Top Free Dispersed Camping near Granite Falls, WA

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Granite Falls? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Granite Falls just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Granite Falls, WA (17)

    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

    1. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    112 Saves

    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
    Camper-submitted photo from US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass
    Camper-submitted photo from US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass

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

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    172 Saves

    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

    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Sauk River
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Sauk River
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Sauk River
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Sauk River
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Sauk River
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Sauk River

    3. South Fork Sauk River

    1 Review
    20 Photos
    103 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit

    4. Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit

    3 Reviews
    16 Photos
    69 Saves

    The park offers four primitive campsites on the north shore bay. The pay station is near the eastern campsite. A vault toilet is in the woods 100-feet south of the campsites. The rest of the island is a Natural Area Preserve, off limits to recreational use. Standard primitive campsite rules apply.The overnight parking fee is in effect at Cornet Bay boat launch.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    5. Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    140 Saves

    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    6. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    4 Reviews
    11 Photos
    361 Saves

    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
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available

      7. Lake Dorothy

      2 Reviews
      75 Saves
      • Pets
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Dispersed
      • Toilets
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
      • No image available
        • No image available

          10. Pine Lake Campground

          1 Review
          23 Saves
          • Pets
          • Phone Service
          • Tents
          • Toilets
          • Alcohol
        Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Granite Falls

        31 Reviews of 17 Granite Falls Campgrounds


        • HThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
          Oct. 13, 2024

          Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

          Quiet camp with great views

          Arrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s. Very small, quiet, stunning campground. Felt safe. We have a rooftop tent, not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in. Mostly open, some sites in the forest. Had one bar of Verizon service. Would stay again!

        • HThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
          Aug. 19, 2024

          Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

          Great spot on the lake

          We found an amazing site right on the lake, with great views and it was fairly quiet. There were a couple people who decided to have campfires despite the statewide burn ban in effect, which was a bit of a bummer. Despite that, great campground with toilets, picnic table, fire ring (when allowed), and lots of trees for hammocking. Loved our weekend here!

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
          Jul. 28, 2024

          Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

          Plenty of spots

          If you think all the spots are taken, keep driving. So many spots along Baker Lake Road.

          Late July, there’s a lot of partying on the lake. It’s not so bad but you’ll definitely hear people having fun.

        • B
          Camper-submitted photo from NF Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 22, 2024

          NF Dispersed Camping

          Bacon Point

          Beautiful spot near the water also has some more secluded spots if wanted. Didn’t see too many people. And had no issues picking a spot to car camp. Definitely recommend.

        • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
          Jul. 21, 2024

          Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

          Coordinates off

          The directions had me believing that the dispersed camping was just various pull offs on the highway loop and that’s where I stayed. It was loud and it felt like the traffic was coming through my tent at times. After driving to North Cascades I discovered that there was real dispersed camping on that road but probably 45 minutes to an hour past where the coordinates took you. Once the highway turned into a gravel road is when I started seeing nice dispersed campsites

        • Katrina H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
          Jun. 22, 2024

          Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

          Beautiful Area with Small Campsites

          It's a lovely area right by a beautiful river. However, it was hard to find a large enough spot that was also level to park our van. There was some traffic on the road, and a great bonus is that the road is paved, so no worries about destroying a tire. We did have phone service, and it's close to a small deli and other conveniences.

        • Sara J.
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek
          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

        • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
          Oct. 20, 2023

          Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

          Sites just off the gravel portion of the mountain loop

          Easy enough to access right off the mountain loop highway. Meandering sites along the river with good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks. Heavily forested and beautiful.

        • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Sauk River
          Oct. 20, 2023

          South Fork Sauk River

          Remote, no services, easy enough to access, beautiful

          Half way along the mountain loop highway you encounter numerous spacious tent sites with fire rings and gorgeous river & Mountain View camp grounds.

        • O
          Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
          Aug. 30, 2023

          Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

          Beautiful spot

          We was there during the week and we could to find a free spot easily.

          Just turn right after the Horseshoe Cove CG. It’s a unpaved road, go until the lake. Has a toilet and 10ish campsites with fireplaces and tables.

        • J
          Camper-submitted photo from Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
          Aug. 25, 2023

          Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

          Great free spot on Baker Lake

          Loved this free campground on Baker Lake near mt baker, WA! Take the first turn after horseshoe cove campground and follow the gravel road all the way to the lake.

          Lots of spots with tables and fire rings, some spots have nice tent pads. Some sites are marked and some are not. There’s a single pit toilet and no running water. Seems like a pretty popular spot but we were able to get a site mid week at the end of August.

          Parking for some of the spots is not the best but we were still able to car camp comfortably. Will definitely be staying here again!

        • Theresa K.
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek
          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

        • Philip D.
          Camper-submitted photo from Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
          Aug. 8, 2023

          Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

          Beautiful/ Dirty and noisy

          Some of you never learned proper etiquette and it shows! Beautiful spot. Toilet paper everywhere. Peaceful… except for the trucks air braking on Highway 2; and the train… which made me question if I was being visited by some alien beings for half a second. Beautiful spot, great access to the river, whose noise washes out the majority of the ambiance killers. Secluded, sadly too dry for a fire.

        • Z
          Camper-submitted photo from NF Dispersed Camping
          Jul. 3, 2023

          NF Dispersed Camping

          Deep in the woods

          Really deep into the woods. Driveway is a little rough but I made it in a car. All the other paid campsites were packed but found a few open spots here on the 4th of July weekend. Right next to the river! This app is great. Never would have found this!

        • Bryan J.
          Camper-submitted photo from Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
          Jun. 29, 2023

          Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

          Quiet, easy spot!

