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Best Dispersed Camping near Dryden, WA

137 Reviews

Primitive camping areas spread throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest surround Dryden, Washington, primarily along Forest Service roads including Derby Road (NF7400), FS Road 7601, and near Chumstick Mountain. These free dispersed sites lie on public lands requiring no reservations, though some areas need a permit. Most locations feature basic clearings with established fire rings and minimal facilities, offering access to nearby natural features like rivers and mountain views within a short drive from town.

Access roads throughout the dispersed camping network vary significantly in quality and difficulty. Many require high clearance vehicles, with some roads featuring washouts, large rocks, and steep sections that become challenging after rain. According to one visitor, "Service roads did have some heavily washed out areas and rocks that higher ground clearance and AWD/4WD would be beneficial, but a 2WD car could make it to some sites." Most sites have no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and follow seasonal fire restrictions, which typically become more stringent during summer months. Cell service ranges from limited to non-existent depending on location and carrier.

The camping experience focuses on natural settings with mountain views, woodland surroundings, and occasional water access. These areas tend to be quieter than established campgrounds, though some see activity from mountain bikers and off-road vehicles. A camper at Derby Road noted, "Great spot though to camp near Leavenworth Wenatchee area. Verizon phone service was ok, T-Mobile was spotty at best." Some dispersed sites provide excellent stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing, including elk, deer, wild turkeys, and various birds. Private property borders some camping areas, so visitors should respect posted boundaries and practice Leave No Trace principles, especially since human waste has been problematic in more heavily used dispersed sites.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Dryden, Washington (53)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dryden, WA

102 Photos of 53 Dryden Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dryden, WA

137 Reviews of 53 Dryden Campgrounds

  • Ashley V.
    May. 23, 2022

    Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Dispersed Camping on Derby Rd NF7400

    Dispersed campsites along the service road.

    As described, little to no water sources. Private property marked in some areas. Camp sites are just off the road so there is some road dust. In May there was plenty of wood for burning. Do be mindful of burn restrictions later in the season. This area is very popular with mountain bikers and some dirt bikes. Service roads did have some heavily washed out areas and rocks that higher ground clearance and AWD/4WD would be beneficial, but a 2WD car could make it to some sites. Great spot though to camp near Leavenworth Wenatchee area. Verizon phone service was ok, T-Mobile was spotty at best occasionally a message would get through.

  • Ashley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 5, 2020

    Dispersed near Salmon la Sac

    Dispersed near Salmon la Sac

    Single campsite off the forest service road. No porta potty, no water, no electricity. Could accommodate a group. No picnic table. Not an actual metal fire pit but someone made a rock ring. The downside is the shooting pit right below the site. When we were there a family came to shoot but they stopped by our site to let us know beforehand.

  • Cheryl M.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Old Bluett Pass Road Dispersed

    High Elevation Site off Hwy 97N

    Dog wasn’t feeling well so took a chance and went up this USFS mostly paved road. There are lovely views on the trip up and a few roadside areas you could car or van camp in a pinch. Towards the top a couple private roads break off, and just above the now dirt USFS road continues. Here is 1 large, not terribly level, high clearance needed, site with fire ring and lots of parking options.

  • Theresa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    Repulsive

    Every 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

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot up a long forest/logging road

    A couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top.

  • Parker C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2025

    South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    Pretty neat spot

    Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn’t recommend driving down it without good ground clearance. There are a number of established sites where you can pull off the road and drive back into the woods a bit. And I had cell service everywhere!

  • Shay F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2020

    L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

    Beautiful Solitude for Boondocking

    **Ranger Review: Camp Fare Premium Meals at LT Murray Wildlife Area **

    Camping Review: The LT Murray Wildlife Area is located in Thorp, between Cle Elum and Ellensburg. It is often referred to as Elk Heights or Joe Watt Canyon. This is primarily an ORV and horseback riding area in the summer. Hunting and elk feeding/wintering grounds area in the winter. This is also a great area to find elk sheds once wintering season is over. There are plenty of dispersed camping sites along the Forest Service roads. All you need is a Discover Pass and a high clearance, capable vehicle. 

