Best Dispersed Camping near Renton, WA

Several dispersed camping locations exist near Renton, Washington, primarily in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site offers numerous primitive camping spots along forest roads, with sites typically situated in wooded areas. Other dispersed options include White River Dispersed Camping, Annette Lake, Carbon River, and Keechelus Lake. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis without formal facilities or designated campsite boundaries.

Many access roads to these dispersed sites feature rough terrain with potholes that may require vehicles with higher clearance. The South Fork Snoqualmie River area specifically has unpaved roads that can become muddy after rain. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as toilets, running water, or trash service, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Fires are permitted at most locations except Lake Dorothy and North Snoqualmie Fork, though fire restrictions may apply during dry summer months. Camping is generally free, with most areas requiring a Northwest Forest Pass or similar permit.

These dispersed camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and natural experiences. South Fork Snoqualmie River sites feature old-growth forest settings with some locations near water. Sites fill quickly on weekends, particularly during summer months. While roadway noise from nearby highways affects some areas, many campers appreciate the forest environment. Campers should be prepared for potential wildlife encounters and changing weather conditions. "Unfortunately, most sites are pretty trashed," noted one visitor to South Fork Snoqualmie River, though they still found it "a pretty area and a good location." Another camper mentioned that the area has "very cool spots with new generation trees growing out of old generation stumps, close to river for water."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Renton, Washington (34)

    1. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    18 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 888-1421

    "Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn’t recommend driving down it without good ground clearance."

    "PLEASE LEAVE NO TRACE! Other wise we really enjoyed a quick night away in our van."

    2. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 884-1944

    $12 / night

    "Simple, small, peaceful campground with pit toilets and potable water. Mid week after Labor Day, I had my choice of sites arriving in late afternoon."

    "We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."

    3. White River Dispersed Camping

    24 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 825-6585

    "Right outside the entrance to Mt."

    "If you come here you must leave no trace."

    4. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 783-6000

    "We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out."

    "We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out."

    5. Annette Lake

    3 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 888-1421

    $5 / night

    "Hike was definitely challenging for middle aged man but I made it and my 10 year old did too (albeit after handing his backpack to dad to carry)."

    "We hiked in to Annette Lake to test out some new backpacking gear as we’re just getting into backpacking - it was great!"

    6. Carbon River

    4 Reviews
    Carbonado, WA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 270-7504

    "My fiance' and I are sleeping in a tent and it has rained a lot but if you go into the woods, you can still find dry branches for starting a fire."

    "I go every year, but unfortunately the only bridge to gain access to camping is closed until further notice"

    7. Keechelus Lake

    7 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    38 miles

    "Great spot to land after long day of driving."

    "Super easy to drive up to the lake and camp, have a fire, hang out and explore!"

    8. Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    48 miles

    "Just a couple miles East of Skykomish, up a paved road, the campsite is just before you go over the bridge on your right and had enough room for high clearance vehicles to pull into it and smaller cars"

    "The one directly on the south side of the bridge is 4wd access only because of the big rocks protruding into the road bed."

    9. Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off

    3 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    40 miles

    "There were many spots right next to the stream. There was a fire ban during our stay but there are many fire pits at each site."

    "Lots of pull offs spots on FS Rd 73 but this spot is very open and it’s the one the GPS guided me to from The Dyrt site."

    10. Lake Dorothy

    2 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    38 miles
    Website

    "The lake is ice cold, which is nice if you’re just finished a hot hike in. There are some areas sort of cleared for camping, that have clearly been used before."

    "Easy stair stopped trail; a bit harder with a 40# pack. Lots of camp sites to choose from, but the one on the far shore of the lake is my fav. Great for groups. Primitive toilets along the way."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Renton, WA

127 Reviews of 34 Renton Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Riverside perfection

    Plenty of sites along the river with multiple ingress/egress options from the road. Right outside the entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park and the access road to Crystal Mountain. 

    4x4 / high clearance vehicles recommended - saw some subarus trying to navigate into a cleared area and it was pretty scrape-y. 