          We were planning to stay in Leavenworth, but that got sketchy, so we came up here to this dispersed spot, and it's beautiful, quiet, and easy. Enjoyed the sounds of the waterfall/river all night, never heard a single car.

        • Russel M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from NF Dispersed Camping
          Mar. 31, 2023

          NF Dispersed Camping

          Beautiful

          No rain while I was there but I dont imagine it would get too muddy/sloppy. The road does have minimal gravel lining it. (CLEARANCE NEEDED - around the same amount as the Subaru line of vehicles or greater - 4wd not necessary)

          Beautiful area, small town nearby where you could likely pick up a few things. I didnt stop. Gas station nearby.

          There is a fast flowing stream with crystal clear water. Quiet mountain/forest area. No sounds of civilization. Multiple turnouts/improvised camping spaces. Keep driving till you find one you like. Easy to access the creak bank at any point along the road by walking through a little brush.

        • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from NF Dispersed Camping
          Aug. 23, 2022

          NF Dispersed Camping

          Great location

          The location is amazing!!!! Sadly though the campsites are not well cared for. I stayed at two different sites, one toward the end of the road and one closer to hwy 20. The end of the road spot did require 4wheel drive and higher clearance (suv height), the one closer to hwy 20 could have easily been driven to in a std. car. The river was gorgeous! The further down the road the likelihood you won’t have access to the river (creek). Both sites were straight up trashed! Trash everywhere!!! The site closer to hwy 20 had both trash and food debris (pineapple and coconut shell) everywhere. The tent pad was completely unusable because of trash. This site has a gorgeous water access but again found plastic bags floating on the creek edge. The site further down was littered with toilet paper and a huge polystyrene cooler full of “waste” so gross. I just used these spots as jumping off point for my hikes in the cascades and I slept in my car so it was a fine stay both times.

        • R
          Camper-submitted photo from NF Dispersed Camping
          Nov. 18, 2021

          NF Dispersed Camping

          Quiet, secluded, good hangout spot.

          This site will be on your right as you drive up NF-1062. someone made a firepit using stones, it will be easy to spot. 

          This was my very first dispersed camping that i did with my dog. will comeback if i drive by or something.

        • TThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek
          Oct. 27, 2021

          Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

          Dispersed camping along Beckler Creek

          Found this sweet spot a little bit ago. Various dispersed camping spots along the road and up the forest service roads. There are some really sweet spots along the road with water access.

        • Lillie P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
          Aug. 12, 2020

          Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

          Easily Accessible Dispersed Spot

          We really enjoyed our spot off of Old Cascades Highway. There are a few good tent spots that are pretty tucked away. We took a spot with a good pull out for our car but didn’t really have a great tent spot. We have a sleeping platform in our car so it worked really well for us. We could walk to the river and sit by it for the evening before heading back to the car to sleep. We’ll probably be back here!

        • C M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Dorothy
          Jul. 30, 2019

          Lake Dorothy

          Great for early backpackers

          I first went on this hike when I was in my early teens. Been back several times since. It’s a really great area with a reasonable hike-in. The lake is ice cold, which is nice if you’re just finished a hot hike in. There are some areas sort of cleared for camping, that have clearly been used before. You can hike on from Dorothy to another lake further up the trail (Bear Lake if memory serves me). There’s a a rustic open toilet in the bushes, but there’s no privacy. Not news for experienced backpackers, but a shocker if you’re new to it.



        Guide to Granite Falls

        Camping near Granite Falls, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Witnessed a beautiful sunset camping on the bluff . . . great camping spots." This park is perfect for those who enjoy scenic hikes.
        • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Camano Island State Park Campground, provide easy access to the beach. A visitor noted, "The beach is beautiful, rocky and sandy - love the PNW beaches."
        • Fishing and Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds such as Howard Miller Steelhead County Park are located near rivers, making them great for fishing. One camper shared, "Saw a boat on the river with people fishing."

        What campers like:

        • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Rasar State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms were very clean," which is a big plus for many.
        • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. A visitor at Bay View State Park Campground mentioned, "Clean bathrooms, enough space between vehicles (we had a fairly private spot)."
        • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive high praise. At Fort Casey Campground, one camper said, "The park staff were super helpful with our late evening questions."

        What you should know:

        • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays. A camper at Tolt MacDonald Park noted, "Reservations are almost a necessity for weekends, holidays and summer months."
        • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Verlot Campground, may not have showers or electric hookups. A review mentioned, "The bathrooms were a little dirty but still usable."
        • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. One camper at Howard Miller Steelhead County Park shared, "There was a sign posted saying there was a recent cougar sighting."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Playgrounds Available: Many campgrounds have playgrounds for kids. A review for Rasar State Park Campground highlighted, "There is some nice playground equipment."
        • Easy Access to Water: Look for campgrounds near rivers or lakes for water play. A visitor at Tolt MacDonald Park mentioned, "The river is close by for water playing."
        • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds often have trails suitable for all ages. One camper at Fort Worden Historical State Park said, "The trade-off is the endless opportunity for walking, hiking and learning the history of the area."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Bay View State Park Campground noted, "Site is small, on the website it states it can fit 3 tents, but it only can fit one."
        • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A camper at Rasar State Park Campground mentioned, "The tank dump site was free as well for those with a reservation."
        • Quiet Spots: Seek out quieter areas for a peaceful stay. A visitor at Verlot Campground shared, "Spent the 4th-6th here, and it was so peaceful and quiet!"

        Camping near Granite Falls, Washington, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking tranquility, there's something for you in this beautiful region.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Granite Falls, WA?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Granite Falls, WA is Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Granite Falls, WA?

          TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Granite Falls, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.