Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping near Morton, Washington offers primitive tent sites throughout the national forest at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The area experiences significant seasonal changes, with summer temperatures reaching 85°F and winter lows around 28°F. Most dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency with no amenities and are accessible via forest service roads that often become impassable during winter months.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several tent camping areas near Morton provide excellent chances to observe local wildlife. At Paradise Pines, campers regularly spot deer. One visitor noted, "The wildlife (deer) that wandered through every morning was delightful."
Fishing at nearby ponds: Tower Rock U-Fish RV Park offers a unique amenity for tent campers. According to a reviewer, "There's a trout pond onsite and you can pay a small fee to fish, don't even need your own gear or a license."
Hiking on connected trails: Many Morton area camping locations connect to trail networks. As one camper at Mowich Lake Campground mentioned, "We did the Tolmie Peak trail and the trailhead is straight off the campground which is super nice."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some tent camping areas provide good separation between campsites. A camper at Paradise Pines observed, "We loved the quiet nature of the site. Even though there's a few cabins, it felt really private and peaceful."
River access points: Several campsites offer ways to reach nearby waterways. One visitor mentioned, "There is also a cool entrance to the river. Which was so peaceful and private! It was wonderful!"
Multiple tent pads: For groups camping near Morton, Washington, some sites accommodate multiple tents. A camper stated, "Having 2 tent pads was super nice for our big group."
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: Tent camping around Morton requires preparation for cold nights even in summer months. A Mowich Lake Campground camper warned, "Even in July there is snow and temperatures reached as low as 40F. Fortunately we were prepared, but you may not be."
Unpaved access roads: Many forest service roads leading to camping areas have rough surfaces. One camper described, "The road coming in the last 10 miles is rough in many spots. It's hard to see the bumps and dips in the road in the early evening."
Insects can be problematic: Bug activity varies by location and season around Morton. A camper at Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping cautioned, "There can be a lot of bugs, but there are lots of sites."
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with multiple accommodation options: Families benefit from varied sleeping arrangements. At Paradise Pines, a visitor shared, "Our family loves staying in private camp sites. With little kids you really can't beat it!"
Consider locations with playground alternatives: Natural features can entertain children. According to one Three Hills reviewer, "Three Hills offers some of the most spacious sites you'll find. With amazing views from your site and plenty of nature to explore."
Find campgrounds with cell service: For safety and convenience, check connectivity before arrival. A Tower Rock visitor noted, "It's off the beaten path so no WiFi or cell service. Very quiet at night which we really appreciated."
Tips from RVers
Check site accessibility: Some dispersed areas accommodate RVs better than others. A reviewer of Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping explained, "There are many spots to choose from for cars, trucks, and vans. It doesn't seem like it's designed for RV's and trailers."
Bring leveling equipment: Many tent camping sites around Morton have uneven terrain. One camper mentioned, "My spot wasn't right on the river and I had a creek which was just full of mosquitoes."
Plan arrival timing strategically: Popular tent camping sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. A camper advised, "We got there at like 3pm on a Tuesday and got one of the last 2 spots, it definitely fills up fast even during the week."
