continues (and you might not think there is anything up there) and you will see one more spot straight ahead and then if you continue up toward the right (hitting some branches along the way) you will come up to a large, wide open area with tons of space for camping. We were pretty excited when we saw it!
We spent one night in that huge open area and it was beautiful - the stars were amazing. During the day we would go peek over the edge and could see people parking to go to the falls. You could hear a tiny bit of road noise from up there but it was very light. You can also hear the noise of the waterfall from up on the ridge. The only downfall about this spot is that there is no shade and it was very hot, so hot that we couldn't have a fire. The second night we spent in the spot just down a tad so that we could have some shade and a fire.
The hike down to Panther Creek Falls is literally right across the road and I think these falls may be the most beautiful falls I've seen in OR or WA. It's a short mile or so hike but really pretty scenery.
Sarah J.GuideBeaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight
Beautifully muddy
The trails are great and the waterfall is beautiful. The pulloff is muddy and hard but it's worth it.
Jeremy B.GuideBeaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight
Great pullout in the woods
This is my first wildcamping/boondocking location, but I loved it. It feels like you're right in the middle of the forest! It's a wide dirt pullout with room for 7-10 cars. And although it's right alongside the road, it's not a super busy road like some highway spots, so it felt pretty secluded and quiet. Very few cars at night.
No signs of any kind indicating "no parking." 1 bar of Verizon LTE.
The dirt was solid -- I wasn't worried at all about getting stuck in the mud (and I'm here in the middle of winter with tons of recent rain). Plenty of room to turn around with ease.
And you're right at a hiking trail that takes you to beautiful falls!! What more could you ask for? -- Don't make the mistake I did. The trail all the way on the left side of the parking lot takes you to the falls. The trails in the middle of the lot are super steep and muddy and don't lead to the falls.
Only downside is it's not perfectly flat. It wasn't too bad though. I just parked with my head pointing uphill when I go to bed, of course.
There is also another option down the road to the east about 500 feet. It's a paved pullout, but it is smaller so it doesn't have as much space to turnaround.
- HHannahGuide
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site
Beautiful Area
The tall trees make things a lot darker before it actually gets dark. We only passed through the area, but this site was very remote with a fire ring someone created.
Guide to Cougar
If you're looking for a unique outdoor experience, dispersed camping near Cougar, Washington, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature without the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.
Dispersed campers should check out Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
- This area is known for its serene environment, making it a great choice for those seeking peace and quiet while camping.
- Visitors have noted the clean surroundings and the absence of litter, which enhances the overall experience at Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping.
- The site allows for campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, but be prepared to bring your own firewood.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cougar, Washington
- Many sites, like Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site, are remote and require a bit of a drive, so ensure your vehicle is ready for rough roads.
- Expect to encounter other campers, especially on weekends, as some areas can get busy, so plan your trip during the week for a more secluded experience.
- Always pack out what you pack in, as many sites, including Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping, do not have trash disposal facilities.
Enjoy hiking and exploring while free camping near Cougar
- The Pumice Butte- Dispersed Campsite offers stunning views of Mt. St. Helens and is a great starting point for hiking adventures.
- For those looking for a more primitive experience, Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed provides access to beautiful river sites, perfect for a refreshing dip after a long hike.
- If you're interested in group camping, the Goat Marsh Dispersed Group Campsite is a fantastic option, allowing for a communal experience surrounded by nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cougar, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cougar, WA is Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cougar, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 dispersed camping locations near Cougar, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.