    Great place to stay if you can't get a spot at White River / Ohanapecosh.

    Leave no trace.

  • Theresa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    Repulsive

    Every dispersed campground we checked along this road (maybe five or so) was littered with human feces and toilet paper everywhere. We found a literal bucket of human waste beside the river with a soiled pool noodle nearby I can only assume was being used as a toilet seat. Please, if you care about keeping nature wild, carry out your toilet paper and dig a cathole or use the outhouse in the campground. If you don’t know what a cathole is, you should probably should not being using dispersed camping and try the campground down the road. We ended up staying at the campground because we couldn’t find dispersed camping where there wasn’t poop and had a positive experience there. Leave no trace!! 

    https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    Not for Us, But We'd Try Again

    We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out. There were lots and lots of other campers there, lots of camo, lots of large pickup trucks that don’t slow down on gravel roads, lots of “don’t tread on me” flags. 

    We drove to the end where the bathroom is and decided to turn around, though it seems that the camp spots do continue after that point. This was on a Saturday, in all fairness, so the vibe might be different during the week. 

    It’s a 14 day stay limit, and other than the toilets there are no other amenities, so please pack out your trash. At the entrance it says that the following passes are honored: Annual Northwest Forest Pass, Golden Eagle Passport, and Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass. However, at the bathrooms, there’s another sign that says a $5 day use fee required. Doesn’t make sense that camping is free with certain passes but for day use it’s a $5 fee, but since we weren’t staying we didn’t look much into it. No ATV or off road riding here. 

    Cell signal was very weak for Verizon and non-existent for ATT. Giving it 4 stars instead of 3 because it wasn't so bad that I wouldn't be willing to check it out again the next time we're in the area.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    Not for us, but we would try again.

    We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out. There were lots and lots of other campers there, lots of camo, lots of large pickup trucks that don’t slow down on gravel roads, lots of “don’t tread on me” flags. We drove to the end where the bathroom is and decided to turn around, though it seems that the camp spots do continue after that point. This was on a Saturday, in all fairness, so the vibe might be different during the week. 

    It’s a 14 day stay limit, and other than the toilets there are no other amenities, so please pack out your trash. At the entrance it says that the following passes are honored: Annual Northwest Forest Pass, Golden Eagle Passport, and Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass. However, at the bathrooms, there’s another sign that says a $5 day use fee required. Doesn’t make sense that camping is free with certain passes but for day use it’s a $5 fee, but since we weren’t staying we didn’t look much into it. No ATV or off road riding here. 

    Cell signal was very weak for Verizon and non-existent for ATT. Giving it 4 stars instead of 3 because it wasn't so bad that I wouldn't be willing to check it out again the next time we're in the area.

  • Parker C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2025

    South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    Pretty neat spot

    Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn’t recommend driving down it without good ground clearance. There are a number of established sites where you can pull off the road and drive back into the woods a bit. And I had cell service everywhere!

  • Megan C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2017

    Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    Crowded yet Cozy

    Ipsut Creek Campground is a relatively easy 5 mile trek or bike ride with a 700’ elevation gain, down a closed road (due to the road wash out about 3 miles in) to a wooded campground nestled along the Carbon River.

    Located at the trailhead are two bathrooms, a covered picnic area and a handful of parking stalls with additional parking located along the road. 

    The trail begins behind the closed gates into the shade of the old growth forest. The trail then alternates between the shade of the forest and sunny skys with river views and wildflowers along the way.

    There are a few side trips off the main Carbon River Trail even before reaching the Ipsut Creek Camp;

    1. Mini Rainforest Loop, 0.25 miles

    2. Old Mine Trail, 0.6 miles round trip

    3. Green Lake & Ranger Falls trail, 3.6 miles round trip

    Note: Sadly, the trail to Chenuis Falls has washed out, so now there is just a log bridge into the water to nowhere.

