Best Dispersed Camping near Packwood, WA
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Packwood? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Packwood's most popular destinations.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Packwood, Washington (44)
1. White River Dispersed Camping
19 Reviews•58 Photos•737 SavesGreenwater, WashingtonThe historic Mather Memorial Parkway (State Route 410) is the gateway to a recreational haven. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Rainier. For more excitement, take a spin in the off-road vehicle area at Evans Creek, or zip down the slopes of Crystal Mountain Ski Area. Or if you prefer solitude, escape into the solace of the forest and leave the world behind.
Mather Memorial Parkway Created in 1931, this paved two-lane classic Cascades drive along Highway 410 from Enumclaw to the eastern edge of Mount Rainier National Park presents majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks. More than 200 miles of trails accommodate hikers, horses and mountain bikes. Drive, hike or ride to the Suntop Lookout Cabin at the top of Forest Road 7315. Choose a primitive campsite along forest roads east and west of the parkway. In November buy a permit at the Enumclaw office and take the family out to the woods to cut your own Christmas tree. Most forest roads are unpaved and minimally maintained. Cell phones have limited coverage in the mountains.
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.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. NF-52 Dispersed Camping
7 Reviews•23 Photos•183 SavesPuyallup, Washington- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot
3 Reviews•6 Photos•86 SavesPackwood, Washington- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
9 Reviews•33 Photos•286 SavesGreenwater, Washington- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
5. Cora Lake Back Country
3 Reviews•19 Photos•158 SavesLongmire, WashingtonThis trail is open to hiker, motorcycle, horse and bicycle use. No motorized use from March 1 to June 30. This begins on Forest Road 8420 and climbs steeply to Big Creek and Cora Falls before reaching Cora Lake. Skirting the lake, it passes a junction with Teeley Creek Trail #251, enters a dense forest and climbs to its terminus on Forest Road 8440. Features include Cora Falls, Cora Lake, and High Rock.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
6. FS Road 44 Dispersed
2 Reviews•7 Photos•145 SavesPackwood, WashingtonDispersed camping, or camping outside of campgrounds, is permitted throughout most of the Forest! Always follow Leave No Trace principles and PACK-OUT all trash and leave the area cleaner than you found it.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows the roads, trails and areas where you can legally drive. These roads, trails and areas are designated by type of motor vehicle allowed and the allowable season of use.
The following guidelines apply to anyone camping outside of developed campgrounds on the National Forest:
Camping
Camp 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Camp outside of fragile meadows and restricted areas, preferably on bare or mineral soil. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Clean up and remove any trash, manure and straw before leaving. Avoid trenching. Water
Streams and lakes are home to many microscopic organisms; some of them can make you very sick! Treat your water or bring water from home. Never clean dishes in a stream or lake.
Campfires
Have extra water & shovel available to extinguish your fire. Never leave a fire unattended. Never burn plastic, aluminum or non-paper trash.
Use an existing fire ring where available. If you need one, build it small and away from overhanging branches. Be sure your fire is DEAD OUT before you leave -- drown it, turn it, stir it until it's cool to the touch. Gather only dead and down wood for your campfire. Human WasteChoose a suitable spot at least 100 feet away from any stream or lake. Dig a hole 6 inches deep. After use, re-fill the hole with soil and replace the duff. This allows the waste to decompose naturally. Bury toilet paper in the same hole. Empty built-in or portable toilets at sanitary dump stations.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area
4 Reviews•9 Photos•135 SavesGoose Prairie, WashingtonPrimitve area below Miner's Ridge outside of the Wilderness.Access by the extremely rough road is limited to hikers, stock and mountain bikes. __Pack It In -- Pack It Out Site.
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Clear Lake Campgrounds
3 Reviews•10 Photos•86 SavesGoose Prairie, Washington- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
9. Skate Creek Dispersed
1 Review•1 Photo•280 SavesLongmire, WashingtonDispersed camping, or camping outside of campgrounds, is permitted throughout most of the Forest! Always follow Leave No Trace principles and PACK-OUT all trash and leave the area cleaner than you found it.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map shows the roads, trails and areas where you can legally drive. These roads, trails and areas are designated by type of motor vehicle allowed and the allowable season of use.
The following guidelines apply to anyone camping outside of developed campgrounds on the National Forest:
Camping
Camp 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Camp outside of fragile meadows and restricted areas, preferably on bare or mineral soil. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Clean up and remove any trash, manure and straw before leaving. Avoid trenching. Water
Streams and lakes are home to many microscopic organisms; some of them can make you very sick! Treat your water or bring water from home. Never clean dishes in a stream or lake.
