Dispersed camping near Kirkland, Washington generally requires driving 30-60 minutes east toward Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Most free camping spots sit at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet, resulting in temperature drops of 10-15 degrees compared to Kirkland proper. Access often requires navigating forest service roads with varying conditions that deteriorate throughout the camping season.
What to do
Paddleboarding on alpine lakes: Keechelus Lake offers excellent paddleboarding opportunities with mountain backdrops. "Great spot to SUP," notes one camper who appreciates being able to "camp free and safely at night and wake up early to paddleboard a few hundred feet away."
Hiking with day packs: The areas around dispersed sites provide numerous trail options. "You can hike on from Dorothy to another lake further up the trail," mentions a camper about Lake Dorothy, highlighting the interconnected trail systems common near Kirkland's dispersed camping areas.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings yield the best wildlife spotting opportunities. At Joemma Beach State Park, one camper reported "we did spot a bald eagle early in the morning" during their stay, showcasing the wildlife viewing potential in the region.
What campers like
River soundscapes: Many campers appreciate camping next to moving water. At Old Cascades Highway Dispersed, one visitor enjoyed "the sounds of the waterfall/river all night, never heard a single car," highlighting the natural white noise many sites provide.
Cell service availability: Unlike many wilderness areas, several dispersed sites near Kirkland maintain connectivity. A camper at South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site noted "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."
Forest immersion: The dense evergreen forests provide a sense of seclusion. A visitor described one area as giving you "your own slice of the mossy old growth forest," showing how even sites relatively close to Kirkland can feel remote.
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads demand higher clearance vehicles. At NF-27 Tunnel Creek, a camper described the access as "half paved and unpaved, not too bumpy," but many other sites require more robust vehicles.
Human waste issues: Improper waste disposal remains problematic at popular sites. A camper at US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area warned about seasonal "biting flies that wont leave you alone," while others frequently mention the need to "prepare yourself" for insect encounters.
Seasonal closures: Water level concerns affect access to some areas. A Keechelus Lake visitor reported, "Says when water gets below 2840 ft to protect the fish they close the road and no camping is permitted," demonstrating how seasonal factors impact site availability.
Tips for camping with families
Safety concerns: Watch for hazardous plants in some camping areas. At South Fork Snoqualmie River, a visitor cautioned "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."
Weekday advantages: For families seeking quieter experiences, timing matters. A camper noted about popular sites, "We went with another couple and got lucky because nobody else was there so could pick the best spots," showing how midweek visits can improve the experience.
Kid-friendly sites: Joemma Beach State Park Campground offers more structured options for families. A regular visitor explains it's "the spot where you go to camp and party with friends and family," though they caution to "be ready for tranquility or a party."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. One RVer at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed mentioned, "It was hard to find a large enough spot that was also level to park our van," highlighting the challenges for larger vehicles.
Generator policies: Most dispersed areas near Kirkland restrict generator usage. A South Fork Snoqualmie visitor with an 18-foot travel trailer reported they "have been able to find an open spot" but needed to manage without generator power.
Turnaround space: Forest roads often lack proper turnaround areas for larger vehicles. A camper at Mountain Loop Highway Dispersed Camp noted "Meandering sites along the river" but cautioned about limited maneuvering space for anything beyond small to medium-sized rigs.