    Once you reach the campground, it has about 20 campsites with about half the sites located on the river. We were lucky enough to swoop up site number 15 though, strangely, another family decided to share it with us for our easy river front access.  Thankfully the river is pretty loud and drowned out the noise of our close campers. We did choose to camp on the high-profile weekend of the 4th of July, so all the cool campsites along the river were obviously full, which is why we think we had “friends” join us. There was a large fallen tree sort of splitting the camp site in half, so we took the left half, with the smaller 1 picnic table option, while the strangers took the right half with 2 picnic tables. 

    The trees in camp are great for setting up hammocks. We set up a hammock triangle upon arrival in camp near the river for lazy afternoon naps. My siblings both slept in their hammocks fulltime, while my husband and I set up a tent in a small clearing on the opposite side of the picnic table, closer to the bear lockers (bear lockers are a huge plus, meaning a bear canister isn’t necessary if you’re not heading deeper into the backcountry). 

    The campground had a decent amount of wildlife running around.  We had a number of chipmunks running around our camp cleaning up any scraps left daily; we found a live mouse chilling in a water bottle one morning upon setting up for breakfast, and deer came through the camp just about anytime it was quiet.  

    The campground does have two restrooms but they smell like the bog of eternal stench, so bring strong essential oils, a scented hanky, or a shovel to dig cat tracks in the woods far from camp and water sources. 

    The campground is a good base camp to explore the surrounding Carbon Glacier/ Mowich Lake area. We visited Ipsut Falls, which was less than a half mile round trip out of camp, making for a sweet little trip to break up the day in camp. 

    We also chose to make the adventure up to the Suspension Bridge and to the Carbon Glacier view point. Our morning started off cool in heavy fog, which burned off throughout the day, giving way to magnificent views of the mountain and glacier. The trail was covered in wildflowers, cairns, creeks and mini waterfalls. It made for a beautiful day trip out of camp with plenty of opportunities to go further into the backcountry closer to Winthrop Glacier, out to Tolmie peak area or back out along the Wonderland Trail. Backcountry options seemed endless. 

    Though the trail and camp (and site) were crowded, the hike to the glacier made the entire trip worth our cozy campsite. The Carbon Glacier is a bit dirty looking but to be standing in front of something so ancient and magnificent is truly amazing.  My husband, sister and I have now added a new item to our bucket lists and that is to see as many glaciers as we can before they melt, here’s to our first. =) 

    Note: The campground is located within Mount Rainier National Park (no pets are allowed) so you’ll need to stop by the Carbonado Ranger Station for a Wilderness Permit and National Park Day Pass or Annual Permit to display for parking. No campfires within the campground.

  • Sara J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    Beckler creek riverside

    Nice large campsite near the water. There were many campsites along the road. I had to clean up a lot of trash when it got here. Please pack out your own trash and follow other leave no trace rules. The campfire was awesome

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2023

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Secluded Spot

    This road was pretty hard to find but we’ll worth it. Spot was secluded even though there seemed to be two other groups camping at the site. There was an obnoxious amount of used toilet paper in the area but it was avoidable. If you come here you must leave no trace.

  • Ginger M.
    Jul. 8, 2024

    South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    Quick easy getaway

    Went up at the end of 4th of July weekend. Found a great spot but it was apparent that the group before us used everywhere to go to the bathroom and covered it with paper towels. PRO TIP: make the hole first for when you need it and you want have any excuse not to use it! PLEASE LEAVE NO TRACE! Other wise we really enjoyed a quick night away in our van.


Guide to Renton

Dispersed camping near Renton, Washington offers varied elevations from 1,500 to 3,000 feet in surrounding national forests. The terrain features dense evergreen forests with undergrowth that can limit visibility between campsites. Most areas receive significant rainfall from October through April, creating muddy conditions on forest roads after storms.

What to do

Explore hiking trails: Near White River Dispersed Camping, campers can access multiple day hikes. "The second night, I managed to find a spot tucked super far in that had a small private beach. It was farther from the road so you couldn't see or hear anything," shares Corbanzo B.