Campfires
Have extra water & shovel available to extinguish your fire. Never leave a fire unattended. Never burn plastic, aluminum or non-paper trash.
Use an existing fire ring where available. If you need one, build it small and away from overhanging branches. Be sure your fire is DEAD OUT before you leave -- drown it, turn it, stir it until it's cool to the touch. Gather only dead and down wood for your campfire. Human WasteChoose a suitable spot at least 100 feet away from any stream or lake. Dig a hole 6 inches deep. After use, re-fill the hole with soil and replace the duff. This allows the waste to decompose naturally. Bury toilet paper in the same hole. Empty built-in or portable toilets at sanitary dump stations.
- Dispersed
- Market
10. Goat Rock Wilderness
1 Review•3 Photos•48 SavesPackwood, Washington- Wilderness Regulations apply.
- Camping prohibited within 100 feet of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and within 100 feet of lakes.
- Shoe Lake basin and Snow Grass Flats are closed to camping and campfires; camping is available at Hidden Springs (about 1 mile west of Shoe Lake).
- The Yakima Indian Reservation, bordering the Goat Rocks Wilderness on the southeast side, is closed to the general public except for the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail route
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Packwood, Washington
94 Reviews of 44 Packwood Campgrounds
Madison D.
Guide
Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
Free and Secluded
This dispersed camping is free, huge bonus in my book. While searching for our perfect spot we did come across a few large parties, making us apprehensive that we would experience our ideal peaceful experience, but we were wrong to be. There were dozens of open sites that we had our pick of. A handful of cars drove by throughout the evening and night, but not an outrageous amount. Pretty dang good for very accessible NF camping spots. There are a good deal of trailheads near by, meaning you're never too far from a pit toilet or a bulletin board with information.
We visited in early September and found the weather to be very pleasant. Our view of Mt. St Helen's was obscured by the tall trees that offered our site seclusion and privacy, but we relished the view of the active volcano while driving to and from our site.
- M
MenneCamp
Scout
Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
Good alternative to regular campgrounds
Nice place for dispersed camping and only 5$! close the NP entrance and plenty of space here
Adam K.
Traveler
Clear Lake Campgrounds
Depends on the day of the week
If you come during the week, you're going to enjoy quiet, gorgeous dispersed camping. Big spaces, big trees, big lake.
But if you come during the weekend, be prepared for the most inconsiderate, noisy, rude neighbors you've ever found. They leave trash everywhere, play music and shoot guns late into the night, and don't respect boundaries whatsoever. I had multiple people drive right into my campsite and park 10 feet from my rig, walk through camp yelling and playing music, you name it.
So, four stars because the place is amazing - but choose your timing wisely.
- KKarenTraveler
Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
Busy on weekends
There are a lot of places for dispersed camping along FS-83, but they do get pretty full on nice weekends. Overall enjoyable camping, just expect neighbors and some trash from previous occupants.
Stephanie Z.
Legend
Pumice Butte- Dispersed Campsite
Dispersed Camping with a great view at the Foot of Mt St Helens
Pumice Butte is a dispersed camping area along the Loowit trail that circles Mt St Helens. If you're starting from Ape Canyon or June lake Pumice Butte is a great place to camp for your first night (about 5-6 miles in respectively) There is some tree cover here before you enter the Plains of Abraham that works for shade or a wind break - you mind need both.
There is not much water along the trail, but we found a small spring about 1 mile past Pumice Butte
- MMichalyn M.Traveler
White River Dispersed Camping
Amazing
Right off the main road, but several sweet camping spots more tucked away and along the river. I’d definitely recommend a higher clearance vehicle if you want to camp deeper near the river due to rocks and tree roots. People need to clean up after themselves though. We pulled up to a spot that was thrashed. That is how free things get shut down.
- BBella M.Traveler
NF-52 Dispersed Camping
Beautiful views but semi busy road
Got here around sunset. Looks like some good camping spots to walk into. Beautiful view of Rainier. There was a little bit of traffic but nothing crazy. Would stay here again.
Danielle S.LegendMount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
Dispersed Camping - s. Mount St. Helens
This is a dispersed campsite near the south side of Mount St. Helens. It's free, which is always great. The drive in is just off the highway and up a little hill, but my car had no problems with it. There's a lot of space here. From our spot, we saw at least a half a dozen fire pits, but we were the only ones there. It has some nice trees and a trail. Up the road is Lava Canyon, where there are toilets if you need. There are some decently flat spots for a tent and I felt was all around a good site.
