Best Dispersed Camping near Mineral, WA

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Mineral, look no further. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mineral, WA (39)

    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping

    2. White River Dispersed Camping

    19 Reviews
    58 Photos
    722 Saves
    Greenwater, Washington

    The historic Mather Memorial Parkway (State Route 410) is the gateway to a recreational haven. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Rainier. For more excitement, take a spin in the off-road vehicle area at Evans Creek, or zip down the slopes of Crystal Mountain Ski Area. Or if you prefer solitude, escape into the solace of the forest and leave the world behind.

    Mather Memorial Parkway Created in 1931, this paved two-lane classic Cascades drive along Highway 410 from Enumclaw to the eastern edge of Mount Rainier National Park presents majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks. More than 200 miles of trails accommodate hikers, horses and mountain bikes. Drive, hike or ride to the Suntop Lookout Cabin at the top of Forest Road 7315. Choose a primitive campsite along forest roads east and west of the parkway. In November buy a permit at the Enumclaw office and take the family out to the woods to cut your own Christmas tree. Most forest roads are unpaved and minimally maintained. Cell phones have limited coverage in the mountains.

    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.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Cora Lake Back Country
    Camper-submitted photo from Cora Lake Back Country
    Camper-submitted photo from Cora Lake Back Country
    Camper-submitted photo from Cora Lake Back Country
    Camper-submitted photo from Cora Lake Back Country
    Camper-submitted photo from Cora Lake Back Country

    3. Cora Lake Back Country

    3 Reviews
    19 Photos
    157 Saves
    Longmire, Washington

    This trail is open to hiker, motorcycle, horse and bicycle use. No motorized use from March 1 to June 30. This begins on Forest Road 8420 and climbs steeply to Big Creek and Cora Falls before reaching Cora Lake. Skirting the lake, it passes a junction with Teeley Creek Trail #251, enters a dense forest and climbs to its terminus on Forest Road 8440. Features include Cora Falls, Cora Lake, and High Rock.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Skate Creek Dispersed

    4. Skate Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    275 Saves
    Longmire, Washington

    Dispersed camping, or camping outside of campgrounds, is permitted throughout most of the Forest! Always follow Leave No Trace principles and PACK-OUT all trash and leave the area cleaner than you found it.

    The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows the roads, trails and areas where you can legally drive. These roads, trails and areas are designated by type of motor vehicle allowed and the allowable season of use.

    The following guidelines apply to anyone camping outside of developed campgrounds on the National Forest:

    Camping

    Camp 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Camp outside of fragile meadows and restricted areas, preferably on bare or mineral soil. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Clean up and remove any trash, manure and straw before leaving. Avoid trenching. Water

    Streams and lakes are home to many microscopic organisms; some of them can make you very sick! Treat your water or bring water from home. Never clean dishes in a stream or lake.

    Campfires

    Have extra water & shovel available to extinguish your fire. Never leave a fire unattended. Never burn plastic, aluminum or non-paper trash.
    Use an existing fire ring where available. If you need one, build it small and away from overhanging branches. Be sure your fire is DEAD OUT before you leave -- drown it, turn it, stir it until it's cool to the touch. Gather only dead and down wood for your campfire. Human Waste

    Choose a suitable spot at least 100 feet away from any stream or lake. Dig a hole 6 inches deep. After use, re-fill the hole with soil and replace the duff. This allows the waste to decompose naturally. Bury toilet paper in the same hole. Empty built-in or portable toilets at sanitary dump stations.

    • Dispersed
    • Market
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Carbon River
    Camper-submitted photo from Carbon River
    Camper-submitted photo from Carbon River

    6. Carbon River

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    89 Saves
    Carbonado, Washington

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from NF Big Dispersed Camping Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from NF Big Dispersed Camping Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping

    9. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    25 Photos
    654 Saves
    Cougar, Washington

    Forest Road 83 provides access to Mt St Helens campgrounds. There are dispersed sites along this road for camping, and the area provides access to Climber's Bivouac, Ape Cave, and Lava Canyon. Camping near Mt St Helens is open from Memorial Day until snow blocks the roads. Food, lodging, gas, and other services are available in nearby communities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    10. Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    2 Reviews
    25 Photos
    78 Saves
    Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

    Part of the Northern Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park.

    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 39 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Mineral

89 Reviews of 39 Mineral Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    Great spot, plenty of room for Big Rigs

    This is my favorite dispersed site so far. Plenty of room for larger rigs, very close to a river and lots of woods to explore nearby.  Close enough to Mt. Rainier NP and nearby towns for supplies.   Vault toilets if needed, and the airstrip was only used twice in the 4 nights we stayed, i think (heard one mid-day, and saw another late morning).  

