Best Dispersed Camping near Roslyn, WA

Multiple dispersed camping areas exist near Roslyn, Washington in the Wenatchee-Okanogan National Forest, primarily along waterways including the Cle Elum River, Kachess Lake, and the Salmon la Sac corridor. These primitive sites are situated on public land with varying accessibility, offering campers backcountry experiences without developed facilities. Popular dispersed camping locations include French Cabin Creek Recreation Area, Salmon la Sac Road, Kachess Lake areas, and Cabin Creek, all within 30 minutes of Roslyn.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, with many campers reporting rough, rocky terrain that may challenge low-clearance vehicles. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching deeper forest sites, particularly at Kachess Lake and French Cabin Creek. Camping areas typically lack amenities such as running water, restrooms, or trash service, following standard "pack it in, pack it out" protocols. Seasonal fire restrictions are common during summer months, with strictly enforced bans typically from July through September due to high fire danger. Permits are required for most dispersed sites in this region.

The dispersed camping areas near Roslyn provide direct access to water recreation, with sites often located along rivers and lakes. Many areas accommodate tent and small RV camping with natural clearings for vehicles. Campers should be prepared for potentially crowded conditions during summer weekends. Several reviews note concerns about site cleanliness. "Mountains of garbage due to no garbage services, and human feces everywhere. Pack it in, pack it out. Respect the land on which you travel, or this too will be closed down," warns one review of Kachess Lake areas. Another camper notes that "The road in was okay at first, but the farther you go the bumper it gets. We didn't have much privacy at camp and there was trash and toilet paper everywhere."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Roslyn, Washington (65)

    1. Kachess Lake Lakebed

    7 Reviews
    Easton, WA
    6 miles

    " Great boondocking. We made it fine in our 26ft class c, but the big sharp-edged rocks were concerning to drive over."

    "Dispersed camping , plenty space but some times overcrowded if temperature is above 80."

    2. French Cabin Creek Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Roslyn, WA
    8 miles
    Website

    "Ranger Review: GCI Waterside Pod Rocker with Sunshade at French Cabin Creek Dispersed Camping

    Camping Review: 5 stars

    We have nothing but love for French Cabin Creek (F.C.C.) dispersed camping"

    "For dispersed camping you gotta get out of the main "campground". Tons of options just off the beaten path."

    3. Salmon la Sac Road Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Roslyn, WA
    9 miles

    "Easy river access from all camp spots. Great trees for hammocks, ect. Would not recommend a low clearance vehicle; big rocks and roots on most roads."

    "there are truly endless amounts of sites along this road- most along the river. they are super fun and each one is pleasantly different. couldn’t recommend this road more for dispersed camping"

    4. Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites

    4 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    12 miles

    "We almost made it to the end of the dirt road before we found a lot with a fire pit that could fit our group of 4."

    "Lots of dispersed camping opportunities leading up to the Rachel Lake Trailhead and the Box Canyon Creek Site on NF-4930. Also many spots on the NF-118 spur, which is where we stayed."

    6. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    18 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    23 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."

    7. Cle Elum River Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Roslyn, WA
    7 miles

    "Definitely insanely rocky but there are spots that are in the dirt that are near the water. Fire pits were around but there was a burn ban in effect. Loved the spot. Stayed for 2 days."

    8. North Fork Teanaway River - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, WA
    13 miles
    Website

    "There are ~5 dispersed campsites on this side road off the main North Fork Teanaway road. Some maps show this side road as "Loop Camp 973725"."

    "We had a nice short walk through a secluded walk in site that led to a rocky river bed. We also had a horse trail across the road that we walked. Lots of wild flowers to enjoy."

    9. Dispersed near Salmon la Sac

    1 Review
    Roslyn, WA
    10 miles

    "Single campsite off the forest service road. No porta potty, no water, no electricity. Could accommodate a group. No picnic table. Not an actual metal fire pit but someone made a rock ring."

    10. Keechelus Lake

    7 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    17 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!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 65 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Roslyn, WA

180 Reviews of 65 Roslyn 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.

  • Ashley V.
    May. 23, 2022

    Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Dispersed Camping on Derby Rd NF7400

    Dispersed campsites along the service road.

    As described, little to no water sources. Private property marked in some areas. Camp sites are just off the road so there is some road dust. In May there was plenty of wood for burning. Do be mindful of burn restrictions later in the season. This area is very popular with mountain bikers and some dirt bikes. Service roads did have some heavily washed out areas and rocks that higher ground clearance and AWD/4WD would be beneficial, but a 2WD car could make it to some sites. Great spot though to camp near Leavenworth Wenatchee area. Verizon phone service was ok, T-Mobile was spotty at best occasionally a message would get through.

