The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Bellingham, WA

26 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Bellingham, Washington include several free primitive sites with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Lower Sandy Camp on Baker Lake features designated sites with fire rings and picnic tables, accessible via a gravel road past Horseshoe Cove Campground. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite provides serene lakeside camping with mountain views but no facilities. Point Doughty and Hope Island Marine State Park require boat access, offering a more secluded experience on small islands with limited amenities.

Most dispersed sites in the area require Northwest Forest Passes or appropriate permits. According to reviews, vehicle clearance requirements vary significantly between locations. As one camper noted, "The end of the road spot did require 4-wheel drive and higher clearance (SUV height)," while sites closer to highways are often accessible with standard vehicles. Pit toilets are available at some locations, but potable water is generally not provided. Campers should pack in all necessary supplies and be prepared for primitive conditions.

National Forest dispersed camping areas near Mount Baker provide additional options with crystal-clear streams and mountain views. Several campers report these areas remain accessible when established campgrounds fill up, even during holiday weekends. Fire restrictions are strictly enforced seasonally; always check current regulations before planning to have a campfire. Wildlife sightings are common, particularly at water-accessible sites where, as one visitor to Point Doughty observed, "orca whales cavorted just 100 feet off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment." Practice proper food storage and waste disposal to minimize wildlife encounters and preserve these natural areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Bellingham, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bellingham, Washington (11)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Bellingham Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bellingham, WA

17 Photos of 11 Bellingham Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bellingham, WA

26 Reviews of 11 Bellingham Campgrounds

  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    All things considered, good spot

    Many 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.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • 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!

  • Russel M.
    Mar. 31, 2023

    NF Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful

    No rain while I was there but I dont imagine it would get too muddy/sloppy. The road does have minimal gravel lining it. (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. Gas station nearby.

    There is a fast flowing stream with crystal clear water. Quiet mountain/forest area. No sounds of civilization. Multiple turnouts/improvised camping spaces. Keep driving till you find one you like. Easy to access the creak bank at any point along the road by walking through a little brush.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    NF Dispersed Camping

    Bacon Point

    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.

  • Jill R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2019

    Point Doughty

    DNR site badly in need of care

    For such a fabulous location, this campground is woefully behind the times. Compared to other Cascade Water Trails locations under the WA State Parks jurisdiction that are clean and now sport awesome composting toilets, Point Doughty under the Department of Natural Resources has a particularly horrible pit toilet that you have to scramble up a bluff to get to. I understand a storm took out the stairs a while back and it's obvious there's been some activity to get stairs rebuilt. However, it's impossible as of this writing to get any gear from the beach to the campsites on the bluff. I wound up camping on the beach as I was in my kayak and there were no other options nearby. Actually the beach was quite pleasant as 2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2022

    NF Dispersed Camping

    Great location

    The location is amazing!!!! Sadly though the campsites are not well cared for. I stayed at two different sites, one toward the end of the road and one closer to hwy 20. The end of the road spot did require 4wheel drive and higher clearance (suv height), the one closer to hwy 20 could have easily been driven to in a std. car. The river was gorgeous! The further down the road the likelihood you won’t have access to the river (creek). Both sites were straight up trashed! Trash everywhere!!! The site closer to hwy 20 had both trash and food debris (pineapple and coconut shell) everywhere. The tent pad was completely unusable because of trash. This site has a gorgeous water access but again found plastic bags floating on the creek edge. The site further down was littered with toilet paper and a huge polystyrene cooler full of “waste” so gross. I just used these spots as jumping off point for my hikes in the cascades and I slept in my car so it was a fine stay both times.

  • Pat M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2019

    Point Doughty

    Point

    3 non-reservable sites are available on Washington area preserve land. The path up to the sites is steep and slippery with loose dirt but there’s a rope to help out. Looks like they started to build steps, who knows if it will get finished. Not recommended for hauling myriad items up from kayaks. The restroom is a vault toilet that lacked toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We brought a couple rolls from Sucia to help out. During low side it is very rocky and tough on fiberglass kayaks, but there’s a small path that can launch one or two kayaks at a time. There’s a couple short paths to explore the area, and an epic view at the tip of the point. Best used for small groups and simple camping.

Guide to Bellingham

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bellingham, Washington, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these locations offer a perfect escape into the wilderness.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bellingham, Washington

  • Be prepared for a bit of a hike at Pine Lake Campground, as the sites are accessible via a trail that sees foot traffic throughout the day.
  • When visiting Point Doughty, keep in mind that the path to the campsites is steep and may require some effort to navigate, especially if you're carrying gear.
  • Always check for amenities before heading out; for instance, Baker Hot Springs lacks facilities, so plan accordingly to ensure a comfortable stay.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Baker Lake

  • The Baker Lake Horse Camp offers a great location for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the area on horseback.
  • If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, the Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite is popular during the summer, providing plenty of opportunities for socializing while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider NF Dispersed Camping, where you can find quiet spots along the river, perfect for relaxation and reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Bellingham?

The Bellingham area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp on Baker Lake provides stunning mountain views with amenities like pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables (but no water). For those seeking a more remote experience, NF Dispersed Camping features beautiful waterside spots with varying levels of seclusion. Most sites in the Mt. Baker area require following forest service roads. Many locations fill quickly on summer weekends, so arriving early (especially on Fridays) is recommended. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check current forest regulations before your trip.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Bellingham?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best dispersed camping experiences near Bellingham. Summer provides warm days with longer daylight hours, but also brings more crowds, especially at popular spots like Hope Island Marine State Park. Early fall can be magical with fewer visitors and beautiful foliage, though prepare for cooler nights. Point Doughty is particularly pleasant in summer months when accessing via kayak is more manageable. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers but expect rain, potential snow at higher elevations, and seasonal road closures in many areas. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out, regardless of season.

Are there dispersed camping options for RVs near Bellingham?

Yes, but options are limited and often require careful planning. Walker Valley ORV Recreation Area accommodates RVs with dispersed sites, though ground clearance should be considered. Old Quarry by Sulphur Creek offers drive-in access suitable for some RVs. Forest service roads near Mt. Baker have sporadic RV-friendly spots, but access can be challenging on rough roads. Smaller RVs and truck campers will have more options than larger rigs. Many sites require higher clearance vehicles, with 4WD recommended for accessing more remote locations. Always scout ahead if possible, especially with larger rigs, and arrive early on weekends to secure suitable spots.

Is there free camping available around Bellingham?

Yes, free camping is definitely available near Bellingham. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite offers complimentary camping with beautiful lake views in a serene setting, though be prepared for no facilities. Baker Hot Springs also provides free dispersed camping options accessible by both driving and walking. While these sites don't charge fees, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis and typically have minimal or no amenities. Bring everything you need, including water and waste disposal solutions. Always check for current fire restrictions and forest closures before heading out, especially during summer months when conditions can change rapidly.

Keep Exploring