Looking for the best campgrounds near Darrington, WA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Darrington, reviewed by campers like you.
"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. but it was nice for"
"Easy to find and peaceful next to the river. No noise from the road."
"All had fire rings, and quite a few had spare firewood from previous occupants. Thanks, all!"
"Half way along the mountain loop highway you encounter numerous spacious tent sites with fire rings and gorgeous river & Mountain View camp grounds."
"(CLEARANCE NEEDED - around the same amount as the Subaru line of vehicles or greater - 4wd not necessary)
Beautiful area, small town nearby where you could likely pick up a few things. I didnt stop."
"Beautiful spot near the water also has some more secluded spots if wanted. Didn’t see too many people. And had no issues picking a spot to car camp. Definitely recommend."
$50 / night
"Skylomish is a fairly short drive away from the city but towards the mountains. You have a great view of the water in some places and it’s still pretty peaceful and quiet."
"Our favorite camp spots are right on the water, and most spots you'll find here deliver - creeks run through the (what seems to be) endless forest, trees provide shade and lovely hammock set ups, and most"
"Arrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s."
"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."
"Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access.
Pros: free, good views, easy to get to, plenty of spots (even on Labor Day), fire rings."
"No facilities! The drive in is easy."
"Just a couple miles East of Skykomish, up a paved road, the campsite is just before you go over the bridge on your right and had enough room for high clearance vehicles to pull into it and smaller cars"
"You could put 2 rigs down here if you’re friends, but plenty of turn offs for smaller vehicles"
ScoutEvery dispersed campground we checked along this road (maybe five or so) was littered with human feces and toilet paper everywhere. We found a literal bucket of human waste beside the river with a soiled pool noodle nearby I can only assume was being used as a toilet seat. Please, if you care about keeping nature wild, carry out your toilet paper and dig a cathole or use the outhouse in the campground. If you don’t know what a cathole is, you should probably should not being using dispersed camping and try the campground down the road. We ended up staying at the campground because we couldn’t find dispersed camping where there wasn’t poop and had a positive experience there. Leave no trace!!
https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
ScoutNice large campsite near the water. There were many campsites along the road. I had to clean up a lot of trash when it got here. Please pack out your own trash and follow other leave no trace rules. The campfire was awesome
GuideMany pull offs along the gravel road. Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access.
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 and sometimes they go by quite quickly kicking up lots of dust.
All things considered, pretty good spot and would stay again.
ScoutArrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s. Very small, quiet, stunning campground. Felt safe. We have a rooftop tent, not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in. Mostly open, some sites in the forest. Had one bar of Verizon service. Would stay again!
ScoutJust a couple miles East of Skykomish, up a paved road, the campsite is just before you go over the bridge on your right and had enough room for high clearance vehicles to pull into it and smaller cars have roadside space the road wasn’t too active when we camped overnight even so the sound of the waterfalls drowns it all out. It has Solid fire pit and very lush green forest surroundings.
TravelerFound this sweet spot a little bit ago. Various dispersed camping spots along the road and up the forest service roads. There are some really sweet spots along the road with water access.
TravelerSome of you never learned proper etiquette and it shows! Beautiful spot. Toilet paper everywhere. Peaceful… except for the trucks air braking on Highway 2; and the train… which made me question if I was being visited by some alien beings for half a second. Beautiful spot, great access to the river, whose noise washes out the majority of the ambiance killers. Secluded, sadly too dry for a fire.
TravelerLoved 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.
Lots of spots with tables and fire rings, some spots have nice tent pads. Some sites are marked and some are not. There’s a single pit toilet and no running water. Seems like a pretty popular spot but we were able to get a site mid week at the end of August.
Parking for some of the spots is not the best but we were still able to car camp comfortably. Will definitely be staying here again!
GuideIt’s free! Beautiful view. Very serene. No facilities! The drive in is easy.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Darrington, Washington, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Darrington, WA?
Several excellent dispersed camping areas surround Darrington. NF Dispersed Camping offers beautiful spots near water with more secluded options available for those seeking privacy. The area has minimal gravel roads requiring moderate clearance (similar to Subaru-level vehicles). For lake views, Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp near Mt. Baker provides free sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and some tent pads. Many sites are located along forest service roads in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Additional options include areas along Mountain Loop Highway, South Fork Sauk River, and the Suiattle River corridor, all offering primitive camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility.
What permits or regulations do I need to know about for dispersed camping around Darrington?
When dispersed camping near Darrington, a Northwest Forest Pass is typically required for parking at trailheads, though not for camping itself. At locations like Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek and Old Cascades Highway Dispersed, strict Leave No Trace principles must be followed. Pack out all trash, properly dispose of human waste (bury 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water sources), and follow current fire restrictions. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Keep sites within 150 feet of Forest Service roads, and camp at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, and trails. Check with the Darrington Ranger District for seasonal road closures and current fire restrictions before your trip.
What is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Darrington, WA?
Late spring through early fall (mid-May to late September) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping around Darrington. Summer provides the most reliable weather and access to higher elevation areas like Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite, which offers serene lake views in a free setting. Hard Creek Bridge and similar lower-elevation spots may be accessible earlier in spring or later into fall. Winter camping is possible at some lower elevations but requires proper equipment and experience with snow conditions. Many forest service roads close seasonally due to snow, so always check current road status with the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest office before planning winter or early spring trips.
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