Best Dispersed Camping near Rockport, WA
Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Rockport? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Rockport, WA (16)
1. NF Dispersed Camping
Marblemount, Washington6 Reviews•8 Photos•463 SavesHas a fire ring made of stones.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
2. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
Concrete, Washington4 Reviews•11 Photos•364 SavesDispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities and local restrictions, please contact the nearest ranger district office.
Rules for Dispersed Camping These rules apply to car camping and backpacking
You may camp in a dispersed area in an individual Ranger District for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move to another Ranger District or off the National Forest until the 30 days has elapsed. Do not blaze new roads to campsites, create new campsites, clear ground, cut or harm vegetation or construct a trail. Do not drive beyond constructed physical barriers, such as berms or gates.
Do not drive through streams or wetlands to access a camp. If campfires are legal in your location and you choose to have a campfire, pick a site with an existing fire pit. Do not create new fire pits. Make sure your campfire is always attended and is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave your site. Fires may be restricted or banned based on the fire danger rating. Follow Leave No Trace principles and come prepared to “Pack it in. Pack it out.” Pack all trash home. Dispose of human waste in a sanitary manner. In high use locations, areas above tree line and snow-covered areas it is not possible to bury human waste in a sanitary manner. It will need to be packed out and disposed of at home using a wag bag, blue bag, portable toilet or another Leave No Trace approved method.
Do not block roads or gates. Keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store items in your vehicle or use a wildlife resistant storage canister. Failure to follow regulations can lead to legal consequences. Additional Forest rules and links to report crimes can be found on our Law Enforcement page.- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
Concrete, Washington2 Reviews•8 Photos•161 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
4. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington3 Reviews•13 Photos•119 SavesWhat is Dispersed Camping? Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities and local restrictions, please contact the nearest ranger district office.
Rules for Dispersed Camping These rules apply to car camping and backpacking
You may camp in a dispersed area in an individual Ranger District for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move to another Ranger District or off the National Forest until the 30 days has elapsed. Do not blaze new roads to campsites, create new campsites, clear ground, cut or harm vegetation or construct a trail. Do not drive beyond constructed physical barriers, such as berms or gates.
Do not drive through streams or wetlands to access a camp. If campfires are legal in your location and you choose to have a campfire, pick a site with an existing fire pit. Do not create new fire pits. Make sure your campfire is always attended and is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave your site. Fires may be restricted or banned based on the fire danger rating. Follow Leave No Trace principles and come prepared to “Pack it in. Pack it out.” Pack all trash home. Dispose of human waste in a sanitary manner. In high use locations, areas above tree line and snow-covered areas it is not possible to bury human waste in a sanitary manner. It will need to be packed out and disposed of at home using a wag bag, blue bag, portable toilet or another Leave No Trace approved method.
Do not block roads or gates. Keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store items in your vehicle or use a wildlife resistant storage canister. Failure to follow regulations can lead to legal consequences. Additional Forest rules and links to report crimes can be found on our Law Enforcement page.- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Market
5. South Fork Sauk River
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington1 Review•20 Photos•107 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
6. US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass
Baring, Washington4 Reviews•2 Photos•175 SavesTraveling along Highway 2, enter the center of the forest along the Skykomish River, a rafting adventurers' dream. Grab your skis! In just two hours you will be gliding down the slopes at Stevens Pass Ski Area. Check in at the Stevens Pass Historic District for an overview of the area's colorful railroad and mining past. Recreation Area Map National Scenic Byway
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
$50 / night
8. Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County
La Conner, Washington3 Reviews•16 Photos•69 SavesA quick paddle or boat ride will get you to Hope Island State Park between La Conner and Whidbey Island on Skagit Bay. Once on the island, quiet hikes through forest and wildland meadows will charm you and relieve your stress.
Boaters know this park as a great place to tie up and take in the sunset or sunrise, but many come ashore and pitch a tent at one of Hope Island's primitive campsites.
Whether you arrive on a luxury boat, by the power of your arms and shoulders, or anything in between, you'll feel far from your daily routine and deserving of this island time.
