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Best Dispersed Camping near Manson, WA

52 Reviews

Scattered along forest service roads in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, dispersed camping sites near Manson offer mountain views overlooking Lake Chelan. Chelan Lookout on NF 8410 sits at 4,750 feet elevation, requiring a 40-minute drive on unpaved switchback roads. Baldy Mountain and Cooper Mountain Road provide similar high-elevation camping with expansive vistas. Most roads require high-clearance vehicles, with several reviews noting washouts and rough conditions that challenge standard cars.

Primitive conditions define these backcountry sites, with no amenities available. Most locations feature established fire rings, though fire restrictions are common during summer months. Several campsites near ridge tops experience significant wind. A review mentioned, "It gets pretty windy at night but there are treelines you can position against." Cell service varies by location but remains surprisingly good at higher elevations, with Cooper Mountain Road dispersed camping offering "great cell service (AT&T) and amazing views for both sunrise and sunset." The 14-day camping duration limit applies throughout the national forest, with permit requirements at some locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Manson, Washington (32)

    1. Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Manson, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 682-4900

    "Sandy dirt camping site near the USGS sensor station. No fires today due to high fire danger, but there was a pit in the camp. Tent right on the ridge. Dirt road was 12 miles up the mountain."

    "Passed a park ranger on the way and he never said anything. There is also paid for camping on the way up here."

    2. Lake Chelan Overlook

    2 Reviews
    Manson, WA
    7 miles

    "Pretty good view of the lake below and almost no light pollution. Very windy road to get up but I pulled my trailer fine. Washboard road at the beginning but it gets better."

    3. Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Manson, WA
    8 miles
    Website

    "This campsite is along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-8410."

    4. Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Methow, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 996-4000

    "A couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top."

    "Near the peak of Fox Mountain, this area is at one of the highest points in the area. Great cell service(AT&T) and a amazing view for both sunrise and sunset!"

    5. Secret Camping Spot #1

    2 Reviews
    Pateros, WA
    16 miles

    "Next to Hwy and behind tall bushes.  Vault bathrooms 1/4 mile down the road.  Pretty quiet spot even though 300 yards from highway."

    6. Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Dryden, WA
    22 miles
    Website

    "Within the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping."

    "The views of the mountains all around are insane!!! Loved watching the sunset and sunrise up here. It is very windy!"

    7. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Dispersed Camping on Derby Rd NF7400

    5 Reviews
    Peshastin, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 664-9200

    "As described, little to no water sources. Private property marked in some areas. Camp sites are just off the road so there is some road dust. In May there was plenty of wood for burning."

    "Found a spot with incredible near-360 mountain views! Exposed to the wind though. Have to go pretty far in along Derby road to find campsites."

    8. Jameson Lake

    7 Reviews
    Coulee City, WA
    28 miles
    Website

    "RV and tent camping. Can be windy during season change. Boat accessible. Gravel and dirt. Very beautiful night, great for star gazing."

    "It is very remote, no services around and a little odd to get to, in that you have to wind past a lakeside"resort" with a little store and campsites that didn't look really very nice, yet there were people"

    9. Swakane Canyon/Creek Campsite - Dispersed

    1 Review
    Cashmere, WA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 548-2550

    "One fireplace - check if fire ban is active!"

    10. Swallow Caves Dispersed

    1 Review
    Ardenvoir, WA
    24 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Manson, WA

37 Photos of 32 Manson Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Manson, WA

52 Reviews of 32 Manson Campgrounds

  • Ashley V.
    May. 23, 2022

    Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Dispersed Camping on Derby Rd NF7400

    Dispersed campsites along the service road.

    As described, little to no water sources. Private property marked in some areas. Camp sites are just off the road so there is some road dust. In May there was plenty of wood for burning. Do be mindful of burn restrictions later in the season. This area is very popular with mountain bikers and some dirt bikes. Service roads did have some heavily washed out areas and rocks that higher ground clearance and AWD/4WD would be beneficial, but a 2WD car could make it to some sites. Great spot though to camp near Leavenworth Wenatchee area. Verizon phone service was ok, T-Mobile was spotty at best occasionally a message would get through.

