Best Dispersed Camping near Mossyrock, WA

Dispersed camping near Mossyrock, Washington is permitted throughout the surrounding national forest lands, primarily in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and near Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Several primitive sites can be found along forest service roads, including NF-52, NF-81, and near Mount St. Helens, where campers establish temporary sites without developed facilities. These areas typically feature pull-off spots along forest roads with existing fire rings and flat areas for tents, particularly along river corridors and in wooded areas.

Road conditions vary significantly depending on location and season. Many forest roads require slow navigation due to potholes, particularly after winter, with some areas accessible only with high-clearance vehicles. The Mount St. Helens dispersed camping area requires traversing rough roads for the final 5-10 miles. Most sites have no facilities, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies including water. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, with complete bans during high fire danger periods. The standard 14-day camping limit applies to most dispersed sites in national forest lands.

The primitive camping experience ranges from riverside sites with mountain views to secluded forest settings. Many areas provide access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Mount St. Helens dispersed camping areas offer particularly scenic locations with volcanic landscapes. Sites vary in size, with some accommodating small groups while others suit solo campers or couples. "The area is beautiful with about 38 sites. Forest Service has installed 6 temporary toilets for the third year in a row to assist with human waste issues," notes one visitor to the NF-52 area. Another camper reported that "several spots to choose from for cars, trucks, and vans. It doesn't seem like it's designed for RV's and trailers."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Mossyrock, Washington (35)

    1. Dome Camp

    1 Review
    Glenoma, WA
    22 miles

    "In 2019, we hiked the Boundary Trail #1 to the Mount Margaret Wilderness overlooking the Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument."

    2. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    32 miles

    "This is a dispersed campsite near the south side of Mount St. Helens. It's free, which is always great. The drive in is just off the highway and up a little hill, but my car had no problems with it."

    "This dispersed camping is free, huge bonus in my book."

    3. NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Puyallup, WA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1103

    "Forest Service has installed 6 temporary toilets for the third year in a row to assist with human waste issues. "

    "We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates."

    4. Cora Lake Back Country

    3 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1100

    "Campground Review:

    There are a ton of amazing places to camp around Mt. Rainier and Cora Lake did not disappoint."

    "secluded lakeside camping underneath high rock. 3 mile hike to the lake, 6 round trip. Tons and tons of frogs and tadpoles which meant no bugs! beautiful area"

    5. Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    30 miles
    Website

    "Group camping with 4-5 places for tents and 2 maybe 3 spots for travel trailers but will need to back in. 2 fire pits and a few walking trails. Solar friendly and level."

    "The area around mount Saint Helens is beautiful, tons of space to park any rig, tent, or vehicle. The forest has majestic trees and when it rains, it resembles a rainforest."

    6. National Forest 84

    2 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    31 miles

    "the road itself if full of potholes, maybe wouldn’t recommend if you have a old/ low to the ground/ 2 wheel drive car"

    7. Pumice Butte- Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    30 miles

    "Pumice Butte is a dispersed camping area along the Loowit trail that circles Mt St Helens."

    "The camp is around a gully on the north side of Pumice Butte with outstanding views of Mt St Helens and Mt Adams."

    8. Small Site but Million $ View!

    2 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    31 miles

    "It’s basically a pull off from the forest service road with a fire ring, but remote enough that you never see anyone. Going on day 3 and I’ve yet to see another car go by."

    "Views are amazing

    Forest road for around 8 miles is a bit rough with potholes so I wouldn't recommend bringing a low car into here."

    9. McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed

    1 Review
    Cougar, WA
    29 miles

    "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. "

    10. Wakepish Sno-Park

    1 Review
    Randle, WA
    28 miles
    +1 (360) 891-5000
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mossyrock, WA

71 Reviews of 35 Mossyrock Campgrounds



Guide to Mossyrock

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mossyrock, Washington, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Mossyrock

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the scenic trails leading to breathtaking views, especially at Dome Camp, where expansive vistas of Mount St. Helens and surrounding peaks await.
  • Fishing and swimming opportunities abound at Cora Lake Back Country, providing a serene lakeside experience perfect for families and friends.
  • Wildlife watching is a must, with sightings of mountain goats and various bird species reported at Pumice Butte- Dispersed Campsite, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Cora Lake

  • Cora Lake offers a cozy lakeside setting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat, as noted by visitors who enjoyed the lack of bugs thanks to the abundance of frogs and tadpoles.
  • The area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure, making it a great choice for families at Cora Lake Back Country.
  • With a short hike to the lake, you can easily access beautiful camping spots that bask in the morning sun, ensuring a delightful start to your day.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Mossyrock, Washington

  • Always secure the necessary permits before heading to spots like Dome Camp, as they are required and limited to ensure a peaceful experience.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially at higher elevations like Pumice Butte- Dispersed Campsite, where winds can pick up and temperatures can drop unexpectedly.
  • Pack out what you pack in, as many dispersed camping areas, including McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed, do not provide trash disposal facilities, ensuring the beauty of nature remains intact for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Riffe Lake?

Dispersed camping regulations around Riffe Lake require campers to follow Leave No Trace principles and camp only in established sites with existing fire rings. At areas like Tatoosh Wilderness WA FS52 - Dispersed Camping, you must camp at least 100 feet from water sources and 200 feet from trails. Campfires may be restricted during fire season, so always check current fire regulations before your trip. Most sites have a 14-day stay limit. Keep in mind that Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping and other nearby forest service areas require all trash to be packed out, and may have specific seasonal restrictions.

Where can I find dispersed camping at Riffe Lake near Mossyrock?

Dispersed camping options around Riffe Lake include Dispersed Camping FS-025, which offers 3-4 well-spaced sites along a forest service road. These sites are situated on a small strip of USFS land between private properties and include fire rings. Another option is McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed, which has spots suitable for small trailers. For more secluded camping, explore the forest service roads in the area, as many have pull-offs with established dispersed sites. Always check for private property boundaries and respect forest service road closures that may be in effect seasonally.

Is there free dispersed camping available at Riffe Lake during all seasons?

Free dispersed camping is available around Riffe Lake throughout most of the year, but accessibility varies by season. Sites like FS Road 44 Dispersed offer multiple free camping spots with varying levels of seclusion, though winter access may be limited by snow. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead provides year-round access with pit toilets, though it's close to the highway. Many forest service roads in the area may close during winter months or become impassable due to snow and mud. Spring thaw can create challenging conditions on unpaved access roads. Always check road conditions and forest service announcements before heading out in non-summer months.