Best Dispersed Camping near Forks, WA

The Olympic Peninsula surrounding Forks, Washington features predominantly dispersed camping options within temperate rainforest environments. Forest Service roads like NF-2918 and Forest Road 29 provide numerous pull-offs and established sites along rivers including the Calawah, Sol Duc, and Hoh. Most sites are primitive with no facilities, situated on a mix of National Forest, National Park adjacent lands, and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties. Tent campers and small to mid-sized RVs find suitable spots at South Fork Calawah River and Hoh River Dispersed Camping areas, while larger rigs face significant limitations on forest roads.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "We have a Jeep and I will say, it was needed for the area we found, but there are plenty of spots to stop on the paved areas too." Seasonal considerations include frequent rain even during summer months, creating muddy conditions at many sites. Cell service is inconsistent but generally better with Verizon, which provides coverage at most forest road sites. Campers must carefully distinguish between National Forest lands (where dispersed camping is permitted) and Olympic National Park boundaries where overnight stays require permits and designated sites. Logging operations occasionally impact accessibility and noise levels, particularly in early morning hours.

Riverside camping locations receive the highest visitor ratings, with many campers highlighting the peaceful sounds of flowing water. "We found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River," reported one visitor, while another described their site as having "beautiful river access that feels secluded." Wildlife sightings, including black bears, are relatively common near water sources. Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Campers consistently mention the importance of arriving early, especially on weekends, as the limited number of suitable tent spots fill quickly. The mossy, dense forest environment creates a distinctive camping experience, though some visitors note issues with accumulated trash at popular sites and recommend a "pack it in, pack it out" approach.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Forks, Washington (31)

    1. South Fork Calawah River

    4 Reviews
    Forks, WA
    3 miles
    Website

    "Easy to miss pull in to the dispersed site with river views and access. Small but intimate tent site with nice fire ring."

    "Pretty campsite just 15 minutes outside of Forks. Definitely used mainly as a local hangout spot (food wrappers, gun casing, beer cans etc)."

    2. Dispersed Camping NF 2918 — Olympic National Park

    16 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    20 miles

    "We arrived very late at night and found a quiet spot up the mountain but moved in the morning in search of shade. We came upon a little dirt road off of 2918 near the river."

    "Couldn’t get a spot at Fairholme so I opted for this location. I only saw 2 small areas you could back in with fire pits. One closer to the 101, and one further back before you cross the bridge."

    4. Forest Service Road 29 Dispersed Camping Loop

    6 Reviews
    Beaver, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "- 4 bars LTE with Verizon

    • several gravel roads with large open spots for decent solar/Starlink access
    • quiet, secluded
    • not super busy (2 other vans at the road I went down, but plenty of space for"

    "All of the other campgrounds near Olympic NP were full, so we checked this spot out that we found on Campendium. Just a simple loop that you can park along, no privacy from neighbors but very quiet."

    5. Hoh River Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Forks, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "Camping right next to river. Tall bushes for shade. Need to drive over very bumpy dirt road to get to sites near river. Then need to drive over rocky road to get into sites near river."

    "Trying to find an open camping site next to the river was proving very difficult, but this semi-hidden pull off was perfect. There’s a fire ring and some extra firewood collected to the side."

    6. Camp Creek Olympic Discovery Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Beaver, WA
    13 miles
    Website

    "This is near another campsite listed on The Dyrt, but we couldn't find how to get to that one."

    "A must see, trailhead winds through moss enchanted forest of the Washington Olympic forest. Seems to be ever changing with something new always to see."

    7. HOH RIVER

    1 Review
    Forks, WA
    12 miles

    "It's on public land but you will need to go down a private road to get their. And the property owner charges $5 to use their road."

    8. FS-2918 Dispersed Site

    9 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 374-6522

    "We didn’t feel comfortable driving our class C into any of the nicer, more private spots off of this road due to large potholes, ruts, etc."

    "I usually only stay at the places identified as "Big Rig Friendly" but I gave this location a shot since a review said there were buses that found a spot..."

