Primitive camping near Preston, Washington offers camping opportunities along Forest Service roads in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Sites range from 1,000 to 3,000 feet elevation, with heavily forested areas that provide natural shade during summer months. Road conditions deteriorate significantly after winter snowmelt, creating deep ruts that challenge access until late May.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Access backcountry lakes like Annette Lake via moderate trails. "The 4 mile hike in was just enough of a challenge for our first time with weight in our packs. We went left where the trail splits at the lake. There are campsites both sides, but lake access is really easy on the left side," notes a camper at Annette Lake.
Paddleboarding on reservoirs: Kachess Lake provides water recreation when levels are suitable. "Great spot to land after long day of driving... I love any spot where I can camp free and safely at night and wake up early to paddleboard a few hundred feet away. Great spot to SUP," shares a visitor to Keechelus Lake.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk offer prime viewing opportunities for local deer, elk and smaller mammals. "Green as far as the eye can see, with a creek by that provides the perfect white noise to fall asleep to," describes a camper at South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site.
What campers like
River sounds for sleep: Riverside campsites provide natural sound barriers from nearby roads. "The sound of the roaring White River nearby... does a great job of masking any sounds from the nearby road, making for a peaceful, immersive nature stay," reports a visitor to White River Dispersed Camping.
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies widely between camping areas. A camper at South Fork Snoqualmie notes, "I travel and work remotely so I'm always looking for free places that have cell reception and this place hits the jackpot. I've come in twice on a Saturday afternoon and have been able to find an open spot with my 18 ft travel trailer, I have Verizon and have 2-3 bars of service."
Natural forest settings: Sites provide immersion in classic Pacific Northwest forests. "Cute spot next to the creek not busy at all," reports a camper at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed, while another adds, "We enjoyed the sounds of the waterfall/river all night, never heard a single car."
What you should know
Security concerns: Remote areas can attract unwanted activity. "As soon as it got dark, someone decided to sneak around my campsite with a flashlight and stand outside my tent for some time. Packed up quick and zoomed out of there, very uncomfortable and would not recommend for solo campers," warns a visitor to South Fork Snoqualmie River.
Trash management: Pack out all waste as improper disposal impacts sites. "Unfortunately, most sites are pretty trashed. Still a pretty area and a good location," reports a camper about South Fork Snoqualmie River.
Site competition: Early arrival maximizes site selection, especially in summer. "If you're planning to go beyond the more accessible spots near the eastern entrance, a higher clearance vehicle is definitely recommended—the road gets rougher the farther you go," advises a visitor to White River Dispersed Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Safety near water: Monitor children around swift-moving rivers. "Lovely area such beautiful surroundings. But be very cautious as near one of the camp sites are very dangerous plants that are fatal and they are lined all around the campground so not recommended if you have children," warns a camper at South Fork Snoqualmie River.
Airstrip camping option: For a unique experience, try camping near a functioning airstrip. "This is such a cool place to camp! You are literally right 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," reports a visitor to Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed.
Group site selection: Some areas accommodate larger family gatherings better than others. "Very spread out. Big rig spots for sure but road is very potholey. Go slow. Find a spot. Fire rings. Plenty of wood laying around," notes a Ranger Creek Airstrip visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many dispersed sites accommodate smaller recreational vehicles only. "A lit if the spots are on the smaller side, so we had a bit of trouble finding one that could fit our motorhome, but it was worth it," reports a camper at South Fork Snoqualmie River.
Road hazards: Unpaved access roads present risks to RV undercarriages. "We made it fine in our 26ft class c, but the big sharp-edged rocks were concerning to drive over. And when we left we found a giant rock wedged between the two back tires," warns a visitor to Kachess Lake Lakebed.
Bridge access: Some areas have single-lane bridges limiting larger vehicle access. "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," advises a Ranger Creek visitor.