Fish in mountain streams: The rivers flowing through these camping areas provide fishing opportunities. At South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site, one camper noted, "I travel and work remotely so I'm always looking for free places that have cell reception and this place hits the jackpot... it's very nice to feel like you have your own slice of the mossy old growth forest."

Watch small aircraft: At Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed camping, you can observe recreational pilots. "This is 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 Annie C.

What campers like

Remote creek access: Campers appreciate spots along waterways. At Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off, Pika S. comments, "Lots of great creekside campsites along Huckleberry Creek with small swimming spots and fire pits to enjoy."

Natural soundscapes: Many campers value the white noise from nearby water. At Old Cascades Highway Dispersed, one camper shared, "Enjoyed the sounds of the waterfall/river all night, never heard a single car."

Camping without reservations: The first-come system appeals to spontaneous travelers. One visitor to Ranger Creek noted, "It's a 14 day stay limit, and other than the toilets there are no other amenities, so please pack out your trash."

What you should know

Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between dispersed camping areas. One camper at White River Dispersed Camping mentioned, "Cell signal was very weak for Verizon and non-existent for ATT."

Increasing crowds: Popularity of dispersed camping continues to grow near Renton. A camper at Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed noted, "There are roughly 40 sites spread out along a long narrow loop, with some walk in sites... It was a little confusing. AND IT'S ON AN ACTIVE AIRSTRIP!!"

Seasonal closures: Some areas close during specific periods. At Keechelus Lake, a camper warned, "Says when water gets below 2840 ft to protect the fish they close the road and no camping is permitted."

Tips for camping with families

Choose managed sites for facilities: Families often prefer areas with basic amenities. At Joemma Beach State Park Campground, a camper advised, "If you like simple camping, this is a great place. There are about 16 campsites and you can walk down to the beach area. It is dog friendly, and they should be on leash."

Pack extra toilet paper: Facility maintenance can be inconsistent. One camper at Joemma Beach reported, "Toilet was near by but it ran out of toilet paper next morning due to high number of people camping overnight."

Consider safety issues: Some areas present specific hazards. At South Fork Snoqualmie River, a visitor warned, "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."

Tips from RVers

Ground clearance matters: Forest roads can damage low-clearance vehicles. At White River Dispersed, a camper advised, "The road can be a bit thin, so I would be careful with extra large vehicles. It is also a bit of a challenging road, so low clearance vehicles wouldn't be treated well."

Look for level parking: Finding suitable RV spots takes patience. At Old Cascades Highway, one camper noted, "It was hard to find a large enough spot that was also level to park our van. There was some traffic on the road, and a great bonus is that the road is paved, so no worries about destroying a tire."

Check bridge clearances: Some access points have restrictions. At Ranger Creek, an RVer noted, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Renton?

Free dispersed camping options near Renton can be found in the surrounding national forests. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed offers numerous sites at $5/night with dry camping and pit toilets. For a more secluded experience, South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site provides established sites tucked into wooded areas right off the highway, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended due to rough access roads. Most dispersed sites in the area require following leave-no-trace principles, and many are accessible within a 1-2 hour drive from Renton.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Renton?

Dispersed camping sites around Renton typically offer minimal amenities. Silver Springs Sno Park features a large gravel parking area just outside Mt. Rainier National Park, accessible by RVs (though caution is needed for potholes), but has zero to weak cell reception. Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek provides sites near water but no facilities. Most dispersed sites have established fire rings and natural surroundings but lack running water, electricity, or garbage service. Pack out all trash, bring your own water, and be prepared with portable toilet solutions as most sites don't have restroom facilities.

Are there any free riverside camping spots near Renton?

White River Dispersed Camping offers numerous free sites along the river, conveniently located near the entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park and Crystal Mountain access road. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for navigating to the clearings. For a different experience, Ipsut Creek Camp sits along the Carbon River after a 5-mile trek or bike ride with 700' elevation gain. The campground is nestled in woods alongside the river, providing a peaceful riverside experience. Both locations require adherence to leave-no-trace principles, and campers should be prepared for primitive conditions without running water or facilities.