Best Dispersed Camping near Index, WA

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Index? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Index, WA (33)

    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    1. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    14 Reviews
    66 Photos
    423 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
    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
    173 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    4. Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    140 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
    • No image available

      5. Lake Dorothy

      2 Reviews
      75 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
      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

      6. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

      3 Reviews
      13 Photos
      113 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
      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
      Camper-submitted photo from Keechelus Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Keechelus Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Keechelus Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Keechelus Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Keechelus Lake

      8. Keechelus Lake

      4 Reviews
      10 Photos
      110 Saves
      Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from French Cabin Creek Recreation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from French Cabin Creek Recreation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from French Cabin Creek Recreation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from French Cabin Creek Recreation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from French Cabin Creek Recreation Area
        Camper-submitted photo from French Cabin Creek Recreation Area
      Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews in Index

      76 Reviews of 33 Index Campgrounds


      • Abrianna M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
        Oct. 5, 2024

        South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

        Beautiful but creepy

        Nice area by a creek, very peaceful and quiet during the day, a ton of people around and lots of passerby’s. As soon as it got dark, someone decided to sneak around my campsite with a flashlight and stand outside my tent for some time. Packed up quick and zoomed out of there, very uncomfortable and would not recommend for solo campers.

      • Brandon K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from 4th of July Trail Levenworth
        Sep. 29, 2024

        4th of July Trail Levenworth

        Happy Tail on the River

        Nice little spot along the river off Icicle Road…approximately 2 miles west of eight mile campground. Though the water level was low due to the time of the season, this spot still offered the tranquil sound of river flowing over boulders. Doors open on a brisk morning with clear skies made it that much more beautiful.

      • Jamie J.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from French Cabin Creek Recreation Area
        Aug. 22, 2024

        French Cabin Creek Recreation Area

        Right next to the river

        I loved this spot for a quick overnight. I got a spot right next to the river and there were almost no people there. There is a lot of trash so next time Is bring some gloves and trash bags to help clean up any space I stay in. If we all do a little it will help.

      • Lets Go O.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Kachess Lake Lakebed
        Aug. 16, 2024

        Kachess Lake Lakebed

        Land Destruction

        Up to $5,000 fines for litter and $10,000 for illegal fire (plus up to a year jail time) now enforced!

        People are destroying this lake. There is NO legal driving in the lake bed, even when the water is low. The lake bed is spawning grounds for the endangered Bull Trout. The lake nearby, Kacheless, is now closed due to people driving in the lake bed.

        There are also burn bans July-September due to extremely high fire danger. Mountains of garbage around due to no garbage services, and human feces everywhere.

        PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT. Respect the land on which you travel, or this too will be closed down.

      • Tia A.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
        Aug. 1, 2024

        South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

        Little pocket of peace.

        A lit if the spots are on the smaller side, so we had a bit of trouble finding one that could fit our motorhome, but it was worth it. The place is beautiful. Super dark at night, and besides the sound from the interstate and cars driving up and down, it's quite. Even with the noise, it's peaceful and perfect for a little getaway. We have Verizon and have decent service, even with crappy weather.

      • Phoebe H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 7601 Dispersed
        Jul. 29, 2024

        FS Road 7601 Dispersed

        Great place to camp!

        Beautiful scenery, not hard to find, and lots of spaces open along the road. The road did get quite bumpy and rocky at points, but I assume this is normal for dispersed camping (this was my first dispersed camping experience). The only concern my friend and I had was an old RV near the entrance. That being said, the spot we chose was much higher and farther up the road from where the RV was, and we were not bothered. We actually didn’t see anyone else up there when we went in late July.

      • 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

      • BThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Keechelus Lake
        Jul. 19, 2024

        Keechelus Lake

        Good stay

        The spots are crowded by the lake but there are some pretty quiet’s spots further up the mountain that I liked.

      • Jada P.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites
        Jul. 15, 2024

        Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites

        BEAUTIFUL!!

        So, this was my first time to this spot. The reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because of how crowded it was. We had a hard time finding an open spot so we could set up camp. We almost made it to the end of the dirt road before we found a lot with a fire pit that could fit our group of 4. AMAZING views of the mountains and it was about 7min (drive) from the beach access point. There were signs saying “camping closed”, however, everyone ignored the signs and still camped out. There wasn’t anyone coming to kick people out. On a side note, there were plenty of disrespectful people who left their garbage at the beach…other than that, this was an overall fun and memorable experience!

      • Joanna W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
        Jul. 10, 2024

        South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

        Great place to sleep for a night while on a road trip

        So dark I couldnt even see my own hand in front of my face! I loved it. Quiet enough, could hear gentle highway hum but cant see anything but trees n nature. Earplugs ftw. Some bugs but nothing major. Plenty of spots along the road. U dont need to go all the way to coords. Just pick a spot along road n park. Some wild raspberries at our spot :) firepit nice, a little trash but not much. Thats the cost of free. Spot is free, the cost is picking up a few pieces of trash. Seems fair to me!

      • Joanna W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Keechelus Lake
        Jul. 10, 2024

        Keechelus Lake

        Road Closed on 7/10/24 for endangered fish

        Says when water gets below 2840 ft to protect the fish they close the road and no camping is permitted.

