The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Gig Harbor, WA

31 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas can be found within driving distance of Gig Harbor, Washington, primarily on National Forest lands. Olympic National Forest provides multiple opportunities for dispersed camping, with notable spots along Forest Road 24 and Forest Road 2419. These areas feature primitive camping with no designated sites or facilities. Additional options include the Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419, which sits at a higher elevation with mountain views, and several pullouts along NF-2419 that serve as informal camping areas. Free camping is permitted in most of these locations without reservations.

Forest roads in this region typically require careful navigation, with some areas accessible only by high-clearance vehicles. FR-2419 experiences regular traffic according to camper reports, even during nighttime hours. Many sites are simple pullouts along forest roads rather than developed areas. Winter camping may be challenging at higher elevations, particularly at sites like Hilltop Camp which sits near the snow line during colder months. One visitor noted, "It's December so of course it's a bit cold at night and I'd recommend at least AWD to get up here." Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as toilets, potable water, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all necessities and pack out all waste.

The dispersed sites near Gig Harbor provide varying levels of seclusion and natural beauty. Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419 is particularly valued for its panoramic views. A camper described it as having an "amazing view" and being a "fantastic secluded spot at the top of the mtn." NF-2419 crosses multiple streams, creating additional camping possibilities near water. While these areas offer natural settings, privacy can be limited at some locations. As one review mentioned, "NF-2419 is a very busy road at all hours. 2 or 3 cars drive by all day and all through the night." Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier, with some areas having strong coverage while others offer limited connectivity. Campers seeking the most secluded experience should consider camping away from main forest roads.

Map showing campgrounds near Gig Harbor, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gig Harbor, Washington (16)

    1. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 884-1944

    $12 / night

    "Simple, small, peaceful campground with pit toilets and potable water.

    Mid week after Labor Day, I had my choice of sites arriving in late afternoon."

    "We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."

    2. Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24

    2 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    26 miles
    Website

    "Not the most private spot if vehicles were to pass. the road looks like it’s used but no one around when we arrived. the road itself is a gorgeous drive and since it’s free it’s worth it!"

    3. NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place."

    "Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed . Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories."

    4. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    5 Reviews
    Tumwater, WA
    31 miles

    5. Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    3 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    32 miles

    "Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night."

    "No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!"

    6. NF-2419 Dispersed Pullout

    2 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    32 miles

    "Great spot on the NF-2419, about a mile before the Mt Elinor lower trailhead. Plenty of space for a large vehicle"

    7. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Matlock, WA
    34 miles

    "We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed."

    "This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by."

    8. NF-27 Tunnel Creek

    2 Reviews
    Quilcene, WA
    35 miles

    "The drive up to this road is half paved and unpaved , not too bumpy. Big area for camp- dry camping. There was already a fire ring made, we opted out of having a fire."

    "There’s a trail from this site that leads to a great tint site as well. Plenty of space if you have a decent sized group. Easily accommodating 3 cars. We have plenty of space with our rig."

    9. Carbon River

    4 Reviews
    Carbonado, WA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 270-7504

    "My fiance' and I are sleeping in a tent and it has rained a lot but if you go into the woods, you can still find dry branches for starting a fire."

    "I go every year, but unfortunately the only bridge to gain access to camping is closed until further notice"

    10. FS-2292 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Matlock, WA
    42 miles

    "No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view."

    "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don’t run into anyone. You’re camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Gig Harbor Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gig Harbor, WA

30 Photos of 16 Gig Harbor Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gig Harbor, WA

31 Reviews of 16 Gig Harbor Campgrounds

  • Mar Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    Perfect woodsy rest stop off highway

    Right off the highway. Pit toilet and wooded areas. Can still hear highway from this exact GPS location, so I went further on up the road for a quieter spot. A few trucks did speed by in the middle of the night, but it was a Saturday and July 4th weekend. 5 bars of cell service.

  • Megan C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2017

    Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    Crowded yet Cozy

    Ipsut Creek Campground is a relatively easy 5 mile trek or bike ride with a 700’ elevation gain, down a closed road (due to the road wash out about 3 miles in) to a wooded campground nestled along the Carbon River.

