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Best Dispersed Camping near Olympic National Forest

86 Reviews

Campers looking for dispersed spots in Olympic National Forest can find several good options away from developed campgrounds. Dispersed South Shore Road has sites scattered along the Quinault River where you can pitch a tent in relative privacy. The FS-2292 Dispersed area stays pretty quiet, with hiking trails nearby that lead to some nice views. Since these are primitive sites, you won't find bathrooms or water sources - bring everything you need and pack it all out when you leave. Forest rules require camping at least 100 feet from any water or roads to minimize impact. Many of the forest roads get rough, so a vehicle with decent clearance helps, especially after rain. Check current fire rules before your trip, as they change seasonally. The forest service limits stays to 14 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the backcountry without established campgrounds nearby. Most dispersed areas are 30-45 minutes from the nearest town with supplies.

Map showing campgrounds near Olympic National Forest, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Olympic National Forest (38)

    1. Dispersed South Shore Road

    3 Reviews
    Quinault, WA
    6 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."

    2. FS-2292 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Matlock, WA
    13 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."

    3. NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place."

    "Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed . Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories."

    4. Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    3 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    20 miles

    "Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night."

    "No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!"

    5. NF-2419 Dispersed Pullout

    2 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    19 miles

    "Great spot on the NF-2419, about a mile before the Mt Elinor lower trailhead. Plenty of space for a large vehicle"

    6. Quinault Ridge Road

    2 Reviews
    Amanda Park, WA
    21 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!"

    7. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Matlock, WA
    21 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."

    8. quinalt ridge vistas

    1 Review
    Amanda Park, WA
    20 miles

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

    9. Cedar Creek Camp

    2 Reviews
    Amanda Park, WA
    21 miles

    10. Cardlin Run — Olympic National Park

    2 Reviews
    Olympic National Park, WA
    24 miles

    "The have 2 signs posted, Discover Pass required and no campfires. This location has 1 designed campsite, which is completely out of view from the road. Quiet location, rains often...ie rainforest."

    "It’s first come first serve and dispersed camping. Stayed here a few days and only met a couple people. Dogs must be on leash and don’t do dishes in river or potty in river... gross."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Olympic National Forest

44 Photos of 38 Olympic National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Olympic National Forest

86 Reviews of 38 Olympic National Forest 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.

  • Andi F.
    Aug. 1, 2022

    Dispersed Camping NF 2918 — Olympic National Park

    Stunning rain forest with a river

    I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and spent a lot of my childhood out here in the Olympic National Park. Coming back to this scenic area was a real treat! We arrived very late at night and found a quiet spot up the mountain but moved in the morning in search of shade. We came upon a little dirt road off of 2918 near the river. We have a Jeep and I will say, it was needed for the area we found but if you have a high clearance whip, I recommend it highly. There are plenty of spots to stop on the paved areas too, but they are less ideal for my kind of camping. The spot we chose had three firepits: two up above and one down on the bank of the river. It's about 1/4 mile off the paved road and the river noise is enough to drown out the occasional passerby. We parked our Jeep along the road to let others know the area was occupied. I recommend doing so because you cannot see the dispersed area until you're right on top of it. We had a few people pull in looking to see if the area was taken. It can accommodate a group or a single party. Absolutely stunning, quiet area in the rainforest with trails and fresh water.

    PLEASE remove your trash when you leave. The previous occupants left a full large black trash bag. THIS IS A RAIN FOREST IN A NATIONAL PARK. Have some decency people.

    T-Mobile has 5G service in this area. Verizon is 1-2 bars of 4G.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2025

    FS-2918 Dispersed Site

    Lots of options

    We didn’t feel comfortable driving our class C into any of the nicer, more private spots off of this road due to large potholes, ruts, etc. Since we just needed a place for the night, we decided to just stay at one of the large pullouts, which was fine. We didn’t even need levels. 

    Obviously no amenities here, but we were pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t much trash to be found. 

    Cell service was good here. Be sure to find a spot in the National Forest, and not the National Park that’s adjacent, because you will definitely get a knock on the door if you try to stay overnight within park boundaries.

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Forest Road 2918 Dispersed Site

    Great spot if you can get there!

    Perfect cozy little spot far enough from the road with views of the river! I would not recommend attempting to get down here if your vehicle doesn’t have 4 wheel drive and high clearance. We did it in an f150 and struggled with rocks and slipping on roots and the grade to get to the bottom is well over 12%. It was definitely worth the effort though!!