    There is a single-lane bridge when turning in that could be tricky for a motorhome that is towing, but not enough traffic to cause us any issues getting in. For larger rigs - take the second left (at a Y-intersection, and then keep to the left and you won't have any trouble getting in. Going to the right at the Y takes you to an area that big rigs might have trouble finding spots or turning around, but still doable.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200

    Beautiful morning view of Mount Rainier

    Our daughter told us about this place. You have to climb up a narrow gravel road to get here. A drive leads out to a flat area with a fire pit It was raining when we pulled in, so views were limited. In the clear morning, we got a beautiful view of Mount Rainier. We got decent Starlink signal with a bar of Verizon. Spot would be perfect except prior campers left toilet paper around a bush.

  • Josh S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 10, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Could be beautiful

    We intended to stay a week, left after 4 days. Could be a beautiful place if not for people.

    Pros:
    Open space, plenty of room Beautiful View Near the park

    Cons:

    Crowded, even mid week we had close neighbors

    Party spot, loud people with loud music

    Dirty, we picked up an entire garbage bag of trash just in the spot we were at. Much more in the rest of the area.

    Road noise, you're literally right off the road

    River is nice, but it's a glacial run off so it's definitely not a swimming area (dirty)

    Road in is super rough

    Again, overall it could be a nice place. We stayed Wednesday through Saturday after labor day. So not "peak" season and the place was absolutely trashed. Feces, TP, beer cans and bottles, food trash, even car parts litter the area. We did a clean up but barely made a dent.

    The first night was quiet and then some locals came and you could tell it was a party area. Loud music, dogs off leash, close neighbors.

    We ended up leaving Saturday because it just wasn't enjoyable.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 9, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Amazing

    Right off the main road, but several sweet camping spots more tucked away and along the river. I’d definitely recommend a higher clearance vehicle if you want to camp deeper near the river due to rocks and tree roots. People need to clean up after themselves though. We pulled up to a spot that was thrashed. That is how free things get shut down.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 44 Dispersed
    Sep. 3, 2024

    FS Road 44 Dispersed

    Secluded

    Could not find the spot in the previous review. They must have parked off the highway. Multiple spots to camp. We went a little further in for a more secluded area and barely had any traffic. Would stay here again.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 3, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot!

    This place was gorgeous. Right off a busy road but with being right by the water it tunes out the noise of the traffic. Plenty of spots and can drive in further to be more secluded if needed.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 3, 2024

    NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful views but semi busy road

    Got here around sunset. Looks like some good camping spots to walk into. Beautiful view of Rainier. There was a little bit of traffic but nothing crazy. Would stay here again.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 2, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic camping spot

    We had a bit of trouble finding it at first (came from the south of white river), but the little shop down the street has WiFi and we weren’t too far from the entrance. Lots of places to camp, friendly visitors, and overall pretty quiet even with the road right there. The river is so peaceful! Bring a ground sheet for your tents, lots of twigs and foliage.

  • BMRTV The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carbon River
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Carbon River

    Tons of places to camp, can be a party spo5

    I came on a Friday so i could get up early to go hiking. I put up my hammock around 7pm, nobody's else there. Around 9-11pm a few people including a 5th wheel arrived and spent a bunch of time moving that around. They ran their generator, lights and music until 2:30am. My bad for coming on a Friday. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise and spent time on the bridge taking photos before riding up the gravel road up to the Summit Lake hike.

    Lots of spots along the road which I'll utilize next time to avoid the party :)

  • Holbrook P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 31, 2024

    NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    Amazing Spot Outside of Rainier

    We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates. While we didn't have the comfota of our car parked right next to us, we had spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, easy access down to the river, and a fire pit. Unreal spot about 10-15 drive to the entrance of the park. Paved road all the way.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 22, 2024

    NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    Easy to find

    It was a pretty good stay, it was easy to find a spot. We just pulled over and set up a tent. A little buggy and it’s not a super special spot to camp but it was a nice stay.

  • Kevin W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed
    Aug. 20, 2024

    McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed

    Lots of shade, very private and trailer friendly.

    I have camped here twice now, once during a scouting trip in 2016 with my boys and again in September 2024 with just me and my dog :).  I could pull my 17' pop-up "A" frame trailer and back into one of the two spots with no problem.  Due to the narrow road, it may be a bit more snug with bigger rigs (25+ feet long and anything more than 8+ feet wide).  I would scout the road and area before committing; however, there is a turnaround that you could use to maneuver the trailer to drive out.  It's plenty big to accommodate a few trucks/cars and one, maybe two towable trailers.  If you're going tent camping, there are about four flat places for tents.  The area has no trails, so you would not have to worry about people wandering into the campsite. The Ape Caves is a small drive away. The town of Cougar, WA. is about 10 miles away if you need gas or food.  There is a lot of shade, and it is not solar-friendly.  The main road is about 100 feet away, relatively quiet, and very private.  There was a large rock fire pit in the middle. There is no cell phone reception; however, if you drive East for a few miles, you may be able to get 2 bars with Verizon.

    Per the state website, "On the southwest side of Mount St. Helens, Forest Road 81 provides an experience away from crowds. On this road, access Kalama Horse Camp, Red Rock Pass, and Forest Road 830, the road to Climber's Bivouac, and the start of the summer climbing route. From the west, the road begins on Forest Road 90, near Cougar, WA, and travels through private timberlands and state lands before entering Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The road connects with Forest Road 83 on its east side. While mostly paved, be prepared for several miles of gravel(between Forest Road 830 and 8123) and a road that is sometimes very rough."

