Are you in need of a campground near Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA? Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"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."
"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."
$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"
"(CLEARANCE NEEDED - around the same amount as the Subaru line of vehicles or greater - 4wd not necessary)
Beautiful area, small town nearby where you could likely pick up a few things. I didnt stop."
"Beautiful spot near the water also has some more secluded spots if wanted. Didn’t see too many people. And had no issues picking a spot to car camp. Definitely recommend."
"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."
"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."
"Just a couple miles East of Skykomish, up a paved road, the campsite is just before you go over the bridge on your right and had enough room for high clearance vehicles to pull into it and smaller cars"
"You could put 2 rigs down here if you’re friends, but plenty of turn offs for smaller vehicles"
"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."
ScoutEvery 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
ScoutNice 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
GuideMany pull offs along the gravel road. Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access.
Pros: free, good views, easy to get to, plenty of spots (even on Labor Day), fire rings.
Cons: some spots have lots of trash (please remember leave no trace), most spots are along the gravel road so there are cars passing by every once in a while and sometimes they go by quite quickly kicking up lots of dust.
All things considered, pretty good spot and would stay again.
ScoutArrived 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!
ScoutJust a couple miles East of Skykomish, up a paved road, the campsite is just before you go over the bridge on your right and had enough room for high clearance vehicles to pull into it and smaller cars have roadside space the road wasn’t too active when we camped overnight even so the sound of the waterfalls drowns it all out. It has Solid fire pit and very lush green forest surroundings.
TravelerFound 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.
TravelerSome of you never learned proper etiquette and it shows! Beautiful spot. Toilet paper everywhere. Peaceful… except for the trucks air braking on Highway 2; and the train… which made me question if I was being visited by some alien beings for half a second. Beautiful spot, great access to the river, whose noise washes out the majority of the ambiance killers. Secluded, sadly too dry for a fire.
TravelerLoved 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!
LegendA good option for Dispersed camping if Lake Wenatchee State Park campground. This is a at the Lake Wenatchee Airstrip Snoparks at the junction of 207 and 22 near Lake Wenatchee and Fish lake. There is a large parking lot and some pull outs off an old forest road the loops around from one side of the road to the other. Quiet in the spring. No facilities and good AT&T cell reception.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best dispersed camping areas in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek features various spots along the road and up forest service roads, with some prime locations offering water access. Another great option is Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark, which provides a good alternative when nearby established campgrounds are full. It has a large parking lot and pull-outs off an old forest road. For those exploring east of Seattle, sites along US Highway 2 near Skykomish offer accessibility and scenic views. Always arrive early on weekends, especially during summer months, as the best spots fill quickly.
Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?
Dispersed camping in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest typically doesn't require a specific camping permit, but you will need to display a Northwest Forest Pass for parking at most trailheads. For overnight stays at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed, no reservation is needed - it's first-come, first-served. Follow Leave No Trace principles as human waste issues have been reported in some areas. Always check current regulations before your trip as requirements may change seasonally. Some areas may have fire restrictions during dry months, and camping is generally limited to 14 consecutive days. Remember to camp at least 100 feet from water sources and use existing fire rings where available.
Is free camping available along Baker Lake Road and what amenities are provided?
Yes, free camping is available along Baker Lake Road. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite offers beautiful, serene views in a no-fee area with easy drive-in access. However, be aware that no facilities are provided - you'll need to bring all necessities including water and waste disposal solutions. For slightly more amenities while still enjoying free camping, Hard Creek Bridge offers a back-in spot best suited for car/van camping with the pleasant sound of a babbling creek below. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Pack out all trash, follow Leave No Trace principles, and be prepared for self-sufficient camping without water sources or toilets.
Is dispersed camping allowed at Baker Lake and where are the best spots?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed at Baker Lake. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp is highly recommended, offering fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads with stunning lake and mountain views. Take the first turn after Horseshoe Cove campground and follow the gravel road to the lake. This free campground has both marked and unmarked sites, plus a pit toilet. Some spots accommodate rooftop tents, though larger RVs may find limited options. For a more secluded experience, Forest Road Dispersed Site provides additional options, though note it has two entrances with the north entrance being the main access point. Arrive early on Fridays during peak season as sites fill quickly.
Keep Exploring
