Best Dispersed Camping near Everett, WA
Dispersed camping near Everett, Washington occurs primarily along forest service roads in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, with multiple primitive sites located along Mountain Loop Highway, Old Cascades Highway, and near the Skykomish area. Several riverside locations provide free camping opportunities, including sites along South Fork Snoqualmie River, Beckler Creek, and South Fork Sauk River. These areas typically require a Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent permit, and most have minimal to no facilities.
Access roads to many dispersed sites feature unpaved sections with potholes and rough terrain. The South Fork Snoqualmie River area includes dirt roads with large potholes that may challenge vehicles without adequate ground clearance. Mountain Loop Highway transitions from paved to gravel, with the better camping spots located along the gravel portion. Most areas lack amenities such as toilets, trash service, and drinking water. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some locations maintaining year-round fire bans while others permit campfires in established rings when conditions allow.
These primitive camping areas provide opportunities to camp near rivers and creeks, offering natural white noise that helps mask sounds from nearby highways and train lines in some locations. Cell service is surprisingly available at certain sites, particularly along South Fork Snoqualmie River, where one camper noted having "2-3 bars of service with Verizon." Unfortunately, many dispersed sites suffer from improper waste disposal and litter problems. A visitor to Beckler Creek observed that "various dispersed camping spots along the road and up the forest service roads" provide "really sweet spots along the road with water access." Campers should be prepared to pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles when using these backcountry areas.