PARK FEATURES Hope Island Marine State Park is a 181-acre marine park with six campsites, two mooring buoys, lovely beaches and a trail across the island. Most of the island is a nature preserve, and visitors are asked to stay on established trails and in designated campsites.
The park offers six primitive campsites on the north shore bay. The pay station is near the eastern campsite. A vault toilet is in the woods 100-feet south of the campsites. The rest of the island is a Natural Area Preserve, off limits to recreational use. Standard primitive campsite rules apply.The overnight parking fee is in effect at Cornet Bay boat launch.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Rockport
24 Reviews of 16 Rockport Campgrounds
- H
Haley F.
Scout
Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
Quiet camp with great views
Arrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s. Very small, quiet, stunning campground. Felt safe. We have a rooftop tent, not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in. Mostly open, some sites in the forest. Had one bar of Verizon service. Would stay again!
- BBella M.
Traveler
NF Dispersed Camping
Perfect
This area was perfect! Took a nice stroll along the road after dinner. Didn’t really run into any other campers.
- HHaley S.Scout
Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
Great spot on the lake
We found an amazing site right on the lake, with great views and it was fairly quiet. There were a couple people who decided to have campfires despite the statewide burn ban in effect, which was a bit of a bummer. Despite that, great campground with toilets, picnic table, fire ring (when allowed), and lots of trees for hammocking. Loved our weekend here!
- DDouglas H.Scout
Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
Plenty of spots
If you think all the spots are taken, keep driving. So many spots along Baker Lake Road.
Late July, there’s a lot of partying on the lake. It’s not so bad but you’ll definitely hear people having fun.
- BBella M.Traveler
NF Dispersed Camping
Bacon Point
Beautiful spot near the water also has some more secluded spots if wanted. Didn’t see too many people. And had no issues picking a spot to car camp. Definitely recommend.
Bobby J.
Ranger
Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
Coordinates off
The directions had me believing that the dispersed camping was just various pull offs on the highway loop and that’s where I stayed. It was loud and it felt like the traffic was coming through my tent at times. After driving to North Cascades I discovered that there was real dispersed camping on that road but probably 45 minutes to an hour past where the coordinates took you. Once the highway turned into a gravel road is when I started seeing nice dispersed campsites
- MMimi N.
GuideBaker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite
Incredible View
It’s free! Beautiful view. Very serene. No facilities! The drive in is easy.
Sara J.Scout
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
Jamie E.ScoutMountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
Peaceful
Easy to find and peaceful next to the river. No noise from the road.
Jennifer H.
LegendMountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
Sites just off the gravel portion of the mountain loop
Easy enough to access right off the mountain loop highway. Meandering sites along the river with good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks. Heavily forested and beautiful.
- Jennifer H.Legend
South Fork Sauk River
Remote, no services, easy enough to access, beautiful
Half way along the mountain loop highway you encounter numerous spacious tent sites with fire rings and gorgeous river & Mountain View camp grounds.
- OOrsolyaTraveler
Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
Beautiful spot
We was there during the week and we could to find a free spot easily.
Just turn right after the Horseshoe Cove CG. It’s a unpaved road, go until the lake. Has a toilet and 10ish campsites with fireplaces and tables.
- JJessica M.Traveler
Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp
Great free spot on Baker Lake
Loved this free campground on Baker Lake near mt baker, WA! Take the first turn after horseshoe cove campground and follow the gravel road all the way to the lake.
Lots of spots with tables and fire rings, some spots have nice tent pads. Some sites are marked and some are not. There’s a single pit toilet and no running water. Seems like a pretty popular spot but we were able to get a site mid week at the end of August.
Parking for some of the spots is not the best but we were still able to car camp comfortably. Will definitely be staying here again!
Theresa K.ScoutDispersed 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
- ZZac S.Scout
NF Dispersed Camping
Deep in the woods
Really deep into the woods. Driveway is a little rough but I made it in a car. All the other paid campsites were packed but found a few open spots here on the 4th of July weekend. Right next to the river! This app is great. Never would have found this!