    Located at the trailhead are two bathrooms, a covered picnic area and a handful of parking stalls with additional parking located along the road. 

    The trail begins behind the closed gates into the shade of the old growth forest. The trail then alternates between the shade of the forest and sunny skys with river views and wildflowers along the way.

    There are a few side trips off the main Carbon River Trail even before reaching the Ipsut Creek Camp;

    1. Mini Rainforest Loop, 0.25 miles

    2. Old Mine Trail, 0.6 miles round trip

    3. Green Lake & Ranger Falls trail, 3.6 miles round trip

    Note: Sadly, the trail to Chenuis Falls has washed out, so now there is just a log bridge into the water to nowhere.

    Once you reach the campground, it has about 20 campsites with about half the sites located on the river. We were lucky enough to swoop up site number 15 though, strangely, another family decided to share it with us for our easy river front access.  Thankfully the river is pretty loud and drowned out the noise of our close campers. We did choose to camp on the high-profile weekend of the 4th of July, so all the cool campsites along the river were obviously full, which is why we think we had “friends” join us. There was a large fallen tree sort of splitting the camp site in half, so we took the left half, with the smaller 1 picnic table option, while the strangers took the right half with 2 picnic tables. 

    The trees in camp are great for setting up hammocks. We set up a hammock triangle upon arrival in camp near the river for lazy afternoon naps. My siblings both slept in their hammocks fulltime, while my husband and I set up a tent in a small clearing on the opposite side of the picnic table, closer to the bear lockers (bear lockers are a huge plus, meaning a bear canister isn’t necessary if you’re not heading deeper into the backcountry). 

    The campground had a decent amount of wildlife running around.  We had a number of chipmunks running around our camp cleaning up any scraps left daily; we found a live mouse chilling in a water bottle one morning upon setting up for breakfast, and deer came through the camp just about anytime it was quiet.  

    The campground does have two restrooms but they smell like the bog of eternal stench, so bring strong essential oils, a scented hanky, or a shovel to dig cat tracks in the woods far from camp and water sources. 

    The campground is a good base camp to explore the surrounding Carbon Glacier/ Mowich Lake area. We visited Ipsut Falls, which was less than a half mile round trip out of camp, making for a sweet little trip to break up the day in camp. 

    We also chose to make the adventure up to the Suspension Bridge and to the Carbon Glacier view point. Our morning started off cool in heavy fog, which burned off throughout the day, giving way to magnificent views of the mountain and glacier. The trail was covered in wildflowers, cairns, creeks and mini waterfalls. It made for a beautiful day trip out of camp with plenty of opportunities to go further into the backcountry closer to Winthrop Glacier, out to Tolmie peak area or back out along the Wonderland Trail. Backcountry options seemed endless. 

    Though the trail and camp (and site) were crowded, the hike to the glacier made the entire trip worth our cozy campsite. The Carbon Glacier is a bit dirty looking but to be standing in front of something so ancient and magnificent is truly amazing.  My husband, sister and I have now added a new item to our bucket lists and that is to see as many glaciers as we can before they melt, here’s to our first. =) 

    Note: The campground is located within Mount Rainier National Park (no pets are allowed) so you’ll need to stop by the Carbonado Ranger Station for a Wilderness Permit and National Park Day Pass or Annual Permit to display for parking. No campfires within the campground.

  • Sam S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Olympic National Forest - Dispersed Camping

    We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed. We picked the first spot we got to since it was getting kind of late. It wasn't the most ideal spot and I think further down the road has prettier and more remote options, but it made do. There were really huge flies but they did not bite. The only complaint was that there was more car traffic than I wanted very late at night into the early morning. One car even slowed down and yelled at our tent around 2am. We never felt unsafe but it was annoying. A lot of trash was left behind from previous camper. I would suggest finding alternative spots if you're looking for a more enjoyable night but if you are just there for an overnight, it is fine.

  • Suzie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Safe and quiet

    This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by. Felt safe as a single tent camper

  • Nicholas G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 12, 2024

    FS-2292 Dispersed

    There was a ton of dispersed sites on this FR

    The road was a little rough but my suv made it fine. No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view.

