Best Dispersed Camping near Kirkland, WA
Searching for a dispersed campsite near Kirkland? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Washington excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Kirkland, WA (18)
1. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington14 Reviews•66 Photos•428 SavesDispersed 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. Joemma Beach State Park Campground
Lakebay, Washington10 Reviews•39 Photos•259 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$12 / night
3. Lake Dorothy
Skykomish, Washington2 Reviews•75 SavesA 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
4. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington3 Reviews•13 Photos•119 SavesWhat 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. US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass
Baring, Washington4 Reviews•2 Photos•175 SavesTraveling 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
6. Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
Skykomish, Washington5 Reviews•12 Photos•292 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Cabins
7. Annette Lake
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington2 Reviews•7 Photos•319 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
$5 / night
8. Keechelus Lake
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington4 Reviews•10 Photos•115 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
10. Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek
Skykomish, Washington3 Reviews•3 Photos•141 SavesDispersed 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
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Kirkland
56 Reviews of 18 Kirkland Campgrounds
Amber G.
Traveler
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.
Abrianna M.Traveler
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.
- bbrandon W.
Guide
NF-2419 Dispersed Site
Nice free boondocking between Port Angeles and Forks
Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river.
Daniel W.GuideSouth Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Tinkham camping
Very cool spot with new generation trees growing out of old generation stumps, close to river for water, very popular spot so found a lot of trash but loved the sites and hiking trails nearby
BMRTV
Scout
Carbon River
Tons of places to camp, can be a party spo5
I came on a Friday so i could get up early to go hiking. I put up my hammock around 7pm, nobody's else there. Around 9-11pm a few people including a 5th wheel arrived and spent a bunch of time moving that around. They ran their generator, lights and music until 2:30am. My bad for coming on a Friday. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise and spent time on the bridge taking photos before riding up the gravel road up to the Summit Lake hike.
Lots of spots along the road which I'll utilize next time to avoid the party :)
Tia A.GuideSouth 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.
Bobby J.
Ranger
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
- CCarolyn P.Scout
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!
- Bobby J.Ranger
Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24
Various Large Pullout spots
There was a handful of large pull out spots along this road. Nothing fancy and not secluded but got the job done
- BBre C.Traveler
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.Guide
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.ScoutSouth 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.Scout
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.Guide
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.
- MMarashaGuide
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.
- AAdrian E.Traveler
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.
- SSpencer L.Traveler
NF-2419 Dispersed Site
It’s was ok
NF-2419 is a very busy road at all hours. 2 or 3 cars drive by all day and all through the night. As far as we could find there aren’t many spots that are more secluded they are mostly just turn outs.
- JJon H.Guide
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.
Jason C.TravelerNF-2419 Dispersed Site
NF-2419
Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place. It is frequented by others so low privacy unless you camp away from the vehicle path. Grateful a place like this exists.
Katrina H.Traveler
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.
Flare9TravelerCarbon River
Carbon River (first time)
It is currently the beginning of June '24, cold at nights and the mornings. 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. We were set up by the river, mostly quiet and can hear traffic now and then but nothing obnoxious. Would definitly camp here again as it seems we had a prime location.
- SSusan and Dorin D.Traveler
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.
Sara J.Scout
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
Jamie E.ScoutMountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
Peaceful
Easy to find and peaceful next to the river. No noise from the road.
- CChris C.Scout
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.
- KKim K.Traveler
Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419
The view!!!!!
Fantastic secluded spot at the top of the mtn with amazing views! First night we camped next to the creek pull off site and the second night we scored the top of the mountain. Please be aware it’s at the snow line and very cold in March! Cell phone service for Cricket was great. Not so much for Verizon!
- KKahli C.Scout
Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24
Good spot for a night
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!
Guide to Kirkland
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kirkland, Washington, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Kirkland, Washington
- Always pack out what you pack in to keep the natural environment pristine, especially at places like Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek, where litter has been a concern.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Keechelus Lake offers no drinking water or toilets, so bring your own supplies.
- Check for any seasonal road closures or restrictions, as seen at South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site, which may affect access during certain times of the year.
Scenic spots for hiking while free camping near Kirkland
- The trails around Annette Lake provide a challenging hike with rewarding views, perfect for those looking to explore the wilderness.
- Hikers can enjoy the serene environment at Lake Dorothy, where the icy waters are refreshing after a long trek.
- For a more secluded experience, the paths leading to US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass offer stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
Fishing opportunities for dispersed campers
- Anglers will appreciate the fishing access at Joemma Beach State Park Campground, where the long dock provides a great spot to cast a line.
- The waters near Keechelus Lake are ideal for paddleboarding and fishing, making it a versatile location for water activities.
- For those who enjoy berry picking along with fishing, US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass offers fantastic opportunities to gather fresh berries while enjoying the scenic views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kirkland, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kirkland, 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 Kirkland, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Kirkland, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.