      • Ginger M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
        Jul. 8, 2024

        South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

        Quick easy getaway

        Went up at the end of 4th of July weekend. Found a great spot but it was apparent that the group before us used everywhere to go to the bathroom and covered it with paper towels. PRO TIP: make the hole first for when you need it and you want have any excuse not to use it! PLEASE LEAVE NO TRACE! Other wise we really enjoyed a quick night away in our van.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Keechelus Lake
        Jul. 8, 2024

        Keechelus Lake

        Sweet spot

        Great spot to land after long day of driving. Definitely some spots have more human waste and trash than I would want to camp too close to—not to mention the impacts of some campers’ poor habits on the many natural water sources throughout this area. Still, such a sweet spot with uber PNW vibes (water, tree lines, mountains, etc.). I love any spot where I can camp free and safely at night and wake up early to paddleboard a few hundred feet away. Great spot to SUP.

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
        Jul. 1, 2024

        South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

        It was alright

        You can hear the road from most camping spots. When we arrived at our site there was garbage all over the place in a fire pit so we cleaned it up.

        There was a nice long trail that took us to the river. That was nice. Cleaning up sucked because the floor got muddy.

        Lots of mosquitoes.

        Lots of camping spots. We left Friday evening and most spots were taken.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
        Jun. 27, 2024

        South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

        Great Camping in the PNW!

        This spot was truly beautiful. Green as far as the eye can see, with a creek by that provides the perfect white noise to fall asleep to. The road is fairly accessible, though there are some fairly large potholes that could damage smaller vehicles, and the road could become muddy after raining. On weekends you might have to drive pretty far down the road to find an unclaimed spot, but I didn't have a hard time on a Tuesday night. There was some trash, including broken glass in firepits and a few beer cans spotted in the woods, but for the most part it was clean! The sites further down the road are definitely cleaner. No bathrooms, so plan on dropping the kids off at the pool before visiting. Seeing as there is water nearby, there are plenty of mosquitoes. Bring some bug spray! There are towns within 15 minutes of the road.

      • Katrina H.The Dyrt PRO User
        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.

      • PThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark
        Jun. 21, 2024

        Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark

        Lake Wenatchee Airstrip

        We turned at (47.8178974, -120.7258512) which you travel a short distance down a well maintained FS road to a very large gravel and dirt parking area. You can park in this parking lot if you choose, lots of space, great internet speeds. To the right of the information sign you will see a small sign with a snowmobile on it. That is the road that you can take back to the airstrip portion of the site. You will only travel about 100 yards on that road before it opens up to a very large grass field (and airstrip) you will need to turn left to head toward the camping locations. To the right will be the landing strip so you need to avoid that area. There is a dirt/sandy road leading back to 2-3 sites with fire rings but also a very large open field where you can camp as well. MOSQUITOES WERE AWFUL AT NIGHT FYI. A forest service rig pulled up on us in the AM and just waved :)

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites
        May. 29, 2024

        Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites

        Kachess Lake Logging Road Dispersed Camping

        First of all, this is western Washington: it rains! We had two days and two nights of rain. Snow was still on the ground, and it was cold. Fortunately we were in an RV. There are only one or two sites on this logging road that are available for RVs our size (ours is a Class A 35') about a mile up the compacted gravel road from the lake. Road is packed well, washboard in some sections. Great for vans. Secondly, the site was trashed. We picked up a full garbage bag of trash. On the upside, it was very peaceful, and there are very cute little critters--chipmonks, humming birds, and butterflies. Beautiful wildflowers and a beautiful creek running behind the campsite. There are three fire rings, and plenty of places for tents. No water. No electricity.  We enjoyed our stay and we sat outside for a couple of hours in the sunshine on our last day.

      • Sydney D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from 4th of July Trail Levenworth
        May. 16, 2024

        4th of July Trail Levenworth

        2 night “Lake Front Property” Asking price- FREE

        This pull in is nestled behind a HUGE rock. The little loop has enough room for big rigs, it’s flat, it has one fire circle, little to no shade, large enough for 6 average sized vehicles, right on the river, and due to the big rock(depending where you park) the road noise is blocked out. Between the sound of the rivers tides whipping and the bugs cheeping, I would be surprised if anyone can hear the cars go by at night. This spot did have a few bees buzzing around but I couldn’t find the location. The site has a cool natural rock staircase down to the river. I highly recomend getting there early becsue we got there and parked at 11 AM and hiked to the trail head till 5:30 and every 15 min cars were driving by slow to see if anyone was there. WE GOT LUCKY

      • Sydney D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from China Point on Cle Elum River
        Apr. 22, 2024

        China Point on Cle Elum River

        Easy in and out for no all wheele drive

        Pretty simple pull in and out! There was about 3 spots, the farthest back one was big enough for a group to stay. All 3 had fire rings. No snow on the roads but there was snow on the ground. Sun light didn’t really hit us till about an hour after it came up because of it being in a valley. Ground was a bit in even but if you go to the farthest one, there is plenty of space to stretch out and find a spot. Also- all around is private property so be careful. It’s labeled pretty well though.

      • Sara J.The Dyrt PRO User
        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

      • CThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Keechelus Lake
        Apr. 3, 2024

        Keechelus Lake

        Solid Spot (in the right season)

        Super easy to drive up to the lake and camp, have a fire, hang out and explore! Should always be able to access aside from when the snow is melting, as they don’t service the road until it’s mostly all melted.

      • Mary B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
        Jan. 2, 2024

        South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

        Quiet and Free Camping

        My friend slept in her vehicle(end of the road) and I camped next to the river. There were no other tent campers on this day; many RVs and campers on the way to the river. I highly recommend for peace and solitude.



      Frequently Asked Questions

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

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Index, 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 Index, WA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 33 dispersed camping locations near Index, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.