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake Campgrounds
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Clear Lake Campgrounds

    Very loud neighbors!!

    We camped specifically at the Indian Creek Dispersed sites. There is a collection of camp grounds in this surrounding area, so I wouldn’t be concerned about finding a spot.

    The views are incredible, beautiful grounds. Sadly the sites were covered in trash, people were riding quads and chainsawing until 2am, as well as yelling and loud music.

    We did come on a weekend so it got very busy.

  • Adam K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake Campgrounds
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Clear Lake Campgrounds

    Depends on the day of the week

    If you come during the week, you're going to enjoy quiet, gorgeous dispersed camping. Big spaces, big trees, big lake.

    But if you come during the weekend, be prepared for the most inconsiderate, noisy, rude neighbors you've ever found. They leave trash everywhere, play music and shoot guns late into the night, and don't respect boundaries whatsoever. I had multiple people drive right into my campsite and park 10 feet from my rig, walk through camp yelling and playing music, you name it.

    So, four stars because the place is amazing - but choose your timing wisely.

  • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 21, 2024

    NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    Ok stay near Mt Rainier

    It was just a pretty ok spot. Nothing fancy, my spot wasn’t right on the river and I had a creek which was just full of mosquitoes

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 44 Dispersed
    Jul. 17, 2024

    FS Road 44 Dispersed

    Awesome spots along the river!

    The road goes awhile in both directions, there were a lot of pull offs and we just picked one. The one we picked had obvious fire rings and had been recently camped, there was also human feces not too far in the foods , GROSS. Other than that I loved this stay because of the beauty.

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 16, 2024

    NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    One of my favorites!

    One of my favorite dispersed sites of all time, now let me say , there can be a lot of bugs, but there are lots of sites , and the view of rainier is amazing. !!!! There is a lot of traffic but I love it everytime.

  • Jada P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 15, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic soundscapes

    The first time I came here was solo camping. That was scary especially because there was a collapsed tree on top of a truck that was abandoned. The second time was with friends and there were other campers out. I love the view and the sound of the river! Each site is pretty small…maybe enough for 2-3 tents. Be careful of getting too close to the river because it looks like the earth can erode and break away into the river (why the trees collapse). I would definitely go again!!

  • Corbanzo B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 12, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    10/10 Site

    I stayed here two nights while visiting MRNP. It was an absolutely beautiful location, about 10-15 minutes away from the Sunrise Entrance. The first night, I got there after 9pm and there were still plenty of spots available. I found a spot right next to the river. There were a few other people, but everyone was very quiet. You could see the lights and hear the cars driving on the main road, but they eventually stopped. The second night, I managed to find a spot tucked super far in that had a small private beach. It was farther from the road so you couldn't see or hear anything. I didn't see anyone else the whole afternoon/night. Highly recommend!!

  • Mar Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    Perfect woodsy rest stop off highway

    Right off the highway. Pit toilet and wooded areas. Can still hear highway from this exact GPS location, so I went further on up the road for a quieter spot. A few trucks did speed by in the middle of the night, but it was a Saturday and July 4th weekend. 5 bars of cell service.

  • Flare9 The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 2, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    White River/Buck Creek

    Very quiet. Lots of spots available. Other campers and people using the trail came and went but no noise issues. (Visitor's Center about 2 miles up the road has wifi and coffee.) Will definetly camp here again.

  • Flare9 The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carbon River
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Carbon River

    Carbon River (first time)

    It is currently the beginning of June '24, cold at nights and the mornings. 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. We were set up by the river, mostly quiet and can hear traffic now and then but nothing obnoxious. Would definitly camp here again as it seems we had a prime location.

  • Boosa L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot
    Jun. 11, 2024

    Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot

    Nice hidden gem

    We are a 29ft, easy to get there but take it slow (take a right turn from the 48th first road). Good Verizon reception, Pretty level, there is a fire pit made by someone before us.

  • Michael F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    May. 15, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic Camping On The White River

    Lots of campsites along the White River right outside of Rainier National Park. Lots of campsites throughout the area. We arrived mid afternoon on a Friday and there were plenty of options to pick from but it did fill up by around 9pm.

  • Sydney D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Goat Rock Wilderness
    Apr. 28, 2024

    Goat Rock Wilderness

    Goat Rock wilderness Rocks!

    There are about 9 fire circles around the lake and there are planting of areas to camp without fire circles. It was raining all day Saturday but when we got there at 1 in the afternoon, there were already 7 groups there..that’s how awesome the site is! You have to hike out 5 miles but there is not too much up and down elevation change. The trailhead is about 5 miles up a National Park Service Road and was pretty well kept.. aka no huge rocks, no trees down, no potholes. I could easily get a mini bus up there.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mineral, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mineral, 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 Mineral, WA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 39 dispersed camping locations near Mineral, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.