Looking for dispersed camping near Olympic National Forest? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping outside of a developed campground. If you enjoy selecting your own campsite, providing your own amenities, creating your own experience, and camping for FREE, then dispersed camping is for you!
Campsite
Choose a campsite screened from roads and trails, and at least 200 feet from water Use a campsite that’s already been established, if possible. If you choose a new site, return the site to its natural condition when you leave Pets
Your animal friends are welcome to accompany you on your dispersed camping adventure! Fires
Only burn wood that is already dead and down Always make sure your fire is DEAD OUT and cold to the touch before you leave it Campfires are allowed below 3,500 feet when not otherwise prohibited by fire restrictions Trash
Store your food & trash properly to keep bears and other wildlife out of your camp Whatever you pack in, PACK IT OUT! Human Waste
Bury your poo & paper at least 6” deep and at least 200 feet away from any water source
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping outside of a developed campground. If you enjoy selecting your own campsite, providing your own amenities, creating your own experience, and camping for FREE, then dispersed camping is for you!
Campsite
Choose a campsite screened from roads and trails, and at least 200 feet from water Use a campsite that’s already been established, if possible. If you choose a new site, return the site to its natural condition when you leave Pets
Your animal friends are welcome to accompany you on your dispersed camping adventure! Fires
Only burn wood that is already dead and down Always make sure your fire is DEAD OUT and cold to the touch before you leave it Campfires are allowed below 3,500 feet when not otherwise prohibited by fire restrictions Trash
Store your food & trash properly to keep bears and other wildlife out of your camp Whatever you pack in, PACK IT OUT! Human Waste
Bury your poo & paper at least 6” deep and at least 200 feet away from any water source
Dispersed camping is allowed along Forest Service roads in WA as long as there is adequate space to park off the roadway safely and not on any vegetation.
Scout
Drove about 1 mile down the road and it was closed off. A couple of pull offs that were super muddy so didn’t bother. South Beach Campground just down the road is also closed.
Guide
Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river.
Guide
We just spent the last three nights across the street from this location. There are a few spots for large RVs at this loop, but if it's full, you can go about 100 yards past this loop and across the street to this location (48.0512793, -124.1110441) and there's a lot of room in a large gravel area that is perfect for buses and coaches. We were about to settle for a muddy spot in this loop but luckily we scouted ahead with the toad and found the area across the street. Not as wooded and pretty as the loop area but plenty of level space still available.
Guide
I usually only stay at the places identified as "Big Rig Friendly" but I gave this location a shot since a review said there were buses that found a spot... we tried it in our 40ft Class A and got pretty jammed up down a narrow road, trying to follow the directions in the comment. Disconnected the toad and ran around trying to find anything that would work but there was nothing for our size. I do not recommend trying if you're in a large Class A.
GuideThe coordinates for this location takes you into a road that is within the National Park. There is “No free camping” in the national park.
Across the road you’ll find the South Beach Camping. This is a FCFS open campground provided by NPS. It’s $20/night or $10/night if you have a reciprocal pass.
There’s toilets and a great ocean view and beach access.
If you choose to park down the access road, you could potentially be ticketed.
I did choose to stay 1 night at the campground. Pretty crowded by RV’s but was okay for a single night.
TravelerThe road keeps going and there are many pull offs and forks. Right on the other side of the national park road. Found a spot right by the river.
Legend
Guide
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.
Guide
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. East of the campsite there is a walking trail that takes you to an overlook, perfect for watching the sunrise.
Scout
Fairly large and level site with an amazing view. No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!
Ranger
There was a handful of large pull out spots along this road. Nothing fancy and not secluded but got the job done
Scout
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.
Traveler
Spot is great, it’s a little tight for a truck but tent camping would be easy. Reception was pretty good as long as you stay near the asphalt road
TravelerNF-2419 is a very busy road at all hours. 2 or 3 cars drive by all day and all through the night. As far as we could find there aren’t many spots that are more secluded they are mostly just turn outs.
Traveler
Couldn’t get a spot at Fairholme so I opted for this location. I only saw 2 small areas you could back in with fire pits. One closer to the 101, and one further back before you cross the bridge. Spots are muddy so I’d be cautious in regular non AWD/4WD vehicles. Secluded enough, but with easy access to the freeway just a 5 min drive down the road. There are plenty of other pullouts off the road that would suit someone just looking for a spot to sleep for the night, or van folks who are fully contained.
My only gripe, PACK OUT YOUR TRASH. Saw numerous bags, tissues, etc. stretching down the road and one of the fire pits at the sites had toilet paper all over it. Seriously? Pack it out or dig a cat hole at least.
TravelerGreat avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place. It is frequented by others so low privacy unless you camp away from the vehicle path. Grateful a place like this exists.
GuideThe view of the ocean is beautiful. It’s first come first serve with vault toilets. Love the view and short walk to the beach. People are very friendly.
Scout
Doesn't exist and they closed off all other camping up here. Absolutely nowhere to camp anymore.
Guide
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.
Traveler
the pull offs on either side of the road have cement barriers with “no camping” and “private” spray painted onto them. fire pits are just beyond the barriers.
ScoutI've stayed at this spot before and it was quite lovely, local people and loging trucks drive up and down the road, but this last stay here my boyfriend and I were forced to leave due to someone setting off 3 explosives and firing a pistol 6 times on the other side of the river from us (the last explosion was thrown in the river practically at our tent). I don't know if this person even noticed (or cared to notice) the campfire smoke or the blue tarps because the site is quite exposed. Luckily forks is really close and we slept in a motel that night, but its still rude that we had to cut our trip short at all.
GuideWe drove in about ½ a mile and decided to turn around and go back to the first spot we saw. It’s close to Hwy 101 but we were not able to hear any road noise. We love dry camping. We have a 2023 class C 30 foot motorhome. We were able to easily turn it around by doing a three or four point turn on the road in a section where it widened.
TravelerFantastic secluded spot at the top of the mtn with amazing views! First night we camped next to the creek pull off site and the second night we scored the top of the mountain. Please be aware it’s at the snow line and very cold in March! Cell phone service for Cricket was great. Not so much for Verizon!
GuideFirst we must note that the exact coordinates for this spot are actually NOT usable according to spray paint on boulders there that say “no camping - private”. This whole road is paved which is really nice. We found a spot just a few hundred feet off the main road that looked like an entrance/exit for logging trucks. But as it was after hours it wasn’t a problem to park there. It was level and had some gravel on it.
ScoutOverall I had a nice quiet stay. This spot isn't anything too awful special. There are about four pull outs to set up for the night. The bathrooms are located in the trailhead parking lot. They could use cleaning, but they are open 24 hours. As for cell service Verizon was barely there. To sum it up if you need a spot to crash for the night this place will work. Y'all stay safe and be well out there.
ScoutNot the most private spot if vehicles were to pass. the road looks like it’s used but no one around when we arrived. the road itself is a gorgeous drive and since it’s free it’s worth it!
Scout
I was camping out there while being on the way to the coast. 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! When I was there it was kind of sad how much trash there was laying around. But for a quick overnight trip it worked out
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Olympic National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Olympic National Forest is Dispersed South Shore Road with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Olympic National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 dispersed camping locations near Olympic National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
