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Best Dispersed Camping near Port Townsend, WA

19 Reviews

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."

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1 hr 16 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Port Townsend, Washington (11)

    1. Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County

    3 Reviews
    La Conner, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 675-3767

    "Very different, primitive camping. Small island with only 2 sites that I could find. According to the website there were supposed to be more. 1 vault toilet available, picnic table and fire ring."

    "It's a short trip to the island, which is only accessible by boat. I was worried, with only four camping spots, that we wouldn't get one, but we ended up being the only people on the island."

    2. NF-27 Tunnel Creek

    1 Review
    Quilcene, WA
    25 miles

    "The drive up to this road is half paved and unpaved , not too bumpy. Big area for camp- dry camping. There was already a fire ring made, we opted out of having a fire."

    3. Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park

    1 Review
    Port Angeles, WA
    31 miles
    Website

    "Super cool, isolated campground right next to Lake Ángeles. Only way to access is by hiking to it. Lots of bugs so make sure to bring bug repellant."

    4. NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    47 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."

    5. Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    3 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    47 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!"

    6. Point Doughty

    3 Reviews
    Eastsound, WA
    41 miles
    Website

    7. Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24

    2 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    43 miles
    Website

    "Not 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!"

    8. Pine Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Bellingham, WA
    41 miles

    "Cute sites, but you will be interrupted 500 times a day with walkers who use the trail and want to go straight through your site."

    9. NF-2419 Dispersed Pullout

    2 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    47 miles

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

    10. Walker Valley ORV Recreation Area

    Be the first to review!
    Clearlake, WA
    33 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Port Townsend, WA

17 Photos of 11 Port Townsend Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Port Townsend, WA

19 Reviews of 11 Port Townsend Campgrounds

  • Amber G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    Amazing

    Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night. It’s December so of course it’s a bit cold at night and I’d recommend at least AWD to get up here. Will be back.

  • Jill R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2019

    Point Doughty

    DNR site badly in need of care

    For such a fabulous location, this campground is woefully behind the times. Compared to other Cascade Water Trails locations under the WA State Parks jurisdiction that are clean and now sport awesome composting toilets, Point Doughty under the Department of Natural Resources has a particularly horrible pit toilet that you have to scramble up a bluff to get to. I understand a storm took out the stairs a while back and it's obvious there's been some activity to get stairs rebuilt. However, it's impossible as of this writing to get any gear from the beach to the campsites on the bluff. I wound up camping on the beach as I was in my kayak and there were no other options nearby. Actually the beach was quite pleasant as 2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    Incredible view!

    Fairly large and level site with an amazing view. No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!

  • Jason C.
    Jun. 22, 2024

    NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    NF-2419

    Great 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.

  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park

    Lake Ángeles Campground

    Super cool, isolated campground right next to Lake Ángeles. Only way to access is by hiking to it. Lots of bugs so make sure to bring bug repellant. Primitive campground, so bring your own water, trowel, tp, everything!! Hike is about 4 miles from the trailhead with ~ 2,500ft of elevation gain. Trailhead is right by the toll booths for the park. Parking is limited so try to get there at a reasonable time.

  • Pat M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2019

    Point Doughty

    Point

    3 non-reservable sites are available on Washington area preserve land. The path up to the sites is steep and slippery with loose dirt but there’s a rope to help out. Looks like they started to build steps, who knows if it will get finished. Not recommended for hauling myriad items up from kayaks. The restroom is a vault toilet that lacked toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We brought a couple rolls from Sucia to help out. During low side it is very rocky and tough on fiberglass kayaks, but there’s a small path that can launch one or two kayaks at a time. There’s a couple short paths to explore the area, and an epic view at the tip of the point. Best used for small groups and simple camping.

  • Trevor M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2023

    NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    Forest Road camping

    Had a blast coming up the mountain with the family , found a few great spots that we pinned for later that are unmarked with fire rings. Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed . Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories. Definitely recommend going , we saw people driving various types of vehicles so most will make it up. My 2011 Ford Flex made it up no problem . Bring in water and plenty of fire wood. Happy camping!

  • Pat M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2019

    Point Doughty

    Gamble for a view

    Only 3 non-reservable sites with tables and fire pits on DNR land. The path up to the sites from the beach is very steep and slippery on the dirt but there is a rope to help. Looks like they’re trying to create a stairway in the future. Not recommended if you need to haul myriad items up to the campground. One vault toilet had no toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We grabbed some rolls from Sucia to restock it for people. There is an epic view with short trails to walk around though.

  • K
    Mar. 27, 2024

    Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    The view!!!!!

    Fantastic 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!

Guide to Port Townsend

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Port Townsend, Washington, where nature meets adventure. With stunning landscapes and unique camping experiences, this area offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Port Townsend, Washington

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24, are free and provide a simple way to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of reservations.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; sites such as NF-2419 Dispersed Site do not offer drinking water, toilets, or trash services, so bring everything you need.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419, which can fill up quickly due to its breathtaking views.

Dispersed campers should check out Hope Island Marine State Park

  • Accessible only by boat, Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County offers a unique primitive camping experience on a small island with beautiful views and a romantic setting.
  • Kayaking to the island can be challenging, so it's advisable to check water conditions beforehand, as noted by visitors who enjoyed the adventure despite rough waters.
  • The island features a picnic table and a fire ring, making it a great spot for a cozy evening under the stars.

Scenic trails and wildlife encounters at Lake Angeles

  • Nestled in Olympic National Park, Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park is a remote camping area accessible only by a 4-mile hike, offering a serene escape into nature.
  • Campers should be ready for bugs, so packing insect repellent is essential for a comfortable stay in this beautiful, isolated setting.
  • The hike to Lake Angeles features significant elevation gain, rewarding adventurers with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Townsend?

Free dispersed camping near Port Townsend can be found in Olympic National Forest areas. Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419 offers stunning views with no fees and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The site is popular and fills quickly due to its scenic location. Another option is NF-27 Tunnel Creek, which features a spacious dry camping area with existing fire rings. The access road is partially paved and partially unpaved but generally navigable. Both locations provide true dispersed camping experiences in natural settings without facilities or fees, though 4WD or AWD vehicles are recommended, especially in wet or winter conditions.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Port Townsend?

Dispersed camping sites around Port Townsend typically offer minimal amenities. Hope Island Marine State Park provides basic facilities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at its primitive sites. For those seeking a more challenging experience, Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park offers truly primitive camping with no facilities whatsoever—campers must bring their own water, toilet paper, and trowel for cat-holes. Most forest road dispersed sites have established fire rings but no water sources, toilets, or garbage facilities. Cell service varies by location and carrier—some higher elevation sites report good coverage for certain providers while others have none. Come prepared with all necessities including water, waste disposal options, and food storage containers.

Are there any seasonal restrictions for dispersed camping in the Port Townsend area?

Seasonal restrictions apply to most dispersed camping areas near Port Townsend. Winter access can be challenging at higher elevation sites like NF-2419 Dispersed Site, where snow often blocks roads from late fall through early spring. During March, campsites may be at the snow line with very cold temperatures. For water-access camping, Point Doughty has limited accessibility during stormy weather or rough water conditions, making summer and early fall the optimal times to visit. Fire restrictions are commonly implemented during dry summer months throughout the region, typically from July through September depending on conditions. Always check with Olympic National Forest or relevant land management agencies for current restrictions before your trip.

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