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Best Dispersed Camping near Ocean Shores, WA

31 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist in the Olympic Peninsula near Ocean Shores, Washington, primarily on U.S. Forest Service land. Road to Snag Lake offers primitive camping with several established pull-off sites along forest service roads. Additional dispersed camping can be found along Quinault Ridge Road, FS-2292, and South Shore Road near the Quinault River. These areas typically require a Washington State Discovery Pass for parking and overnight stays, with most sites consisting of small clearings with established fire rings but no formal facilities.

Many access roads require cautious driving due to gravel surfaces, potholes, and occasional washouts. A review notes that Road to Snag Lake has "a long steep gravel road" with washboard sections, though most passenger vehicles can navigate it at slow speeds. High clearance is beneficial for some areas but not always required. Most sites lack amenities, with no toilets, potable water, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and follow leave-no-trace principles. Several reviewers mentioned trash left behind at sites, particularly along Road to Snag Lake and Quinault Ridge areas.

These primitive sites provide varying degrees of seclusion and scenic beauty. The area near the cell towers on Road to Snag Lake offers exceptional views. "Amazing views and complete silence! Tons of rabbits and wildflowers," wrote one camper about this location. Another mentioned, "We found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River." Cell service varies significantly by location, with excellent coverage reported near the towers on Road to Snag Lake but limited or no service in more remote areas. The South Shore Road area provides access to rainforest scenery with a reviewer noting it has "breathtaking" views and nearby waterfalls. Camping is generally quieter on weekdays, with several reviewers mentioning they encountered few or no other campers during their stays.

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Olympic Wilderness Basecamp

Olympic Wilderness Basecamp

1 hr 47 min away

FS-2292 Dispersed

FS-2292 Dispersed

2 hrs 46 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Ocean Shores, Washington (9)

    1. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Naselle, WA
    41 miles
    Website

    "There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!"

    "There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there."

    2. Quinault Ridge Road

    2 Reviews
    Amanda Park, WA
    28 miles

    "It was quiet and easy accessible. Once you enter the road there are a few turn outs sprinkled on the side of the road that you can pull in. Please clean up after yourself!"

    3. quinalt ridge vistas

    1 Review
    Amanda Park, WA
    29 miles

    "Narrow road on mountain side with few turn arounds. There is a beautiful view through the trees. 2 bars Verizon LTE"

    4. Cedar Creek Camp

    2 Reviews
    Amanda Park, WA
    35 miles

    5. FS-2292 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Matlock, WA
    43 miles

    "No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view."

    "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don’t run into anyone. You’re camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy."

    6. Dispersed South Shore Road

    3 Reviews
    Quinault, WA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 288-0203

    "Several campsites along the gravel road, we found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River. Drove right into the hidden alcove in our stealth camper van."

    "There are about 5 sites hidden on the road. Please be careful the road is a mix of private land, national forest, national park. The sites can be easily found by their stone fire rings."

    7. Quinault Ridge Road Pullout

    Be the first to review!
    Amanda Park, WA
    30 miles

    8. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    5 Reviews
    Tumwater, WA
    50 miles

    9. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Matlock, WA
    46 miles

    "We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed."

    "This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ocean Shores, WA

18 Photos of 9 Ocean Shores Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ocean Shores, WA

31 Reviews of 9 Ocean Shores Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Dispersed South Shore Road

    Quilaut River-South Shore Road

    Several campsites along the gravel road, we found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River. Drove right into the hidden alcove in our stealth camper van.

  • Mar Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    Perfect woodsy rest stop off highway

    Right off the highway. Pit toilet and wooded areas. Can still hear highway from this exact GPS location, so I went further on up the road for a quieter spot. A few trucks did speed by in the middle of the night, but it was a Saturday and July 4th weekend. 5 bars of cell service.

  • Sam S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Olympic National Forest - Dispersed Camping

    We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed. We picked the first spot we got to since it was getting kind of late. It wasn't the most ideal spot and I think further down the road has prettier and more remote options, but it made do. There were really huge flies but they did not bite. The only complaint was that there was more car traffic than I wanted very late at night into the early morning. One car even slowed down and yelled at our tent around 2am. We never felt unsafe but it was annoying. A lot of trash was left behind from previous camper. I would suggest finding alternative spots if you're looking for a more enjoyable night but if you are just there for an overnight, it is fine.

  • Jeremy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great secluded spot in the woods

    Great spot because it's so secluded in the forest. There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!

    There are at least 4 other campsite off this road at different points if you keep driving. Some of them are more or less level and more or less muddy. This one was the best, but there are lots of options. All of them are commonly used because there are ashes from fires. There's a moderate amount of trash at most of them.

    Requires a Discovery Pass. I bought a day pass for $12 online since I don't need the annual pass. They tell you to write the date and order number in large print on a piece of paper and put it on your dash. No one came to check my pass though (in January, so it's the off season)

    You have to take a dirt road to reach the campsite, but it is pretty well maintained. The only difficulty I encountered were two points where a few inches of road were a bit washed out. They were small enough that I could manage them alright in a 2WD van that had normal clearance. So most cars could probably manage them.

