Tent camping near Malone, Washington offers access to several dispersed sites throughout the Olympic National Forest at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,500 feet. The region receives approximately 70-90 inches of annual rainfall, creating a lush forest environment with thick underbrush and towering evergreens. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer brings moderate 70-85°F days with cooler nights requiring layered clothing.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access trailheads directly from Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping areas where numerous unmarked paths lead to viewpoints. "This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by," notes camper Suzie K.
Lake activities: Hope Island Marine State Park Campground offers paddling opportunities with boat-in access only. "We kayaked here from Boston Harbor on a beautiful summer week-end. Boat-in sites are first-come, first serve so we did not arrive early enough to snatch the few that are right on the water," reports Emma A., who recommends arriving by midday to secure waterfront sites.
Target shooting: Sherman Valley State Forest includes designated areas for firearms practice. The Department of Natural Resources maintains a gravel pit specifically for target shooting approximately 25 miles south of Malone, making it convenient for campers who enjoy this activity during their stay.
What campers like
Privacy levels: FS-2292 Dispersed offers exceptional seclusion according to camper Danielle S., who shares, "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don't run into anyone. You're camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy." Most tent campers report minimal encounters with others, particularly during weekdays.
Wildlife viewing: Tent camping locations throughout Olympic National Forest provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. Hope Island features resident deer populations and numerous bird species. Campers regularly report coyote howls at night and bird choruses in early mornings across most tent sites.
Night sky viewing: The ridge locations along Forest Service Road 2292 provide excellent stargazing conditions on clear nights. "Great view. Pretty quiet and only saw 6 vehicles drive by," reports Lisa G., noting the elevated positions away from light pollution create optimal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts camping near Malone.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed camping areas requires navigating unpaved forest roads. The drive to Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead involves steep sections with limited passing room. As William T. notes, "The road up the Montana is dirt but some parts are very rocky. Not many dispersed camping spots just pullover spots really."
Water sources: Most dispersed tent camping sites near Malone lack potable water. Campers must pack in all drinking water supplies, especially at Rock Candy Mountain and FS-2292 locations where no natural water sources exist nearby. Even established campgrounds may have seasonal water restrictions.
Cell reception: Connectivity varies dramatically throughout the area. Some sites offer reasonable coverage while others provide complete digital detachment. Nicholas G. reports about FS-2292: "No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view."
Tips for camping with families
Best facilities: Willaby Campground provides flush toilets and drinking water, making it more suitable for families with young children. "There is water as well as at least one vault toilet that I saw, you are pretty close to the mercantile in Quinault so if you forget anything you can make a quick drive down the road for necessities," reports Zach A.
Swimming options: Lake Quinault offers safe swimming areas for families. "This campground has a great (free) day-use area with a really nice beach for swimming/splashing and it doesn't get too busy," notes JeffT, making Willaby a practical choice for families seeking water recreation during summer months.
Educational opportunities: Several camping areas feature interpretive trails. Camp Thunderbird includes field areas and trail systems that provide learning experiences. Rich M. notes it has "a dock and great swimming spot" plus "a great big field and lots of trails" where families can explore together.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Malone cannot accommodate large recreational vehicles. Rock Candy Mountain road is "not suitable for anything wider than a class B" according to Margaret G., who cautions that "if you did and survived the fall it would be expensive to recover your vehicle."
Alternative options: Coffee Creek Community & Gardens offers cabins with RV hookups for those seeking more comfort. The site provides 30-amp electrical connections and water hookups while maintaining a natural setting, making it suitable for smaller RVs and camper vans when tent camping isn't preferred.
Parking considerations: Established pull-offs along forest roads typically accommodate vehicles up to 20 feet long. Larger units should seek designated campgrounds rather than attempting dispersed sites. Most tent camping areas have limited turn-around space, requiring careful maneuvering for anything beyond standard passenger vehicles.
