Dispersed camping near Paradise, Washington offers primitive camping options outside Mount Rainier National Park. Sites range from roadside pull-offs to remote mountain clearings at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet. Winter closures affect most forest service roads from November through May, with snow lingering at higher elevations into June.
What to do
River fishing: Ranger Creek Airstrip sites provide access to the White River for fishing. One camper noted, "You can hear the roaring river! We didn't try going down there, but there are some hiking trails that might get you to the water."
Backpacking: Cora Lake Back Country offers backpacking opportunities just 3 miles from trailheads. A camper reported, "3 mile hike to the lake, 6 round trip. Tons and tons of frogs and tadpoles which meant no bugs! beautiful area."
Stargazing: Forest Road sites provide dark sky viewing. According to a visitor at Small Site but Million $ View, "It's basically a pull off from the forest service road with a fire ring, but remote enough that you never see anyone. Going on day 3 and I've yet to see another car go by."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Seasonal frog populations at higher elevations control mosquitoes. A Cora Lake camper mentioned, "Tons and tons of frogs and tadpoles which meant no bugs!"
Solitude: Forest Road 44 Dispersed provides quiet camping options. One reviewer noted, "We went a little further in for a more secluded area and barely had any traffic."
River sounds: Many campers appreciate white noise from nearby waterways. A visitor at White River Dispersed Camping reported, "It's a great location. Some spots close to the water and others in the trees... I can tell that this would get pretty full in the busy season and on weekends."
What you should know
Pothole challenges: Forest service roads require careful driving. At Small Site but Million $ View, a camper warned, "Forest road for around 8 miles is a bit rough with potholes so I wouldn't recommend bringing a low car into here."
Winter conditions: Many dispersed sites remain snow-covered into late spring. Pack appropriate gear for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing even in summer.
Limited facilities: Most sites have no amenities. A reviewer at NF-52 Dispersed Camping observed, "The area is beautiful with about 38 sites. Forest Service has installed 6 temporary toilets for the third year in a row to assist with human waste issues."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly hiking: Cora Lake's moderate trail works for families with older children. One parent shared, "Walked up for a night. Youngest was 11. Told the kids it was a 2 hour walk. Did it in under an hour."
Safe swimming spots: Several riverside locations offer natural swimming holes. Look for wider, calmer sections away from rapids.
Wildlife education: Bring field guides to identify local amphibians and plants. The abundance of tadpoles and frogs makes this area excellent for nature learning.
Tips from RVers
Size considerations: Ranger Creek Airstrip accommodates larger rigs but requires careful navigation. A reviewer explained, "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."
Bridge awareness: Some access points have single-lane bridges. An RVer at Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed noted, "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."
Level site selection: Limited level spots exist for larger vehicles. "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."
