Dispersed camping near Index, Washington provides free or low-cost alternatives to developed campgrounds throughout the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Most primitive sites sit between 800-1,500 feet elevation, with lower river campsites remaining accessible from May through October while higher elevation spots often close by mid-November due to snow accumulation. Tent camping dominates the area, with small camper vans and truck campers able to access most sites that aren't situated on extremely rough forest service roads.
What to do
Hike to alpine lakes: Lake Dorothy offers a moderately difficult 3.2-mile trek to backcountry camping. "Easy stair stopped trail; a bit harder with a 40# pack. Lots of camp sites to choose from, but the one on the far shore of the lake is my fav. Great for groups. Primitive toilets along the way. Bring bug repellant. The flies are abysmal," notes one Lake Dorothy visitor.
Berry picking: When camping along Highway 2 between Skykomish and Stevens Pass, summer months provide natural foraging opportunities. "Fantastic berry picking & great views (when there is no smoke)," shares a camper at US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass.
Explore historical sites: Iron Goat offers unique hiking through railroad history. "It has an awesome trail showing an old railroad that was decommissioned in 1929 with tunnels and walking pads and historical placards to explain its history in an amazing rainforest," according to a visitor at Iron Goat.
Paddleboard on mountain lakes: Some dispersed sites provide water access for non-motorized watercraft. "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," reports a Keechelus Lake camper.
What campers like
River sounds: The rushing water provides natural white noise at many sites. "We really enjoyed our spot off of Old Cascades Highway. There are a few good tent spots that are pretty tucked away... We could walk to the river and sit by it for the evening before heading back to the car to sleep," explains a reviewer at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed.
Cell service: Unlike many remote camping areas, several dispersed sites maintain usable signals. "I travel and work remotely so I'm always looking for free places that have cell reception and this place hits the jackpot... I have Verizon and have 2-3 bars of service," notes a camper at South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site.
Privacy between sites: While weekend crowds can fill popular areas, midweek visits often provide solitude. "Skylomish is a fairly short drive away from the city but towards the mountains. You have a great view of the water in some places and it's still pretty peaceful and quiet. The only noise you'd probably hear is the trains and the cars passing on highway 2," shares one visitor.
Scenic diversity: Campers appreciate the variety of landscapes within short distances. "Half way along the mountain loop highway you encounter numerous spacious tent sites with fire rings and gorgeous river & Mountain View camp grounds," describes a South Fork Sauk River camper.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access routes require careful driving. "Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn't recommend driving down it without good ground clearance," warns a camper at South Fork Snoqualmie River.
Site cleanliness concerns: Pack-in, pack-out rules aren't always followed. "Some of you never learned proper etiquette and it shows! Beautiful spot. Toilet paper everywhere... secluded, sadly too dry for a fire," observes a visitor at Old Cascades Highway.
Seasonal closures: Winter access becomes limited, while summer brings crowds. "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," explains a visitor at Keechelus Lake.
Noise factors: While natural settings predominate, some sites experience traffic or train sounds. "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."
Tips for camping with families
Arrive Thursday: Securing prime sites requires early arrival during peak season. "Beat the crowd! Summer time, everyone's camping. Prepare yourself for biting flies that won't leave you alone," advises a visitor to Highway 2 dispersed sites.
Beware of hazardous plants: Some camping areas contain potentially dangerous vegetation. "Lovely area such beautiful surroundings. But be very cautious as near one of the camp sites are very dangerous plants that are fatal and they are lined all around the campground so not recommended if you have children," cautions a camper at South Fork Snoqualmie River.
Expect dust in summer: The dirt roads create dusty conditions during dry months. "The Mountain Loop Highway is gravel and dirt through here, and many people travel too fast on it and kick up a lot of dust. This gets everywhere, so be careful of allergies and expect to clean all your gear if you're camping in the summer," notes a South Fork Sauk River visitor.
Check for toilets: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. "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," warns a Lake Dorothy camper about the basic facilities.
Tips from RVers
Look for pull-off spots: Larger vehicles need strategic placement. "You could put 2 rigs down here if you're friends, but plenty of turn offs for smaller vehicles," notes a visitor to Old Cascades Highway.
Motor home limitations: Few dispersed sites accommodate larger RVs. "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," reports a camper at South Fork Snoqualmie River.
Leveling challenges: Finding flat parking requires careful site selection. "It was hard to find a large enough spot that was also level to park our van," shares one Old Cascades Highway camper who appreciated that "a great bonus is that the road is paved, so no worries about destroying a tire."
