Top Free Dispersed Camping near Lake Stevens, WA
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Lake Stevens? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Stevens, WA (11)
1. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
3 Reviews•13 Photos•112 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
2. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
14 Reviews•66 Photos•421 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
3. US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass
4 Reviews•2 Photos•172 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
4. Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit
3 Reviews•16 Photos•69 SavesThe 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
5. South Fork Sauk River
1 Review•20 Photos•103 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
6. Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek
3 Reviews•3 Photos•140 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
7. Lake Dorothy
2 Reviews•75 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
9. Pine Lake Campground
1 Review•23 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Lake Stevens
35 Reviews of 11 Lake Stevens Campgrounds
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.
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
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
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Mary B.GuideSouth 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.
Jennifer H.
LegendMountain 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.Legend
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.
- Jose B.Guide
South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Great to spend the night for free
This is my second time. It is free good spaces to camp with a lot for trees. I always sleep on my car but people camp on tents on the forest. Dogs welcome
Theresa K.ScoutDispersed 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.TravelerOld 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.
- HHannah G.Traveler
NF-2510 Dispersed Site - CLOSED
ROAD IS BLOCKED AND CANNOT ENTER
The road to this campsite is blocked and you are unable to get to it anymore. Someone dropped a dirt pile in the road and now there’s a trench.
Austin R.GuideSouth Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Great Spot
I travel and work remotely so I’m always looking for free places that have cell reception and this place hits the jackpot. I’ve come in twice on a Saturday afternoon and have been able to find an open spot with my 18 ft travel trailer, I have Verizon and have 2-3 bars of service, it is very close to the interstate so you’ll hear a constant hum of cars but it’s very nice to feel like you have your own slice of the mossy old growth forest.
Bryan J.TravelerOld 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.
Devan H.ScoutOld Cascades Highway Dispersed
Great little spot
Cute spot next to the creek not busy at all
Rachel K.ScoutNF-2510 Dispersed Site - CLOSED
Beautiful views- Use EXTREME CAUTION when on this road
I love this area and come out here frequently, many rivers and creeks with camping spots right next to them. The people camping are always super kind, secluded, but not too far from each other and always willing to help. DRIVE VERY CAREFULLY, LOTS OF POT HOLES AND DOWNED DEBRIS IN ROAD - STEEP DROP OFFS AND TIGHT TURNS The road goes from ground level up and around the mountain, so be cautious of time of year traveling as I have gotten stuck in the snow up at higher elevations trying to get back down to the other side. This is an area that they do regenerative forest work so big open areas from clear cuts give an amazing view of the hills and mountains.
Caroline E.GuideSouth Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Decent Dispersed Camping
I stayed at one of these sites on Tinkham road while hiking a section of the PCT. Get there early to get the better sites. Plenty down the road though if all of the initial sites are full. Pretty wooded sites, some you can pull down into. Unfortunately, most sites are pretty trashed. Still a pretty area and a good location.
- Max H.Scout
South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Wooded campsites off a backyard
The campsites aren’t bad. There in heavy wooded areas. If you get here early enough you can get a good secluded site on an offshoot, but most sites are just right off the road. Some sites are really close together with like 50 yards.
vickiGuideSouth Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Secluded
Nice secluded camp site. Pros: privacy, river access, sunny. Cons: trash and glass scattered throughout the site. Freeway noise is very loud
Mario E.TravelerSouth Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Great dispersed camping near Seattle
This is near the Tinkham Campground. Plenty of dispersed sites with fire pits. Some sites are close together however if you keep going down the road you'll find plenty of quiet and private places. They also are redoing the roads as I'm here so little to no potholes.
- TTrevorTraveler
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.
Guide to Lake Stevens
Camping near Lake Stevens, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
What to do:
- Hiking and Exploring: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. One camper mentioned, “The trails are easy to hike and the sites are clean and well spaced out for a bit of privacy” at Rasar State Park Campground.
- Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground, provide easy access to the beach. A visitor shared, “I was surprised that with our frequent strolls on the beach with the pups, we only passed a small number of people.”
- Fishing and Water Sports: The lakes and rivers around the area are great for fishing. One reviewer at Tolt MacDonald Park said, “The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids.”
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Fort Worden Historical State Park noted, “Restrooms are very clean. Showers require tokens. We will definitely be back.”
- Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Camano Island State Park Campground mentioned, “The site feels very private but you have people passing on the trail/road, which runs through the middle of camp, at regular intervals.”
- Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at Tall Chief Campground said, “The staff are always super nice and helpful.”
What you should know:
- Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds get busy, especially in summer. A camper at Fort Casey Campground advised, “Reservations are almost a necessity for weekends, holidays, and summer months.”
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Rasar State Park Campground pointed out, “The water hookups were shut off during the time, but we were able to fill up our water tank near the entrance without any trouble.”
- Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Fay Bainbridge Park mentioned, “Bring bug spray as mosquitoes were vicious as well as the yellow jackets.”
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby beaches. One family at Tolt MacDonald Park enjoyed, “There is a playground for kids in the park.”
- Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Manchester State Park Campground noted, “The campsites aren’t huge but they’re all nice and secluded in the trees for privacy.”
- Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds are peaceful, making them great for family relaxation. A visitor at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground said, “The campground, while quite full, was incredibly quiet.”
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Tall Chief Campground mentioned, “Most sites are pretty big too. We can easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space!”
- Look for Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Rasar State Park Campground noted, “There wasn’t much noise from the surrounding roadways, and the bathrooms were very clean.”
- Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially during peak times. A camper at Fort Casey Campground advised, “Easy to pay and very clean bathrooms. It was very windy and rainy the night I stayed.”
Camping around Lake Stevens, WA, is a great way to enjoy nature and spend time with family and friends. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, there’s something for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake Stevens, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake Stevens, 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 Lake Stevens, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Lake Stevens, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.