Dispersed camping near Redmond, Washington offers primitive options throughout the Snoqualmie National Forest, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet. Free camping spots can be found along forest roads, many requiring high-clearance vehicles due to unmaintained access points. During summer months, temperatures typically range between 60-80°F during the day and 40-50°F at night.
What to do
Explore river access spots: Several sites along Old Cascades Highway Dispersed provide water access. "We could walk to the river and sit by it for the evening before heading back to the car to sleep," notes one visitor who enjoyed the peaceful setting.
Hike to alpine lakes: Many dispersed camping areas serve as gateways to mountain lakes. At Annette Lake, "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."
Berry picking: Summer months offer foraging opportunities in the Skykomish area. A camper mentions the "Fantastic berry picking & great views (when there is no smoke)" found along Highway 2 east to Stevens Pass, making for a productive afternoon activity.
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Many free camping areas near Redmond feature water proximity. At Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp, visitors appreciate the "Meandering sites along the river with good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks."
Cell service in remote areas: Unlike many backcountry locations, some dispersed sites maintain connectivity. A camper at Keechelus Lake described it as a "Sweet spot with uber PNW vibes (water, tree lines, mountains, etc.). I love any spot where I can camp free and safely at night and wake up early to paddleboard a few hundred feet away."
Natural water features: Multiple dispersed camping areas feature creeks and small waterfalls. One camper at Old Cascades Highway noted "the sound of the waterfalls drowns it all out" when describing how the natural noise blocked traffic sounds.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some free camping areas close during specific periods. Keechelus Lake implements closures "when water gets below 2840 ft to protect the fish they close the road and no camping is permitted."
Road condition challenges: Many access roads to free camping near Redmond require appropriate vehicles. A camper at Beckler Creek Dispersed Camping mentioned "Various dispersed camping spots along the road and up the forest service roads. There are some really sweet spots along the road with water access."
Weekend crowding: Summer weekends see high demand at most accessible sites. One visitor noted that at Old Cascades Highway, "there are no fewer than 9 campsites within less than a mile either side of the bridge," but they fill quickly during peak periods.
Environmental concerns: Many dispersed sites show impacts from heavy use. A camper reported having to "clean up a lot of trash" at Beckler Creek and reminds others to "please pack out your own trash and follow other leave no trace rules."
Tips for camping with families
Safety awareness: Some dispersed sites present natural hazards requiring supervision. At South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site, one visitor cautions "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."
Timing visits: For family trips, weekday camping offers better site selection. At South Fork Snoqualmie River, "if you keep going down the road you'll find plenty of quiet and private places" according to experienced visitors.
Bug preparation: Summer months bring increased insect activity. One camper mentioned "there are plenty of mosquitoes" at several sites, recommending families pack appropriate repellent, especially for evening hours.
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Many dispersed sites have challenging access roads. At Old Cascades Highway, a van camper warns about "a big rock right in the turn down to the site. We were in a Sprinter rental (extended) and we made it around it, so it's do-able. I would suggest to get out of the van and look before attempting."
Limited large vehicle sites: Most free camping areas near Redmond accommodate smaller rigs only. "It was hard to find a large enough spot that was also level to park our van," noted one RVer at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed, adding that the "road is paved, so no worries about destroying a tire."
Alternate parking strategies: Some RVers create their own solutions when standard sites won't work. One camper with an 18-foot travel trailer found South Fork Snoqualmie workable, noting "I've come in twice on a Saturday afternoon and have been able to find an open spot."