  • Cheryl M.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Old Bluett Pass Road Dispersed

    High Elevation Site off Hwy 97N

    Dog wasn’t feeling well so took a chance and went up this USFS mostly paved road. There are lovely views on the trip up and a few roadside areas you could car or van camp in a pinch. Towards the top a couple private roads break off, and just above the now dirt USFS road continues. Here is 1 large, not terribly level, high clearance needed, site with fire ring and lots of parking options.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot up a long forest/logging road

    A couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Sullivan Pond Camp

    Winthrop

    The campsite is right by the forest road. Fire restrictions are in place for the summer months, so no campfires. Quite a few mosquitos do bring spray or other repellant types.

  • Meghan The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2021

    Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Stellar views of Lake Chelan yet worlds away

    This campsite is along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-8410. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road but if you approach from the Chelan side you could maybe get away with a high clearance AWD vehicle. Incredible sunset views of the valley overlooking Lake Chelan to one side and a vast forested mountain range to the other. This particular spot photographed is on the south side of the road to the north of the Baldy Mountain crest. This area seemed to have a good number of sites in the immediate vicinity, not that we saw anything in them. This particular site was clearly well used as it was flat, had log stump seats, and a stone fire pit (even if you aren't supposed to have fires most of the year in this forest). Someone even built a rustic camp toilet in the woods just away from the campsite.

  • Meghan The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2021

    Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Great area to camp along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route

    Within the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping. This area of the southeast corner of the NF has very little traffic compared to others, we saw only one ATV for the whole time we were there. This area lies along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-7400. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road and I wouldn't suggest it in anything less. Incredible sunset views of the valley in front of Chumstick Mountain, it gets pretty windy at night but there are treelines you can position against. This particular spot photographed is just up the hill off the roadside in a nice grassy clearing. More spots were just up the hill around the bend as well.

  • Jackie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2023

    Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Dispersed Camping on Derby Rd NF7400

    Remote with great views!

    Found a spot with incredible near-360 mountain views! Exposed to the wind though. Have to go pretty far in along Derby road to find campsites. The first few miles are private property or in the thicket, lower in the canyon. Road was in good condition. Didn’t hit large potholes until we pulled off 7400.

  • John T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Sullivan Pond Camp

    Sullivan Pond, Winthrop WA

    Nice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required.

Guide to Manson

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Manson, Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With stunning views and a variety of landscapes, these locations offer a perfect escape for those looking to connect with nature.

Dispersed campers should check out Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed

  • The Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed site features breathtaking views from the ridge, making it an ideal spot for sunset watchers and stargazers alike.
  • Accessing this site involves a scenic drive up a dirt road with switchbacks, which is manageable for most vehicles, taking about 45 minutes to reach the top.
  • Campers should note that there are no amenities available, so it's essential to come prepared with all necessary supplies.

Stunning views at Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping

  • The Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping area is known for its fantastic views, especially at sunrise and sunset, making it a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.
  • This location requires a permit, and while it allows pets, be mindful of the rugged terrain that may require a high-clearance vehicle to navigate.
  • The road leading to the site is a long, winding forest road, providing a sense of adventure as you make your way to this hidden gem.

Top activities while free camping near Manson at Chumstick Mountain

  • At Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping, visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring the surrounding trails, which offer stunning mountain views and a chance to see local wildlife.
  • The area is relatively quiet, with minimal traffic, allowing for a peaceful camping experience away from the hustle and bustle.
  • Although the road to the site can be bumpy, the incredible views and the sense of solitude make the journey worthwhile for adventurous campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Manson, WA is Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 32 dispersed camping locations near Manson, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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