Best Dispersed Camping near Gold Bar, WA

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Gold Bar, WA has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Gold Bar. Find the best campgrounds near Gold Bar, WA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gold Bar, Washington (29)

    1. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    14 Reviews
    66 Photos
    440 Saves
    Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.

    It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.

    Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities and local restrictions, please contact the nearest ranger district office.

    Rules for Dispersed Camping These rules apply to car camping and backpacking

    You may camp in a dispersed area in an individual Ranger District for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move to another Ranger District or off the National Forest until the 30 days has elapsed. Do not blaze new roads to campsites, create new campsites, clear ground, cut or harm vegetation or construct a trail. Do not drive beyond constructed physical barriers, such as berms or gates.
    Do not drive through streams or wetlands to access a camp. If campfires are legal in your location and you choose to have a campfire, pick a site with an existing fire pit. Do not create new fire pits. Make sure your campfire is always attended and is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave your site. Fires may be restricted or banned based on the fire danger rating. Follow Leave No Trace principles and come prepared to “Pack it in. Pack it out.” Pack all trash home. Dispose of human waste in a sanitary manner. In high use locations, areas above tree line and snow-covered areas it is not possible to bury human waste in a sanitary manner. It will need to be packed out and disposed of at home using a wag bag, blue bag, portable toilet or another Leave No Trace approved method.
    Do not block roads or gates. Keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store items in your vehicle or use a wildlife resistant storage canister. Failure to follow regulations can lead to legal consequences. Additional Forest rules and links to report crimes can be found on our Law Enforcement page.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    2. US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    176 Saves
    Baring, Washington

    Traveling along Highway 2, enter the center of the forest along the Skykomish River, a rafting adventurers' dream. Grab your skis! In just two hours you will be gliding down the slopes at Stevens Pass Ski Area. Check in at the Stevens Pass Historic District for an overview of the area's colorful railroad and mining past. Recreation Area Map National Scenic Byway

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed

    $50 / night

    3. Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    12 Photos
    298 Saves
    Skykomish, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    4. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    119 Saves
    Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

    What is Dispersed Camping? Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.

    It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.

    Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities and local restrictions, please contact the nearest ranger district office.

    Rules for Dispersed Camping These rules apply to car camping and backpacking

    You may camp in a dispersed area in an individual Ranger District for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move to another Ranger District or off the National Forest until the 30 days has elapsed. Do not blaze new roads to campsites, create new campsites, clear ground, cut or harm vegetation or construct a trail. Do not drive beyond constructed physical barriers, such as berms or gates.
    Do not drive through streams or wetlands to access a camp. If campfires are legal in your location and you choose to have a campfire, pick a site with an existing fire pit. Do not create new fire pits. Make sure your campfire is always attended and is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave your site. Fires may be restricted or banned based on the fire danger rating. Follow Leave No Trace principles and come prepared to “Pack it in. Pack it out.” Pack all trash home. Dispose of human waste in a sanitary manner. In high use locations, areas above tree line and snow-covered areas it is not possible to bury human waste in a sanitary manner. It will need to be packed out and disposed of at home using a wag bag, blue bag, portable toilet or another Leave No Trace approved method.
    Do not block roads or gates. Keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store items in your vehicle or use a wildlife resistant storage canister. Failure to follow regulations can lead to legal consequences. Additional Forest rules and links to report crimes can be found on our Law Enforcement page.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Market

    5. Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    144 Saves
    Skykomish, Washington

    Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.

    It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resource.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    6. Lake Dorothy

    2 Reviews
    76 Saves
    Skykomish, Washington

    A Northwestt Forest Pass (daily/annual) is required for entrance to Dorothy Lake. view more information here: https://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes#northwest-forest-pass-details

    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol

    7. South Fork Sauk River

    1 Review
    20 Photos
    111 Saves
    Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

    9. Keechelus Lake

    4 Reviews
    10 Photos
    125 Saves
    Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

    10. Annette Lake

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    321 Saves
    Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol

    $5 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Gold Bar, WA

70 Reviews of 29 Gold Bar Campgrounds



Guide to Gold Bar

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gold Bar, Washington, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Gold Bar, Washington

Scenic riverside spots for dispersed campers

  • Enjoy the serene sounds of nature at South Fork Sauk River, where spacious tent sites offer beautiful river and mountain views.
  • For a peaceful experience, consider Keechelus Lake, which features quiet spots further up the mountain, away from the crowds.
  • If you’re looking for a picturesque setting, Lake Dorothy provides a stunning alpine lake experience, perfect for cooling off after a hike.

Activities while free camping near Gold Bar

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails leading to Annette Lake, where you can test your gear and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
  • Berry picking is a delightful activity near US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass, where you can enjoy the fruits of nature while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
  • For those seeking adventure, the trails around Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp offer opportunities for exploration and discovering hidden gems in the forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gold Bar, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gold Bar, WA is South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site with a 4-star rating from 14 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Gold Bar, WA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Gold Bar, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.