Alex R.Scout
Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot
Amazing
Amazing place. 8 min from brewery and isolated
Christopher H.Traveler
Wakepish Sno-Park
Good for one night in a pinch
No real campsites here, but large parking area where you can put an RV overnight. There is one dispersed tent “site” with fire ring just uphill of warming hut on decommissioned road. Pit toilet, but no potable water. Great option if you leave St. Helens late and can’t make it to town. Signs do say “day use only” for winter.
Eric H.Guide
Peninsula / Rimrock Boat Launch
Island in the Lake
Peninsula Camp is one of 3 designated camp grounds on the East end of Rimrock Lake. From the UPFS air field you will pass the first designated camp - suitable for dispersed RV'ing and the roomiest area. As you travel the One-Way loop, you will pass multiple locations for tent camping just off the road and cars lining the shoulder. You can find a few med sized camp site for RVs especially near the boat launch.
The views were amazing but all the campers made so much noise, we moved. This might be a better review on a less busy weekend.
Bring your own water and the facilities were lacking attention, if they were open at all. Be prepared to rough it.
- Danielle S.Legend
Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping
Dispersed Camping Near Great Hikes - Mount St. Helens
Found this campsite when driving up to the south side of Mount St. Helens Hikes - it is situated between Ape Caves (farther away) and pretty close to Lava Canyon and Ape Canyon.
It is pretty close to the road, so we could hear road noise. However, there's nothing past the campsite really besides a couple more campsite spots and the hikes, so there really wasn't any road traffic at night.
It's easy enough for a car to pull in to - my honda fit had no problem. This spot on a circle pull-out that has a couple more sites, but this is the only one you drive right up to. The circle pull out looks like a spot for RVs. My hiking buddy said the middle of the pull-out had a fire ring, but I didn't go investigate.
Our spot had a fire ring, a nice flat spot for the tent and trees close enough together that we set up the hammock.
There is a little trail that I didn't use too much, except to find a place to use the bathroom. If you do this method, remember to bring a trowel and dig. Please practice this method and keep it nice for the next people. I did see a fair bit of TP on the trail :( There is also a toilet up the road at Lava Canyon, but despite a sign in the bathroom proclaiming it a smell-free toilet, it was frankly the worst smelling toilet I have ever experienced, so I preferred the outdoors.
The site is sheltered by large trees which gave it a nice feel of privacy.
Annie C.LegendRanger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
Camp next to an active airstrip!
This is such a cool place to camp! You are literally right on an active airstrip. There are roughly 40 sites spread out along a long narrow loop, with some walk in sites. There are no services here- no water, no, wifi, no trash pick up, no campground host(there is a moderately clean vault toilet). But it’s also free, or a$5 donation at the iron ranger. It was a little confusing. AND IT'S ON AN ACTIVE AIRSTRIP!! Most sites have good trees for hammocks. I strongly suggest you have a way to secure your food and trash as there are lots of squirrels and raccoons. Did I mention it's on an active airstrip? While no planes came in while I was there, I walked across the airstrip to the“comfort station” for fliers and read the log book. Two planes had flown in earlier in the day and left nice messages. It looked like 3-5 planes used the airstip a week in the warm months. The White River is between the campground/airstrip and the highway and it drowns out most of the road noise. I didn’t check things out on the other side of the airstrip too much, but it looked like there were some dispersed sites there as well.
- TTrenton S.Scout
White River Dispersed Camping
Real coordinates
Real coordinates for turn off of 410 is (47.0822353, -121.5828194), stay left in the gravel road until you see 7315 marker for plenty of open dispersed sites. 10/10 spot.
Ethan H.
Ranger
Cora Lake Back Country
cozy lakeside camp
secluded lakeside camping underneath high rock. 3 mile hike to the lake, 6 round trip. Tons and tons of frogs and tadpoles which meant no bugs! beautiful area
samuel C.RangerNF-52 Dispersed Camping
One of my favorites!
One of my favorite dispersed sites of all time, now let me say , there can be a lot of bugs, but there are lots of sites , and the view of rainier is amazing. !!!! There is a lot of traffic but I love it everytime.
- BBella M.Traveler
FS Road 44 Dispersed
Secluded
Could not find the spot in the previous review. They must have parked off the highway. Multiple spots to camp. We went a little further in for a more secluded area and barely had any traffic. Would stay here again.
- BBella M.Traveler
White River Dispersed Camping
Beautiful spot!
This place was gorgeous. Right off a busy road but with being right by the water it tunes out the noise of the traffic. Plenty of spots and can drive in further to be more secluded if needed.
- Michael F.Guide
White River Dispersed Camping
Fantastic Camping On The White River
Lots of campsites along the White River right outside of Rainier National Park. Lots of campsites throughout the area. We arrived mid afternoon on a Friday and there were plenty of options to pick from but it did fill up by around 9pm.
