Best Dispersed Camping near Port Townsend, WA
Several dispersed camping areas exist near Port Townsend, Washington on Olympic National Forest lands. Forest Road 2419 contains multiple primitive sites, including the Hilltop Camp and several pullouts along the route. Additional options include NF-27 Tunnel Creek, a drive-in dispersed area, and Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park, which requires a permit and hiking access. Marine dispersed camping is available at Hope Island Marine State Park and Point Doughty, both accessible only by boat.
Forest service roads in this region vary from partially paved to rough dirt tracks requiring careful navigation. NF-2419 features both creek-side and mountain-top sites with no amenities, though existing fire rings are present at many locations. Most areas lack drinking water, toilets, and trash service. Vehicles ranging from passenger cars to high-clearance vehicles can access different sites depending on road conditions and season. Several locations require permits, particularly those in Olympic National Park and marine areas. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.
The dispersed sites around Port Townsend provide varied camping experiences from mountain views to waterfront settings. The Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419 offers particularly scenic vistas with "an amazing view" and "no light pollution or car sounds at night." Sites along NF-2419 are described as having "various streams crossing the path of the service road" though some campers note the road "is a very busy road at all hours." Marine sites require boat access, with Hope Island offering a unique experience where "we had the place to ourselves" apart from local wildlife. Winter camping is possible but challenging, as one camper noted December visits are "a bit cold at night" and recommended "at least AWD to get up here."