    We were looking for a close by, no reservation, free place to camp for a weekend. I remember riding horses up here as a kid but have not been up to this area for many years. Once you arrive to the Wildlife Area, you must let yourself in the gate and close it after you pass through. From the gate we drove down a rough, rocky road and passed a wide-open meadow where there we a couple other trailers camping, maybe living, along the road. We passed through some very narrow, brush lined roads. It was also steep and rutted with water wash out spots. The rocks that made the road are sharp, large, and loose. We did not go too far as we were not sure what shape the road would be in and did not want to get in a situation with our trailer that we could not get out of. Plug for our Airstream Basecamp. It's advertised as being "built for adventure and tough enough to go anywhere." I think I really believe it now. 

    The spot we chose turned out to be beautiful. We had a view of the Thorp valley and the forested gully and ridge across from us. The stars were out and the comet NEOWISE was visible. We saw large elk, deer, many birds, and were visited by some wild turkeys in the night. It can get very windy in this area. Fires are not allowed due to red flag conditions. There is nothing out here. You must bring everything you need. Food, water, TP, lights. The best part was we saw two other cars, a couple ORV's, and a couple horseback riders total for the 2 days we were there. You can't get any quieter and more unplugged than that! 

    Product Review: Camp Fare Beef Burgundy with Field Vegetables and Chicken Tikka Masala with French Green Lentils

     I ordered these meals a bit short of our last trip and was unable to make them. I was happy I had them saved for our trip up to LT Murray given we traveled quick and light. Camp Fare https://campfare.com/ advertises their food as high quality, delicious, chef-crafted, and ready to eat- no refrigeration required. All you have to do is submerge in hot water for 2-3 minutes, tear open the pouch, and enjoy. Selection is limited but covers all the bases. Beef Burgundy, Chicken Tikka Masala, Wild Alaskan Salmon, and Brown Rice and Red Quinoa with Pink Beans. They all sound great! We had our camp stove and a pot of water but you could probably stuff the pouch into a larger Jet Boil for backpacking too. I chose the Beef and had my partner eat the Chicken. 

    Preparation was as quick and easy as promised. The meals may not look amazing, especially on a plate instead of the pouch or in a bowl, but they really are delicious. The Beef Burgundy was flavorful and tender. The Chicken Tikka Masala was Indian restaurant good, seriously. I would way rather eat these meals than something dehydrated ever again. Looking forward to trying the Salmon and maybe getting the Chicken again for future trips.

  • Pamela R.
    Jun. 19, 2021

    L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

    Gorgeous!

    After figuring out which gate to go through (make sure and shut the gate behind you), I took a road to the right with my truck and 19 ft. epro. We drove up a rocky dirt road, single lane with pull outs, for about 20 mins. Passing only a few other campers along the way. Sites are very spread out and private. Wildflowers were amazing!

  • Sara J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    Beckler creek riverside

    Nice 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

Guide to Dryden

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dryden, Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out FS Road 7601 Dispersed

  • This location offers beautiful scenery and plenty of open spaces along the road, making it easy to find a spot to set up camp.
  • Campers can enjoy the peacefulness of the area, especially if they venture further up the road, away from any nearby RVs.
  • The site allows for campfires, adding to the cozy atmosphere of a night under the stars at FS Road 7601 Dispersed.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Dryden, Washington

North Fork Teanaway River - A top attraction for dispersed campers

  • The North Fork Teanaway River area features multiple dispersed sites, providing options for both secluded and more social camping experiences.
  • Campers can enjoy easy access to the river, perfect for a refreshing dip or a scenic walk along the water's edge at North Fork Teanaway River - Dispersed.
  • This location is also pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure, making it a great choice for families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dryden, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dryden, WA is Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Dispersed Camping on Derby Rd NF7400 with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Dryden, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 53 dispersed camping locations near Dryden, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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