Russel M.ScoutNF Dispersed Camping
Beautiful
No rain while I was there but I dont imagine it would get too muddy/sloppy. The road does have minimal gravel lining it. (CLEARANCE NEEDED - around the same amount as the Subaru line of vehicles or greater - 4wd not necessary)
Beautiful area, small town nearby where you could likely pick up a few things. I didnt stop. Gas station nearby.
There is a fast flowing stream with crystal clear water. Quiet mountain/forest area. No sounds of civilization. Multiple turnouts/improvised camping spaces. Keep driving till you find one you like. Easy to access the creak bank at any point along the road by walking through a little brush.
Lauren M.RangerNF Dispersed Camping
Great location
The location is amazing!!!! Sadly though the campsites are not well cared for. I stayed at two different sites, one toward the end of the road and one closer to hwy 20. The end of the road spot did require 4wheel drive and higher clearance (suv height), the one closer to hwy 20 could have easily been driven to in a std. car. The river was gorgeous! The further down the road the likelihood you won’t have access to the river (creek). Both sites were straight up trashed! Trash everywhere!!! The site closer to hwy 20 had both trash and food debris (pineapple and coconut shell) everywhere. The tent pad was completely unusable because of trash. This site has a gorgeous water access but again found plastic bags floating on the creek edge. The site further down was littered with toilet paper and a huge polystyrene cooler full of “waste” so gross. I just used these spots as jumping off point for my hikes in the cascades and I slept in my car so it was a fine stay both times.
- RRaphael M.Traveler
NF Dispersed Camping
Quiet, secluded, good hangout spot.
This site will be on your right as you drive up NF-1062. someone made a firepit using stones, it will be easy to spot.
This was my very first dispersed camping that i did with my dog. will comeback if i drive by or something.
- TTrevorTraveler
Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek
Dispersed camping along Beckler Creek
Found this sweet spot a little bit ago. 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.
- KKyla M.Scout
US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass
Awesome Dispersed spots
Beat the crowd! Summer time , everyone’s camping. Prepare yourself for biting flies that wont leave you alone. Haha!
- DDuane and Janey D.Traveler
Pine Lake Campground
Busy with walkers
Cute sites, but you will be interrupted 500 times a day with walkers who use the trail and want to go straight through your site.
- Josiah P.Guide
US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass
Berries & Views
Fantastic berry picking & great views (when there is no smoke).
- Nikki R.Guide
US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass
Skykomish
Skylomish is a fairly short drive away from the city but towards the mountains. You have a great view of the water in some places and it’s still pretty peaceful and quiet. The only noise you’d probably hear is the trains and the cars passing on highway 2.
Karina J.TravelerUS Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass
A Quiet Escape
Our favorite camp spots are right on the water, and most spots you'll find here deliver - creeks run through the (what seems to be) endless forest, trees provide shade and lovely hammock set ups, and most spots are separate from others giving you a private, relaxing experience. Hike out to Blanca Lake!
Guide to Rockport
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rockport, Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- The NF Dispersed Camping area offers breathtaking views deep in the woods, with easy access to a flowing river, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts.
- Campers at Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp can enjoy picturesque lake and mountain views, providing a stunning backdrop for a peaceful getaway.
- For those looking for a serene experience, the Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite features incredible views and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for unwinding in nature.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Rockport
- Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails accessible from Eldorado Peak Alpine Camp, where the rugged terrain offers challenging hikes and stunning vistas.
- Fishing and swimming are popular activities at Baker Lake Horse Camp, where the clear waters provide a refreshing escape during the warmer months.
- Campers at Hard Creek Bridge can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking and wildlife watching, thanks to its prime location near the river.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Rockport, Washington
- Always pack out what you pack in; many areas like Old Quarry by Sulphur Creek have been affected by litter, so it's essential to leave no trace.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Baker Hot Springs does not offer drinking water or toilets, so bring your own supplies.
- Check for permit requirements before heading out; places like Suiattle Riverside Camp may require permits for camping, ensuring a more organized experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rockport, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rockport, WA is NF Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Rockport, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Rockport, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.