Want to go dispersed camping near North Cascades National Park? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
Has a fire ring made of stones.
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities and local restrictions, please contact the nearest ranger district office.
Rules for Dispersed Camping These rules apply to car camping and backpacking
You may camp in a dispersed area in an individual Ranger District for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move to another Ranger District or off the National Forest until the 30 days has elapsed.
Do not blaze new roads to campsites, create new campsites, clear ground, cut or harm vegetation or construct a trail.
Do not drive beyond constructed physical barriers, such as berms or gates.
Do not drive through streams or wetlands to access a camp.
If campfires are legal in your location and you choose to have a campfire, pick a site with an existing fire pit. Do not create new fire pits. Make sure your campfire is always attended and is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave your site. Fires may be restricted or banned based on the fire danger rating.
Follow Leave No Trace principles and come prepared to “Pack it in. Pack it out.” Pack all trash home. Dispose of human waste in a sanitary manner. In high use locations, areas above tree line and snow-covered areas it is not possible to bury human waste in a sanitary manner. It will need to be packed out and disposed of at home using a wag bag, blue bag, portable toilet or another Leave No Trace approved method.
Do not block roads or gates.
Keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store items in your vehicle or use a wildlife resistant storage canister.
Failure to follow regulations can lead to legal consequences. Additional Forest rules and links to report crimes can be found on our Law Enforcement page.
Pasayten Wilderness encompasses 531,000 acres, skirting more than 50 miles of Canada's border and encompassing the crest of the Cascades. The Wilderness encompasses almost 150 peaks over 7,500 feet in elevation, 160 or more bodies of water, and at least as many waterways, some turbulent enough to have carved sharp canyons with sheer walls. Rugged ridges in the west flatten into more open plateaus toward the east, with deep drainages on both sides. Its diverse forest changes from fir, cedar, western hemlock in the west to fir, pine, and larch in the east. This region provides habitat for deer, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, the gray wolf, and is home to the largest population of lynx in the Lower 48. Snow falls between October and May, and the hard packed snow may block the high western-side trails sometimes until early August. Eastern-side trails are usually free of snow by early July. More than 600 miles of trails provide access to the Wilderness, many of them deceptively gentle at the start and become progressively labor-intensive as they climb up multiple switchbacks into the higher elevations. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses the area north-south for about 32 miles. The Boundary Trail begins in the southeast corner of the Wilderness and meanders north and west for over 73 miles near the Canadian border to eventually join the Pacific Crest Trail. Help protect your wilderness by following wilderness regulations and using Leave No Trace principles.
There are many undeveloped camping locations on the forest. Generally there are no amenities available, such as restrooms, water or garbage dumpsters. All trash and waste must be packed out. No toilet available? See How to Go in the Forest. Use existing sites and do not damage vegetation. Campfires are not allowed at these sites during high fire danger. Check Fire Restrictions page.
14 Day Stay Limit at National Forest Campgrounds and Dispersed Areas
PROHIBITED: Camping or occupancy in any developed campground by any person or group for more than fourteen (14) days. Camping or occupancy in that campground by the same person or group may not occur again for a period of seven (7) consecutive days thereafter.
Camping or occupancy in any dispersed areas by any person or group for more than fourteen (14) days. Camping or occupancy in that site or area within a 5 mile radius by the same person or group may not occur again for a period of fourteen (14) consecutive days thereafter.
These restrictions also apply to camping equipment. Camping equipment may not remain in place longer than the stay limit, even if used by a different person or group. Camping equipment must be removed by the end of the fourteen (14) day stay limit or the equipment may be impounded.
Scout
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!
Traveler
This area was perfect! Took a nice stroll along the road after dinner. Didn’t really run into any other campers.
ScoutWe found an amazing site right on the lake, with great views and it was fairly quiet. There were a couple people who decided to have campfires despite the statewide burn ban in effect, which was a bit of a bummer. Despite that, great campground with toilets, picnic table, fire ring (when allowed), and lots of trees for hammocking. Loved our weekend here!
Scout
If you think all the spots are taken, keep driving. So many spots along Baker Lake Road.
Late July, there’s a lot of partying on the lake. It’s not so bad but you’ll definitely hear people having fun.
TravelerBeautiful 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.
Ranger
The directions had me believing that the dispersed camping was just various pull offs on the highway loop and that’s where I stayed. It was loud and it felt like the traffic was coming through my tent at times. After driving to North Cascades I discovered that there was real dispersed camping on that road but probably 45 minutes to an hour past where the coordinates took you. Once the highway turned into a gravel road is when I started seeing nice dispersed campsites
Scout
Great spot with plenty of sites. Lots of room at your site and between neighbors. Super close to the river. There were a lot of people, mainly families, but everyone was super respectful and it honestly made me feel safer and a solo traveler. Would definitely go back.
GuideIt’s free! Beautiful view. Very serene. No facilities! The drive in is easy.
ScoutEasy to find and peaceful next to the river. No noise from the road.
LegendEasy enough to access right off the mountain loop highway. Meandering sites along the river with good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks. Heavily forested and beautiful.
Legend
Half way along the mountain loop highway you encounter numerous spacious tent sites with fire rings and gorgeous river & Mountain View camp grounds.
Traveler
A couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top.
TravelerWe was there during the week and we could to find a free spot easily.
Just turn right after the Horseshoe Cove CG. It’s a unpaved road, go until the lake. Has a toilet and 10ish campsites with fireplaces and tables.
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!
ScoutNice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required.
ScoutReally deep into the woods. Driveway is a little rough but I made it in a car. All the other paid campsites were packed but found a few open spots here on the 4th of July weekend. Right next to the river! This app is great. Never would have found this!
ScoutNo 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.
TravelerNear the peak of Fox Mountain, this area is at one of the highest points in the area. Great cell service(AT&T) and a amazing view for both sunrise and sunset!
RangerThe 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.
Guide
A wonderful site, with awesome lake access.
TravelerThis site will be on your right as you drive up NF-1062. someone made a firepit using stones, it will be easy to spot.
This was my very first dispersed camping that i did with my dog. will comeback if i drive by or something.
TravelerWas here last summer and the bugs were BAD, like hiding in the car and tent bad.
Left with more bug bites than I could count, but was a nice and open space at least.
Lots of spots even late on a holiday weekend, but definitely was not out first choice
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near North Cascades National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near North Cascades National Park is NF Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near North Cascades National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near North Cascades National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
