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Best Dispersed Camping near Marysville, WA

23 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas can be found within driving distance of Marysville, Washington, primarily along the Mountain Loop Highway and near the Skykomish River. Mountain Loop Highway Dispersed Camp offers free sites along the river, with better spots located once the paved road transitions to gravel. South Fork Sauk River provides spacious tent sites with fire rings and mountain views approximately halfway along the Mountain Loop Highway. Both areas have minimal facilities, though South Fork Sauk does offer vault toilets.

East of Marysville, dispersed camping is available along US Highway 2 from Skykomish to Stevens Pass. These remote sites are often situated near creeks running through forest areas, providing privacy and natural shade. Suiattle Riverside Camp, rated highly by visitors, offers scenic camping overlooking rushing streams amid ferns and pine trees. A camper noted, "This spot was so beautiful overlooking a stream rushing over rocks." For boat-access camping, Hope Island Marine State Park provides a unique option with limited primitive sites accessible only by kayak or boat, offering complete seclusion on a small island in Puget Sound.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Marysville, Washington (16)

    1. Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County

    3 Reviews
    La Conner, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 675-3767

    "Very different, primitive camping. Small island with only 2 sites that I could find. According to the website there were supposed to be more. 1 vault toilet available, picnic table and fire ring."

    "It's a short trip to the island, which is only accessible by boat. I was worried, with only four camping spots, that we wouldn't get one, but we ended up being the only people on the island."

    2. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 436-1155

    "the better spots were once the road turned to gravel, found a spot by the stream, parked the car to protect us. if staying longer i’d say it’s best to keep going to south fork sauk. but it was nice for"

    "Easy to find and peaceful next to the river. No noise from the road."

    3. Walker Valley ORV Recreation Area

    Be the first to review!
    Clearlake, WA
    20 miles

    4. South Fork Sauk River

    2 Reviews
    Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA
    37 miles

    "All had fire rings, and quite a few had spare firewood from previous occupants. Thanks, all!"

    "Half way along the mountain loop highway you encounter numerous spacious tent sites with fire rings and gorgeous river & Mountain View camp grounds."

    5. US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass

    4 Reviews
    Baring, WA
    42 miles

    $50 / night

    "Skylomish is a fairly short drive away from the city but towards the mountains. You have a great view of the water in some places and it’s still pretty peaceful and quiet."

    "Our favorite camp spots are right on the water, and most spots you'll find here deliver - creeks run through the (what seems to be) endless forest, trees provide shade and lovely hammock set ups, and most"

    6. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    7 Reviews
    Concrete, WA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 854-2553

    "Arrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s."

    "Loved this free campground on Baker Lake near mt baker, WA! Take the first turn after horseshoe cove campground and follow the gravel road all the way to the lake."

    7. NF-27 Tunnel Creek

    2 Reviews
    Quilcene, WA
    41 miles

    "The drive up to this road is half paved and unpaved , not too bumpy. Big area for camp- dry camping. There was already a fire ring made, we opted out of having a fire."

    "There’s a trail from this site that leads to a great tint site as well. Plenty of space if you have a decent sized group. Easily accommodating 3 cars. We have plenty of space with our rig."

    8. Suiattle Riverside Camp

    1 Review
    Darrington, WA
    39 miles

    9. Top of the Hill camping

    1 Review
    Quilcene, WA
    40 miles

    "This is actually a really secluded, pivate location with a beautiful view! The road is fairly easy to get up to this spot but really just room for one vehicle."

    10. FR27 Landing

    1 Review
    Quilcene, WA
    42 miles

    "Great large flat spot for camping. Could easily fit about 5 cars here. About 4 fire rings set up and the road is pretty easy getting here."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Marysville, WA

9 Photos of 16 Marysville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Marysville, WA

23 Reviews of 16 Marysville Campgrounds

  • Theresa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Dispersed 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

  • Sara J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2024

    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

  • H
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    Quiet camp with great views

    Arrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s. Very small, quiet, stunning campground. Felt safe. We have a rooftop tent, not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in. Mostly open, some sites in the forest. Had one bar of Verizon service. Would stay again!

  • T
    Oct. 27, 2021

    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    Great free spot on Baker Lake

    Loved this free campground on Baker Lake near mt baker, WA! Take the first turn after horseshoe cove campground and follow the gravel road all the way to the lake.

    Lots of spots with tables and fire rings, some spots have nice tent pads. Some sites are marked and some are not. There’s a single pit toilet and no running water. Seems like a pretty popular spot but we were able to get a site mid week at the end of August.

    Parking for some of the spots is not the best but we were still able to car camp comfortably. Will definitely be staying here again!

  • Bobby J.
    Jul. 21, 2024

    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

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2025

    Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    Hidden Gem

    Driving through the area on the way back from camping in a different area, my wife and I were pleasantly surprised to find a well kept small campground by the lake. And… an available site on the water. Our spot (site #3) was tucked away in low area by the water. Semi-private and peaceful. Perfect space for 2-4 people to camp. The fire pit setup was perfectly sized and shielded from wind. The only downside (which is a stretch to find a downside) were the bugs. And there somewhat steep walk downhill from parking to the site.

  • A
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

    Overall peaceful for a night

    the better spots were once the road turned to gravel, found a spot by the stream, parked the car to protect us. if staying longer i’d say it’s best to keep going to south fork sauk. but it was nice for the one night.

  • Rachel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    NF-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.

Guide to Marysville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Marysville, Washington, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Marysville, Washington

Scenic views and wildlife encounters for dispersed campers

Top activities while free camping near Marysville

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Marysville?

Free dispersed camping is available along the Mountain Loop Highway near Marysville. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp offers multiple pull-offs with some better spots located once the road turns to gravel, including some alongside streams. Another option is Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp near Baker Lake, which features free sites with tables and fire rings. Some spots even have designated tent pads. When seeking free camping, always look for established fire rings as an indicator of legitimate dispersed sites, and remember to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and waste.

How do I find legal dispersed camping spots around Marysville?

To find legal dispersed camping near Marysville, look for established sites along Forest Service roads. Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek offers various spots along the main road and up forest service roads, with some prime locations featuring water access. NF-27 Tunnel Creek is another option with a mix of paved and unpaved access roads. Look for existing fire rings as indicators of established sites. For verification, check with the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest office before your trip, as regulations can change. Remember that dispersed camping typically follows a 14-day stay limit and requires proper waste disposal.

Are there any riverside dispersed camping options near Marysville?

Yes, several riverside dispersed camping options exist near Marysville. Suiattle Riverside Camp offers peaceful spots along the water. In the NF-2510 area, you can find numerous spots next to rivers and creeks, though this requires careful driving due to potholes and occasionally steep descents. Along Mountain Loop Highway, some dispersed sites are positioned by streams, offering the soothing sounds of running water while camping. When selecting a riverside site, always camp at least 200 feet from water sources, be aware of flash flood risks, and avoid damaging sensitive riparian ecosystems. These sites are typically first-come, first-served with no reservations possible.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Marysville?

Amenities at dispersed camping sites near Marysville vary significantly. At Hope Island Marine State Park, you'll find primitive camping with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though access requires paddling to the island. More typical dispersed sites like South Fork Sauk River may have basic fire rings but few other amenities. Most dispersed sites don't provide drinking water, garbage service, or electricity—you'll need to bring your own water and pack out all trash. Some areas have pit toilets, but many don't, requiring campers to bring portable toilets or follow proper backcountry waste disposal practices. Cell service is typically limited or nonexistent at these remote locations.

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