Dispersed camping options around Randle, Washington include numerous sites along Forest Service roads that rarely require reservations. Most locations sit between 1,800 and 3,500 feet elevation in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Winter snow often closes access roads from November through April, with summer bringing drier conditions but increased competition for prime spots.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Cora Lake Back Country offers secluded camping with excellent hiking opportunities. One visitor noted the accessibility: "Walked up for a night. Youngest was 11. Told the kids it was a 2 hour walk. Did it in under an hour." The 3-mile trail to the lake makes this a good option for families with older children.
River access: Many dispersed sites along forest roads provide river access for fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying the water. At NF Big Dispersed Camping Spot, campers can find "a lot of space" near roads with "almost no traffic in the evening," making it easier to enjoy the nearby waterways without constant noise.
Wildlife viewing: Forest areas around Randle support diverse wildlife including deer, elk, and numerous bird species. The Wakepish Sno-Park area serves as a good staging area, with one visitor noting it has a "large parking area" and is a "great option if you leave St. Helens late and can't make it to town."
What campers like
Mountain views: Small Site but Million $ View delivers exactly what its name promises. A camper confirmed: "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."
Creek sounds: Many campers appreciate the natural white noise of flowing water. At National Forest 84, one reviewer mentioned "the sound of the creek is soothing overnight" with "multiple beautiful spots in the same area."
Solitude: Free camping near Randle means finding spots away from crowds. One camper at Small Site but Million $ View noted that despite rough road conditions, the payoff is worth it: "Views are amazing" and the spot remains relatively undiscovered due to access challenges.
What you should know
Road conditions: Most forest roads leading to dispersed sites have potholes and rough sections. A visitor to National Forest 84 warned the road is "full of potholes, maybe wouldn't recommend if you have a old/low to the ground/2 wheel drive car."
Variable site quality: Experiences differ dramatically between sites. Some locations offer pristine camping while others have accumulated trash. A National Forest 84 camper reported: "every single site along road was chalk full of trash. but it was beautiful other than that!"
Limited facilities: Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot typifies the no-frills nature of dispersed camping near Randle. While the spot is "nice and was quiet," it sits alongside private property with "no-trespassing" signs that some campers find "kinda creepy."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families, consider spots with shorter access routes. Cora Lake works well since the hike is manageable for children: "Camped on the right hand shore as it basked in the morning sun," providing a warmer camping experience for little ones.
Pack entertainment: With limited amenities, bringing activities for children helps. The Cora Lake area offers natural entertainment: "Tons and tons of frogs and tadpoles which meant no bugs!" making wildlife observation an activity in itself.
Weather preparation: Dome Camp demonstrates how quickly conditions can change. A camper described how "Low cloud fronts built strength at the Whittier Ridge and slowly crept over and down into the valley," creating dramatic weather shifts requiring appropriate gear.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot, a camper with a 29-foot RV advised: "easy to get there but take it slow (take a right turn from the 48th first road)."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most free camping areas near Randle. Small Site but Million $ View campers note the spot "isn't very large" and "could fit around 1-2 tents but would be tricky bringing more than one car."
Cell service: Connectivity varies widely across the region. Sluice Creek Dispersed Spot offers "Good Verizon reception," while other areas have no service at all, requiring offline maps and preparation.
