Best Dispersed Camping near Ridgefield, WA
Gifford Pinchot National Forest provides several free dispersed camping options within an hour's drive of Ridgefield, with Canyon Creek offering numerous primitive sites along rough forest roads. Access requires navigating approximately 5 miles of challenging gravel roads that may become difficult after rain. According to one visitor, "The road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it." Sites are typically flat with room for tents and some vehicles, though limited space exists for larger rigs.
Mount St. Helens dispersed camping areas and spots along Little Soda Springs Road provide additional options for those seeking more remote experiences. Most sites lack facilities—no toilets, water, or trash service—though fire rings exist at established spots. Visitors should prepare for variable conditions and bring essential supplies. Cell service is minimal throughout the region. As one camper noted about Forest Road 81 sites, "It's plenty big to accommodate a few trucks/cars and one, maybe two towable trailers. The area has no trails, so you would not have to worry about people wandering into the campsite."