    9. Forest Road 2918 Dispersed Site

    7 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 765-2200

    "I would not recommend attempting to get down here if your vehicle doesn’t have 4 wheel drive and high clearance."

    "Spot is great, it’s a little tight for a truck but tent camping would be easy. Reception was pretty good as long as you stay near the asphalt road"

    10. Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Olympic National Park, WA
    17 miles
    Website

    "The bluff it very steep into the river so watch how close you get to the edge. As a note, it is NOT on the national forest. It’s on the nature conservancy land."

    "And right by the entrance to the Hoh Rainforest so we can be at the trailhead at 5am with no hassle. Only room for one vehicle though."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Forks, WA

70 Reviews of 31 Forks Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Dispersed South Shore Road

    Quilaut River-South Shore Road

    Several campsites along the gravel road, we found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River. Drove right into the hidden alcove in our stealth camper van.

  • Andi F.
    Aug. 1, 2022

    Dispersed Camping NF 2918 — Olympic National Park

    Stunning rain forest with a river

    I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and spent a lot of my childhood out here in the Olympic National Park. Coming back to this scenic area was a real treat! We arrived very late at night and found a quiet spot up the mountain but moved in the morning in search of shade. We came upon a little dirt road off of 2918 near the river. We have a Jeep and I will say, it was needed for the area we found but if you have a high clearance whip, I recommend it highly. There are plenty of spots to stop on the paved areas too, but they are less ideal for my kind of camping. The spot we chose had three firepits: two up above and one down on the bank of the river. It's about 1/4 mile off the paved road and the river noise is enough to drown out the occasional passerby. We parked our Jeep along the road to let others know the area was occupied. I recommend doing so because you cannot see the dispersed area until you're right on top of it. We had a few people pull in looking to see if the area was taken. It can accommodate a group or a single party. Absolutely stunning, quiet area in the rainforest with trails and fresh water.

    PLEASE remove your trash when you leave. The previous occupants left a full large black trash bag. THIS IS A RAIN FOREST IN A NATIONAL PARK. Have some decency people.

    T-Mobile has 5G service in this area. Verizon is 1-2 bars of 4G.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2025

    FS-2918 Dispersed Site

    Lots of options

    We didn’t feel comfortable driving our class C into any of the nicer, more private spots off of this road due to large potholes, ruts, etc. Since we just needed a place for the night, we decided to just stay at one of the large pullouts, which was fine. We didn’t even need levels. 

    Obviously no amenities here, but we were pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t much trash to be found. 

    Cell service was good here. Be sure to find a spot in the National Forest, and not the National Park that’s adjacent, because you will definitely get a knock on the door if you try to stay overnight within park boundaries.

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Forest Road 2918 Dispersed Site

    Great spot if you can get there!

    Perfect cozy little spot far enough from the road with views of the river! I would not recommend attempting to get down here if your vehicle doesn’t have 4 wheel drive and high clearance. We did it in an f150 and struggled with rocks and slipping on roots and the grade to get to the bottom is well over 12%. It was definitely worth the effort though!!

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    DNR Dispersed Campsite

    Big pull off

    Big pull off with access to the beach. Big enough for a few rigs.

    No signs posted day use or no camping. perfect for the night!

    Dry camping.

    Some road noise but stops around 10pm.

    Beautiful sunset and sunrise 🥰

  • Chris
    Jun. 12, 2021

    Cardlin Run — Olympic National Park

    A night in the rainforest

    Going East on Upper Hoh Rd, a site is on the Left side, before the pay booth for Olympic NP. The have 2 signs posted, Discover Pass required and no campfires. This location has 1 designed campsite, which is completely out of view from the road. Quiet location, rains often...ie rainforest.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2022

    Dispersed South Shore Road

    Rainforest heaven!

