Dispersed camping near Custer, Washington offers camping opportunities on the southeastern shores of Baker Lake, which sits at 700 feet elevation in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The camping area experiences typical Pacific Northwest weather with summer temperatures ranging from 65-80°F and significant rainfall between October and April. Most dispersed sites require seasonal Northwest Forest Passes for parking.
What to do
Hiking to hot springs: Baker Hot Springs features three concrete tubs where campers can control temperature by adjusting the flow of natural hot spring water. Access requires navigating approximately 1.5 miles on Forest Road 1130. A visitor to Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite noted, "If you think all the spots are taken, keep driving. So many spots along Baker Lake Road."
Island exploration: For experienced paddlers, Hope Island Marine State Park provides a unique opportunity to explore a small island with a perimeter trail. "We kayaked to the island, the waters were pretty rough so I would recommend for anyone planning to stay here to look into the waters, tide and wind report the day of," advises one camper who visited the island.
Wildlife viewing: The marine environment around the San Juan Islands offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities. A visitor to Point Doughty described their beach camping experience: "Actually the beach was quite pleasant as 2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment."
What campers like
Solitude in remote settings: Some campers appreciate the isolation of boat-in camping options. A reviewer of Hope Island Marine State Park shared, "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."
Free waterfront options: Campers frequently mention the value of free lakeside camping. One visitor to Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp wrote, "Loved this free campground on Baker Lake near mt baker, WA! Take the first turn after horseshoe cove campground and follow the gravel road all the way to the lake."
Protected camping spots: Some sites offer protection from weather elements. A camper at Lower Sandy Camp described their experience: "Our spot (site #3) was tucked away in low area by the water. Semi-private and peaceful. Perfect space for 2-4 people to camp. The fire pit setup was perfectly sized and shielded from wind."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating rough terrain. A reviewer of Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp warned, "You have to go down a long gravel road with lots of huge potholes and most of the spots are away from the water, you'd have to walk into someone else's campsite to get to use the lake."
Site availability fluctuates: Competition for sites can be intense, especially during summer months. One camper at Lower Sandy Camp reported, "This is a busy FS fee area, not dispersed camping. It was over full when I went in on a Thursday morning."
Facilities are minimal: Most dispersed sites have limited amenities. According to a camper at Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite, "Pros: free, good views, easy to get to, plenty of spots (even on Labor Day), fire rings. Cons: some spots have lots of trash (please remember leave no trace), most spots are along the gravel road so there are cars passing by every once in a while."
Tips for camping with families
Prepare for water access challenges: Some waterfront sites require navigation through other campsites. A visitor to Lower Sandy Camp noted, "Very few spots and very crowded... most of the spots are away from the water, you'd have to walk into someone else's campsite to get to use the lake."
Consider noise levels: Some areas experience more recreational activity than others. A camper at Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite shared, "Late July, there's a lot of partying on the lake. It's not so bad but you'll definitely hear people having fun."
Scout for privacy: Finding secluded sites may require timing and persistence. A visitor to Pine Lake Campground mentioned, "Cute sites, but you will be interrupted 500 times a day with walkers who use the trail and want to go straight through your site."
Tips from RVers
Limited parking options: Many dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles. A reviewer of Lower Sandy Camp observed, "Not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in."
Consider high-clearance vehicles: Accessing remote sites often requires appropriate vehicles. According to a visitor, "Parking for some of the spots is not the best but we were still able to car camp comfortably."
Prepare for roadside camping: Some RV camping is limited to pull-offs. A camper at Baker Lake Road noted, "You will need a tent if you want to sleep by the water if not you'll have to sleep in a pull off."