  • Amber G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    Amazing

    Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night. It’s December so of course it’s a bit cold at night and I’d recommend at least AWD to get up here. Will be back.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2025

    Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    Not suitable for Winter camping.

    Located just past the restaurant on the southbound side there is a drive that goes back into Rock Candy mountain Road trailhead. I drove 5 mi up the road. There are few houses on the side of the road. Speed limit is a maximum 15 mph. There are signs posted thinking drivers for slowing down. Mainly a logging Road well if you pull out to the right on the main road. I noticed a road that had a pipe gate that was closed and locked. It gets pretty steep going up the road. The right steep. They wrote it on barely white enough for two vehicles to safely pass each other. Not suitable for anything wider than a class B. In my opinion this area is not suitable for winter camping. In my opinion if this road got congested it would become pretty dangerous thus why caution is needed driving on the main road and on other roads leading from main road. Definitely not road you want to be intoxicated to drive on. There is a long drop if you lose control and fail off road. I feel if you did and survived the fall it would be expensive to recover your vehicle. To me it's to dangerous to risk trying to camp here if it ever became busy.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    Incredible view!

    Fairly large and level site with an amazing view. No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!

  • Beamus R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2024

    Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    A spot to sleep

    Overall I had a nice quiet stay. This spot isn't anything too awful special. There are about four pull outs to set up for the night. The bathrooms are located in the trailhead parking lot. They could use cleaning, but they are open 24 hours. As for cell service Verizon was barely there. To sum it up if you need a spot to crash for the night this place will work. Y'all stay safe and be well out there.

Guide to Gig Harbor

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gig Harbor, Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors in peace.

Dispersed campers should check out Joemma Beach State Park

  • Joemma Beach State Park Campground allows for a peaceful camping experience with access to beautiful beach views and fishing opportunities.
  • The campground features amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, making it a convenient choice for families and groups.
  • With a host on-site to ensure cleanliness and safety, you can relax knowing that your camping experience will be well-managed.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Gig Harbor, Washington

  • Consider visiting Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24 for a no-cost camping experience, perfect for those looking to save money while enjoying nature.
  • This location offers several large pull-out spots along a scenic road, providing easy access for vehicles and a chance to enjoy the surrounding beauty.
  • Keep in mind that while it may not be the most secluded option, the stunning drive and free camping make it worth the visit.

Exploring the Olympic National Forest for dispersed campers

  • The NF-2419 Dispersed Site is a fantastic choice for those seeking a more rugged experience, with the added bonus of being free and requiring no permits.
  • Campers can enjoy the sounds of nature with streams nearby, but be prepared for some road noise as it can be a busy area.
  • For a truly magical experience, consider camping along the river at this site, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Gig Harbor?

The Olympic National Forest offers several dispersed camping opportunities near Gig Harbor. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping features multiple pull-offs along gravel roads where you can set up camp. Another option is NF-27 Tunnel Creek, which has a half-paved, half-unpaved access road leading to spacious dry camping areas with existing fire rings. Both areas are relatively accessible but require some driving on forest service roads. For camping closer to water, head to the Key Peninsula where more options are available.

Are there any free dispersed camping sites around Gig Harbor?

Yes, there are several free dispersed camping options near Gig Harbor. Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419 offers a stunning free site with amazing views, though it's popular and fills quickly. This level site has no water, so come prepared. Another free option is FS-2292 Dispersed, which requires navigating a somewhat rough road but rewards you with solitude and potentially beautiful views. For a longer adventure, Ipsut Creek Camp in Mount Rainier National Park is accessible via a 5-mile trek along a closed road, offering a wooded setting along the Carbon River.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Gig Harbor?

Dispersed camping around Gig Harbor follows standard National Forest regulations. At Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead, camping is permitted with access to pit toilets. When using forest roads like those near NF-2419 Dispersed Site, observe posted speed limits (typically 15 mph). Practice Leave No Trace principles by using existing fire rings when permitted and packing out all trash. Most areas require you to camp at least 100 feet from water sources. Stays are typically limited to 14 days in a 30-day period. Check for seasonal fire restrictions before your trip, as they change throughout the year.

Keep Exploring