    There are about 5 sites hidden on the road. Please be careful the road is a mix of private land, national forest, national park. The sites can be easily found by their stone fire rings. The site that is directly on the river was very popular. I ended up staying 2 nights at one of the last sites before it turns to private land. It was tucked away, walk in site, had a nice fire ring, nice tent pad area. It has a large rope so you can access the river. The scenery is breath taking. Down the road there are at least 2 waterfalls on the right. In the town of quinault there is a laundry mat/shower facility!

  • B
    May. 1, 2023

    Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great spot by the river

    This is a killer camp site, we parked a 25 foot travel trailer here with a lot of room to spare. The bluff it very steep into the river so watch how close you get to the edge. As a note, it is NOT on the national forest. It’s on the nature conservancy land. The best googling I can do says it’s legal to camp here. Just FYI.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2024

    FS-2918 Dispersed Site

    Looks nice but NOT for big RVs

    I usually only stay at the places identified as "Big Rig Friendly" but I gave this location a shot since a review said there were buses that found a spot... we tried it in our 40ft Class A and got pretty jammed up down a narrow road, trying to follow the directions in the comment. Disconnected the toad and ran around trying to find anything that would work but there was nothing for our size. I do not recommend trying if you're in a large Class A.


Guide to Forks

Dispersed camping options surround Forks, Washington across multiple forest service roads that offer primitive sites near rivers and within temperate rainforest environments. Most locations sit between 250-600 feet elevation where annual rainfall exceeds 100 inches, creating unique camping conditions even during summer months. The predominantly Douglas fir and western hemlock forests create dense canopy coverage at most sites.

What to do

Trail access opportunities: The Dispersed Camping NF 2918 area provides excellent access to Olympic National Park hiking options. As one camper noted, "It was 30 minutes from Sol-Duc Falls trailhead as NF 2918 runs parallel to that road." Several pullouts along this road connect to informal paths leading into the forest.

River activities: At South Fork Calawah River, visitors can enjoy streamside recreation in a secluded setting. A camper mentioned, "Great little hikes around the site, and a Bald Eagle nest right across from where we stayed!" The area offers fishing opportunities, though some locations have fast-moving water that makes angling difficult.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide the best wildlife spotting conditions throughout the forest roads near Forks. Bald eagles, Roosevelt elk, and numerous bird species inhabit the area. One visitor to the Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping area described "The sound of the river, chirping of the birds, views of snow capped mountains, forests and streams."

What campers like

Riverside locations: The sound of running water creates natural white noise at many sites. A visitor to Morgan's Crossing Dispersed shared, "Beautiful river access that feels secluded. Could hear other sites faintly but was the perfect balance of wanting to be alone but knowing others are around." These riverfront spots typically offer the most privacy.

Cell service availability: Despite the remote setting, connectivity exists at several locations. At Forest Service Road 29 Dispersed Camping Loop, a camper reported "4 bars LTE with Verizon" and noted "several gravel roads with large open spots for decent solar/Starlink access." Service quality varies significantly by carrier.

Established sites: Many areas feature previously-used fire rings and cleared tent spaces. A camper at Forest Road 2918 Dispersed Site observed, "This was an perfect spot for a quick overnight! Clean, spacious & has an access trail to the river." The established nature of these sites makes setup easier while still maintaining a primitive camping experience.

What you should know

Road condition challenges: Many rustic camping spots near Forks require appropriate vehicles. At Forest Road 2918 Dispersed Site, a visitor cautioned, "I would not recommend attempting to get down here if your vehicle doesn't have 4 wheel drive and high clearance. We did it in an f150 and struggled with rocks and slipping on roots and the grade to get to the bottom is well over 12%."

Arrival timing: Most sites operate on a first-come basis with weekends filling quickly. One camper at South Fork Calawah River noted, "This is a popular campsite so you'll have people trying pulling into the site 2-3 times a day." Arriving mid-week and before noon significantly improves site selection options.

Land management boundaries: Different regulations apply between National Forest, National Park, and DNR lands. A visitor to Camp Creek Olympic Discovery Trailhead explained, "You cant camp at the trail head, its on National Park land. There are pull offs on the side of the 2 lane road further down, but no good for tents."