  • 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!

  • Chris
    Jun. 12, 2021

    Cardlin Run — Olympic National Park

    A night in the rainforest

    Going East on Upper Hoh Rd, a site is on the Left side, before the pay booth for Olympic NP. The have 2 signs posted, Discover Pass required and no campfires. This location has 1 designed campsite, which is completely out of view from the road. Quiet location, rains often...ie rainforest.

  • B
    May. 1, 2023

    Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great spot by the river

    This is a killer camp site, we parked a 25 foot travel trailer here with a lot of room to spare. The bluff it very steep into the river so watch how close you get to the edge. As a note, it is NOT on the national forest. It’s on the nature conservancy land. The best googling I can do says it’s legal to camp here. Just FYI.

Guide to Olympic National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Olympic National Forest in Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations for those seeking adventure and tranquility in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out NF-2419 Dispersed Site

  • NF-2419 Dispersed Site allows for a unique camping experience right by the river, making it a perfect spot for those who enjoy the sound of flowing water while they sleep.
  • Visitors have noted that the area is free and does not require any permits, which adds to its appeal for spontaneous trips.
  • While it can be busy due to its proximity to a road, many campers appreciate the chance to connect with nature without the need for reservations.

Top activities while free camping near Olympic National Forest

  • Hiking enthusiasts will find that the trails around Cardlin Run — Olympic National Park lead to stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a day of exploration.
  • The nearby Quinault River offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking, making it a great spot for water activities after setting up camp at Dispersed South Shore Road.
  • Campers can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and wildlife while staying at Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419, where the views from the top are simply unforgettable.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • The enchanting streams and lush greenery along the service road at FS-2292 Dispersed create a magical setting for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
  • Campers at Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping can explore the nearby Vance Creek trailhead, which offers access to stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities.
  • The hidden alcoves along the gravel road at Dispersed South Shore Road provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection, with the sound of the river enhancing the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near specific Olympic Peninsula attractions like Lake Crescent and Hoh Rainforest?

For camping near Hoh Rainforest, HOH RIVER offers dispersed sites on public land, though note you'll need to pay a $5 fee to access via a private road. Several spots along Upper Hoh Road provide good basecamp options before reaching the national park boundary. Near Lake Crescent, look for Forest Service roads in the surrounding national forest land, as the lake itself is within Olympic National Park where dispersed camping isn't permitted. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead provides an accessible option with pit toilets in the broader peninsula region, though it's near a highway with some traffic noise. When seeking dispersed sites near popular attractions, arrive early and have backup options, especially during summer months.

Do I need a permit or pass for dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest?

Most dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest is free, but you'll need a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass for parking at many trailheads and developed recreation sites. For sites like quinalt ridge vistas, no specific camping permit is required, but a Discover Pass may be needed depending on the exact location and jurisdiction. Some areas near national park boundaries have special requirements - like Cardlin Run, which explicitly requires a Discover Pass. General dispersed camping regulations apply: stay on established sites when possible, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, pack out all waste, and follow current fire restriction notices. During peak season (May-September), some popular areas may implement additional regulations, so check with ranger districts before your trip.

Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Olympic National Forest?

Olympic National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping options across its vast terrain. Dispersed South Shore Road provides several secluded spots along a gravel road with some sites directly adjacent to the Quinault River, perfect for those seeking tranquility. Forest Road 2918 Dispersed Site offers cozy spots with river views, though high clearance vehicles are recommended due to challenging terrain with rocks and steep grades. Look for established sites with stone fire rings, especially around the Quinault area. The forest has numerous forest service roads with pullouts suitable for dispersed camping, though site quality varies significantly. The best spots typically feature flat ground, natural privacy barriers, and proximity to water sources.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Olympic National Park vs Olympic National Forest?

Dispersed camping rules differ significantly between these two areas. Olympic National Forest permits dispersed camping throughout most of its territory, following standard national forest guidelines (camp at least 100 feet from water sources and 150 feet from roads). Olympic National Park, however, generally prohibits dispersed camping - you must use designated campgrounds within park boundaries. Cardlin Run — Olympic National Park represents a rare exception located before the Olympic National Park entrance station on Upper Hoh Road, requiring a Discover Pass. Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping is on Nature Conservancy land near but outside the park boundary. Always verify current regulations with ranger stations as rules may change seasonally.

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