    There's a small trail behind this spot that that leads to the creek, which is nice. Other than that, you can hike along the dirt roads, but there aren't any actual hiking trails that I found. I saw a porcupine for the first time while wandering one of the side roads! I didn't drive up to Snag Lake.

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

    Dispersed South Shore Road

    Rainforest heaven!

    There are about 5 sites hidden on the road. Please be careful the road is a mix of private land, national forest, national park. The sites can be easily found by their stone fire rings. The site that is directly on the river was very popular. I ended up staying 2 nights at one of the last sites before it turns to private land. It was tucked away, walk in site, had a nice fire ring, nice tent pad area. It has a large rope so you can access the river. The scenery is breath taking. Down the road there are at least 2 waterfalls on the right. In the town of quinault there is a laundry mat/shower facility!

  • Suzie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Safe and quiet

    This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by. Felt safe as a single tent camper

  • Ryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great view of the valley

    There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there. The spot we chose was the best as it is away from the towers and buildings, plus has a great view overlooking the valley and bay, and you can see the ocean between the peaks in the distance. The road getting here is a bit rough with lots of washboard, steep grades and rocks. But it's fun. No amenities, obviously, but there is a concrete pad from an old structure you can park on. Other sites have solid pack gravel covered by grass.

  • Nicholas G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 12, 2024

    FS-2292 Dispersed

    There was a ton of dispersed sites on this FR

    The road was a little rough but my suv made it fine. No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2025

    Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    Not suitable for Winter camping.

    Located just past the restaurant on the southbound side there is a drive that goes back into Rock Candy mountain Road trailhead. I drove 5 mi up the road. There are few houses on the side of the road. Speed limit is a maximum 15 mph. There are signs posted thinking drivers for slowing down. Mainly a logging Road well if you pull out to the right on the main road. I noticed a road that had a pipe gate that was closed and locked. It gets pretty steep going up the road. The right steep. They wrote it on barely white enough for two vehicles to safely pass each other. Not suitable for anything wider than a class B. In my opinion this area is not suitable for winter camping. In my opinion if this road got congested it would become pretty dangerous thus why caution is needed driving on the main road and on other roads leading from main road. Definitely not road you want to be intoxicated to drive on. There is a long drop if you lose control and fail off road. I feel if you did and survived the fall it would be expensive to recover your vehicle. To me it's to dangerous to risk trying to camp here if it ever became busy.

Guide to Ocean Shores

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ocean Shores, Washington, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Ocean Shores

  • Enjoy breathtaking vistas at Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed, where you can soak in the beauty of misty landscapes and serene lakes.
  • The Dispersed South Shore Road offers secluded spots next to the Quinault River, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
  • For stunning sunrises, head to FS-2292 Dispersed, located on a ridgeline that provides an ideal vantage point for early risers.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Explore the nearby Olympic National Forest, where you can find various dispersed camping options like Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping that allow you to connect with nature while enjoying the forest's diverse wildlife.
  • The Hwy 101 - Near South Beach Campground provides easy access to beautiful ocean views and beach access, making it a great spot for those who love coastal scenery.
  • For a unique experience, check out Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead, where you can enjoy wooded areas and the convenience of nearby pit toilets.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Ocean Shores, Washington

  • Always clean up after yourself to maintain the natural beauty of places like Quinault Ridge Road, where litter can detract from the experience.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions, especially at Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed, where some campers have noted bumpy drives that require caution.
  • Check for any required permits before heading to spots like Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed to ensure a hassle-free camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp on Ocean Shores beach?

Beach camping is not permitted directly on Ocean Shores beaches. Instead, consider nearby dispersed camping options in the surrounding forest areas. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed offers secluded forest camping with some sites providing valley and bay views. For those seeking elevation and panoramic vistas, Quinalt Ridge Vistas provides beautiful viewpoints through the trees, though it's limited to smaller vehicles like cars and vans due to the narrow mountain road. These alternatives provide a wilderness experience while respecting beach regulations. Always verify current regulations with local authorities as rules can change seasonally.

Do you need reservations for camping in Ocean Shores?

Reservations are not required for dispersed camping near Ocean Shores, as these sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead offers several pull-outs for overnight stays with access to 24-hour pit toilets at the trailhead parking lot, though weekends and holidays can get busy. FS-2292 Dispersed provides additional options with scenic views, though road conditions may be rough in places. While no formal reservation system exists for these dispersed sites, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during summer months and holiday weekends, to secure your preferred spot. Established campgrounds closer to Ocean Shores typically do require reservations, particularly during peak season.

Where can I find free camping near Ocean Shores?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Ocean Shores in the Olympic National Forest. Dispersed South Shore Road offers approximately 5 hidden sites along a gravel road with some spots directly on the Quinault River, perfect for secluded camping. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping provides numerous pull-offs on gravel forest roads where camping is allowed. Most sites feature stone fire rings to identify established camping areas. Be aware that roads may mix through private land, national forest, and national park areas, so watch for appropriate signage to ensure you're camping legally on public land. These sites typically have no amenities but offer peaceful, quiet surroundings.

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