Tips for camping with families

Best kid-friendly locations: Areas with gentle river access work well for families with children. The Hoh River Dispersed Camping area provides relatively flat terrain for tent setup. A visitor shared, "Camping right next to river. Tall bushes for shade. Need to drive over very bumpy dirt road to get to sites near river."

Safety considerations: Scout sites carefully for hazards like steep river banks. At Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping, a camper warned, "The bluff it very steep into the river so watch how close you get to the edge." Bring extra tarps and rain gear as summer showers remain common in this rainforest environment.

Activity options: Children enjoy exploring the moss-covered forest floor and shallow stream sections. Prepare for limited formal recreation infrastructure by bringing nature-based activities. Pack extra footwear as mud remains prevalent year-round in most camping areas.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Large RVs face significant limitations on most forest roads near Forks. A visitor to FS-2918 Dispersed Site cautioned, "We tried it in our 40ft Class A and got pretty jammed up down a narrow road... I do not recommend trying if you're in a large Class A." Class B and smaller Class C motorhomes have the most options.

Leveling challenges: Many sites feature uneven terrain requiring extensive leveling equipment. At Forest Service Road 29 Dispersed Camping Loop, an RVer noted, "We just spent the last three nights across the street from this location. There are a few spots for large RVs at this loop, but if it's full, you can go about 100 yards past this loop and across the street... and there's a lot of room in a large gravel area."

Turnaround availability: Limited turnaround space affects site selection for those with trailers. Unhitching may be necessary to scout potential camping spots. Several larger pullouts exist along paved sections of Forest Service roads that accommodate modest-sized rigs without requiring travel on rougher secondary roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available near Forks, Washington?

Yes, free camping is readily available near Forks. Dispersed South Shore Road offers several free sites along a gravel road, some hidden from view with stone fire rings marking their locations. Many sites are secluded and situated next to the Quinault River. DNR Dispersed Campsite provides a free option with beach access via a large pull-off area that can accommodate multiple vehicles. However, be aware that some dispersed areas like HOH RIVER require a $5 fee to use the private road for access. Always check land ownership as sites are often a mix of national forest, national park, and private property, which affects regulations and whether camping is permitted.

Where can I find dispersed camping locations near Forks, WA?

The Forks area offers numerous dispersed camping options. Dispersed Camping NF 2918 provides secluded spots up the mountain with river views, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the better sites. Another option is Hoh River Dispersed Camping, featuring campsites right next to the river with tall bushes for shade, though you'll need to navigate bumpy dirt roads to reach the riverside spots. Forest Service roads throughout Olympic National Forest contain multiple pullouts and designated dispersed sites. For those seeking spots near water, look along Upper Hoh Road and South Shore Road, where hidden alcoves can accommodate various vehicle sizes from small cars to vans.

What permits or regulations should I know about for dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest near Forks?

For dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest near Forks, you'll need to follow several regulations. At Cardlin Run, a Discover Pass is required for parking and campfires are prohibited, as indicated by posted signs. Some areas on Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping are on Nature Conservancy land rather than national forest, which affects applicable regulations. Generally, dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Practice Leave No Trace principles by camping at least 100 feet from water sources, using existing fire rings where fires are permitted, and packing out all trash. Always verify current regulations as they may change seasonally, particularly regarding fire restrictions during dry summer months.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping around Forks, WA?

The best time for dispersed camping around Forks is late spring through early fall (May-September) when roads are most accessible and weather is generally milder. Summer offers the driest conditions, though popular spots like FS-2918 Dispersed Site and Quinalt Ridge Vistas can become busy during peak season. Fall brings stunning colors but increasing rain. Winters are very wet in this rainforest region, making many forest roads muddy or impassable, especially for accessing spots requiring high clearance. Spring brings beautiful greenery but variable conditions. Year-round camping is possible at lower elevations, but always check road conditions before attempting to reach higher elevation sites, particularly after heavy rainfall when washouts and mud can create hazardous driving conditions.