Tent camping near North Bend, Washington offers backcountry experiences within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 4,500 feet. Seasonal access typically runs from late May through October, with many primitive sites remaining snowbound until early summer. Forest service roads leading to these areas often require high-clearance vehicles and contain numerous potholes.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Pete Lake Backcountry Camping, the lake provides good trout fishing. "Pete Lake is a bustling, dusty trail covered in berry bushes and beautiful blooms. We encountered tons of people, dogs and horses making their way to the lake on a sunny afternoon," one visitor noted.
Swimming options: Crystal clear alpine lakes provide summer swimming spots. A camper at Pratt Lake Hike In Campsite reported, "The water was cold, but in the afternoon sun it was great for swimming."
River exploration: The White River area provides multiple riverside camping options with natural swimming holes. "Spots are close to each other. No T-Mobile service," mentions a camper who stayed at White River Dispersed Camping.
What campers like
Easy backcountry access: Pete Lake provides beginner-friendly backpacking with minimal elevation gain. "The hike is an easy 4.5 miles of gradual up and down but you won't gain more than 600 feet of elevation at any time," according to one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The Cle Elum area offers opportunities to spot local fauna. "We canoed on the lake and saw a few Elk bugling. Really amazing views," notes a visitor to Owhi Campground.
Riverside relaxation: The sound of flowing water creates natural white noise at many sites. "It's a great location. Some spots close to the water and others in the trees. Great views and I felt very safe as a solid traveler," reports a camper at White River Dispersed Camping.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Many alpine sites prohibit campfires year-round. At Pratt Lake, "There is potable water here but campfires are not allowed close to the lake," confirms a visitor.
Difficulty finding sites: Unmarked forest roads make navigation challenging. One White River camper noted, "The GPS coordinates told me I arrived and there was nothing around me."
Cell service limitations: Most backcountry areas have minimal coverage. "Spotty cell service--a cell phone booster helped a lot," reports a camper at Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites.
Weekend crowds: Plan midweek visits when possible. "We arrived on a Tuesday evening to claim their sites for a large group for the weekend," a visitor to Owhi Campground observed.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose sites with natural features for entertainment. "We found a lot with a fire pit that could fit our group of 4. AMAZING views of the mountains and it was about 7min (drive) from the beach access point," notes a Kachess Lake camper.
Insect protection: Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout summer months. A Cold Creek visitor recommends, "Exploring the area in the morning, the campground was small, with 8 total camping sites. Sites 1 and 2 are perfect for two parties that want to be close together."
Water safety precautions: Lake edges can be hazardous. "The lake edges are really mucky unless you happen to be on one of the nice rocky sides. Your shoes may or may not be sucked off your feet," warns a Pete Lake visitor.
Bear awareness: Food storage is essential. "No bear boxes by the lake so you also have to trek your cooler/dry goods up the hill every night to not attract wildlife," advises an Owhi Campground camper.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas accommodate smaller vehicles only. At Cold Creek Campground, "We arrived late close to sunset with the campground closed and the camp host site vacant. A sign was posted that the campground was open Thursday through Monday but the yellow metal gate bar prevented us from utilizing it."
Road conditions: Forest service roads require careful navigation. "Road gets a bit worse as you drive further, but it was manageable. A little road noise but it's drowned out by the sound of the creek," notes a White River Dispersed camper.
Alternative options: Consider established campgrounds during peak season. "There are only one or two sites on this logging road that are available for RVs our size (ours is a Class A 35') about a mile up the compacted gravel road from the lake," reports a visitor to Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites.
