Best Dispersed Camping near Eatonville, WA

Dispersed camping opportunities near Eatonville, Washington include several free primitive sites on public lands. NF-52 Dispersed Camping offers approximately 38 sites along Skate Creek Road with seasonal temporary toilets. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed provides unique camping alongside an active airstrip with vault toilets and sites suitable for both tents and RVs. White River Dispersed Camping features riverside sites just outside Mount Rainier National Park. Carbon River and Cora Lake provide more secluded options for those willing to hike in.

High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing most dispersed sites in the area. According to reviews, "4x4/high clearance vehicles are recommended - saw some Subarus trying to navigate into a cleared area and it was pretty scrape-y." Many access roads contain potholes, stumps, and rough terrain unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles or large RVs. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, trash collection, or maintained toilets. Visitors must pack out all waste and follow strict Leave No Trace principles.

Permits are required for some locations, particularly those within or adjacent to Mount Rainier National Park. The Forest Service has installed temporary facilities at certain popular areas due to human waste issues. Several campers noted significant trash problems at some sites, with one reviewer stating they "picked up an entire garbage bag of trash just in the spot we were at." Weekends and holidays typically see higher usage and potential noise issues. For optimal experience, visit during weekdays or shoulder seasons when sites are less crowded. Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier, with most areas offering limited or no connectivity.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Eatonville, Washington (31)

    1. NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Puyallup, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1103

    "Forest Service has installed 6 temporary toilets for the third year in a row to assist with human waste issues. "

    "We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates."

    2. Carbon River

    4 Reviews
    Carbonado, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 270-7504

    "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."

    "I go every year, but unfortunately the only bridge to gain access to camping is closed until further notice"

    3. Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Located at the trailhead are two bathrooms, a covered picnic area and a handful of parking stalls with additional parking located along the road. "

    4. National Forest 84

    2 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    21 miles

    "the road itself if full of potholes, maybe wouldn’t recommend if you have a old/ low to the ground/ 2 wheel drive car"

    5. Cora Lake Back Country

    3 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1100

    "Campground Review:

    There are a ton of amazing places to camp around Mt. Rainier and Cora Lake did not disappoint."

    "secluded lakeside camping underneath high rock. 3 mile hike to the lake, 6 round trip. Tons and tons of frogs and tadpoles which meant no bugs! beautiful area"

    6. White River Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 825-6585

    "Right outside the entrance to Mt."

    "If you come here you must leave no trace."

    7. Skate Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Longmire, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1100

    "Mostly roadside pull-offs with some drive-in & larger sites available. Come earlier for better sites! Lots of good options for car campers to wake up with a view of Rainer."

    8. NF Big Dispersed Camping Spot

    1 Review
    Longmire, WA
    21 miles

    "A lot of space, it’s near the road but there is almost no traffic in the evening. Quite a lot of mosquitoes but nice for a short stay"

    9. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 783-6000

    "We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out."

    "We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out."

    10. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 884-1944

    $12 / night

    "Simple, small, peaceful campground with pit toilets and potable water.

    Mid week after Labor Day, I had my choice of sites arriving in late afternoon."

    "We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."

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Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Eatonville, WA

82 Reviews of 31 Eatonville Campgrounds



Guide to Eatonville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Eatonville, Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, these locations offer a perfect escape into the wilderness.

Dispersed campers should check out NF-52 Dispersed Camping

  • This area provides a unique opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Rainier while camping in a more secluded setting.
  • Visitors have noted the ease of finding spots to set up tents or RVs, making it a convenient choice for spontaneous trips.
  • Be prepared for a bit of traffic noise, but many campers find the stunning scenery worth it, as highlighted in reviews of NF-52 Dispersed Camping.

Top activities while free camping near Eatonville

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to trails that lead to picturesque views and natural wonders, especially from locations like Cora Lake Back Country.
  • Fishing and swimming opportunities abound in nearby rivers and lakes, providing a refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Campers can also enjoy campfires under the stars, as many spots allow fires, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • The Carbon River area is a well-reviewed spot that offers beautiful river views and access to hiking trails, making it a great base for outdoor adventures. Check out Carbon River for more details.
  • For those seeking a more remote experience, Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park provides a peaceful atmosphere with the sounds of nature all around.
  • Campers can explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with various spots like Tatoosh Wilderness WA FS52 - Dispersed Camping offering unique experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Eatonville, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Eatonville, WA is NF-52 Dispersed Camping with a 3.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Eatonville, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near Eatonville, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.