- LLucas B.Scout
White River Dispersed Camping
Secluded Spot
This road was pretty hard to find but we’ll worth it. Spot was secluded even though there seemed to be two other groups camping at the site. There was an obnoxious amount of used toilet paper in the area but it was avoidable. If you come here you must leave no trace.
- BBrynn P.Traveler
Clear Lake Campgrounds
Very loud neighbors!!
We camped specifically at the Indian Creek Dispersed sites. There is a collection of camp grounds in this surrounding area, so I wouldn’t be concerned about finding a spot.
The views are incredible, beautiful grounds. Sadly the sites were covered in trash, people were riding quads and chainsawing until 2am, as well as yelling and loud music.
We did come on a weekend so it got very busy.
- RRachel B.Guide
White River Dispersed Camping
Plenty of spots
This site was super nice- next to a river and ground was perfectly mossy. Lots of potential campsites
- Shawna B.Traveler
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site
Amazing spots
We went camping twice this past week because it was so beautiful! We entered near Cougar and passed Lower Lewis Falls. There are multiple sites along the road, some have plenty of room for RVs but I wouldn't want to drive one on the roads. We explored the Forrest and ended up driving all the way to Trout Lake. Found great sites for multiple people, on the river or off the river, and multiple sites that are smaller and more secluded.
- LLoren O.Guide
Tatoosh Wilderness WA FS52 - Dispersed Camping
Littered roadside pull-off
This was a large pull-off right off of NF-52, so there was no privacy from the hwy but at least the area was big enough to be a little distanced from traffic. The spots on the river were already occupied when I was looking late on a Sat afternoon, this is a popular dispersed area. The entire area was littered with toilet paper and discarded furniture. There was also a memorial hidden in some trees just out of sight of 52. Wouldn't have been a bad spot if people had picked up after themselves, but the trash situation was over the top. Thankful to have in a pinch but def wouldn't camp there again. (The pull off is right off the highway from what the coordinates show).
- GGarrett B.Guide
Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
Great spot, plenty of room for Big Rigs
This is my favorite dispersed site so far. Plenty of room for larger rigs, very close to a river and lots of woods to explore nearby. Close enough to Mt. Rainier NP and nearby towns for supplies. Vault toilets if needed, and the airstrip was only used twice in the 4 nights we stayed, i think (heard one mid-day, and saw another late morning).
There is a single-lane bridge when turning in that could be tricky for a motorhome that is towing, but not enough traffic to cause us any issues getting in. For larger rigs - take the second left (at a Y-intersection, and then keep to the left and you won't have any trouble getting in. Going to the right at the Y takes you to an area that big rigs might have trouble finding spots or turning around, but still doable.
Sumner C.GuideWhite River Dispersed Camping
Quiet, clean, and secluded
Great campsite, no bathrooms or running water but there is a gushing river feet from where we set up our tent. The road in was a bit hard to spot but if you use the yield sign as a guide it’s right next to that. Driving into the site was a bit challenging in our Honda sedan but we made do. 2 bars of 5G with T-Mobile was an unexpected plus!
Alex B.Scout
Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area
As dispersed as it gets
Absolutely beautiful area. Plenty of campsites around the small lake that are right up next to the water, but to get the good spots, It's first come first serve. The water is pretty cold and crystal clear when we were up there at the beginning of June.
Things to expect:
You're about two hours away from any cell service.
The road to get up is all rocks and off-road going up a mountain. 4x4 with traction tires is a must. Kit up. Have a satellite phone, and expect to drive through snow up there at the beginning of June.
Guide to Packwood
Dispersed camping near Packwood, Washington, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking a more rustic experience.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- The NF-52 Dispersed Camping area provides breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, making it a picturesque spot for those who appreciate stunning landscapes.
- Campers at Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area can enjoy crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
- For those looking for a more secluded experience, Cora Lake Back Country offers a cozy lakeside setting that is both beautiful and tranquil.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Packwood, Washington
- Always remember to pack out what you pack in; areas like South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping have reported litter issues, so be a responsible camper.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot does not offer drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
- Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially in popular areas like Clear Lake Campgrounds, which can fill up quickly on weekends.
Activities While Free Camping Near Packwood
- Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of trails near Goat Rock Wilderness, offering a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region.
- Fishing and swimming opportunities abound at Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area, where the cold, clear waters are perfect for a refreshing dip.
- For those who enjoy biking, the area around Skate Creek Dispersed provides scenic routes that are ideal for exploring the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Packwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Packwood, WA is White River Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Packwood, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 44 dispersed camping locations near Packwood, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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