  • Ashley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 5, 2020

    Dispersed near Salmon la Sac

    Dispersed near Salmon la Sac

    Single campsite off the forest service road. No porta potty, no water, no electricity. Could accommodate a group. No picnic table. Not an actual metal fire pit but someone made a rock ring. The downside is the shooting pit right below the site. When we were there a family came to shoot but they stopped by our site to let us know beforehand.

  • Cheryl M.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Old Bluett Pass Road Dispersed

    High Elevation Site off Hwy 97N

    Dog wasn’t feeling well so took a chance and went up this USFS mostly paved road. There are lovely views on the trip up and a few roadside areas you could car or van camp in a pinch. Towards the top a couple private roads break off, and just above the now dirt USFS road continues. Here is 1 large, not terribly level, high clearance needed, site with fire ring and lots of parking options.

  • 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!

  • Shay F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2020

    L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

    Beautiful Solitude for Boondocking

    **Ranger Review: Camp Fare Premium Meals at LT Murray Wildlife Area **

    Camping Review: The LT Murray Wildlife Area is located in Thorp, between Cle Elum and Ellensburg. It is often referred to as Elk Heights or Joe Watt Canyon. This is primarily an ORV and horseback riding area in the summer. Hunting and elk feeding/wintering grounds area in the winter. This is also a great area to find elk sheds once wintering season is over. There are plenty of dispersed camping sites along the Forest Service roads. All you need is a Discover Pass and a high clearance, capable vehicle. 

    We were looking for a close by, no reservation, free place to camp for a weekend. I remember riding horses up here as a kid but have not been up to this area for many years. Once you arrive to the Wildlife Area, you must let yourself in the gate and close it after you pass through. From the gate we drove down a rough, rocky road and passed a wide-open meadow where there we a couple other trailers camping, maybe living, along the road. We passed through some very narrow, brush lined roads. It was also steep and rutted with water wash out spots. The rocks that made the road are sharp, large, and loose. We did not go too far as we were not sure what shape the road would be in and did not want to get in a situation with our trailer that we could not get out of. Plug for our Airstream Basecamp. It's advertised as being "built for adventure and tough enough to go anywhere." I think I really believe it now. 

    The spot we chose turned out to be beautiful. We had a view of the Thorp valley and the forested gully and ridge across from us. The stars were out and the comet NEOWISE was visible. We saw large elk, deer, many birds, and were visited by some wild turkeys in the night. It can get very windy in this area. Fires are not allowed due to red flag conditions. There is nothing out here. You must bring everything you need. Food, water, TP, lights. The best part was we saw two other cars, a couple ORV's, and a couple horseback riders total for the 2 days we were there. You can't get any quieter and more unplugged than that! 

    Product Review: Camp Fare Beef Burgundy with Field Vegetables and Chicken Tikka Masala with French Green Lentils

     I ordered these meals a bit short of our last trip and was unable to make them. I was happy I had them saved for our trip up to LT Murray given we traveled quick and light. Camp Fare https://campfare.com/ advertises their food as high quality, delicious, chef-crafted, and ready to eat- no refrigeration required. All you have to do is submerge in hot water for 2-3 minutes, tear open the pouch, and enjoy. Selection is limited but covers all the bases. Beef Burgundy, Chicken Tikka Masala, Wild Alaskan Salmon, and Brown Rice and Red Quinoa with Pink Beans. They all sound great! We had our camp stove and a pot of water but you could probably stuff the pouch into a larger Jet Boil for backpacking too. I chose the Beef and had my partner eat the Chicken. 

    Preparation was as quick and easy as promised. The meals may not look amazing, especially on a plate instead of the pouch or in a bowl, but they really are delicious. The Beef Burgundy was flavorful and tender. The Chicken Tikka Masala was Indian restaurant good, seriously. I would way rather eat these meals than something dehydrated ever again. Looking forward to trying the Salmon and maybe getting the Chicken again for future trips.


Guide to Roslyn

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Roslyn, Washington, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of spots to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors while exploring the stunning landscapes of the region.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Roslyn, Washington

Dispersed campers should check out Salmon la Sac Road

  • This area offers ample space for larger groups and is known for its easy river access, making it a popular choice among campers at Salmon la Sac Road Dispersed Camping.
  • Expect a lively atmosphere on weekends, as many visitors enjoy floating down the river, which can lead to a bustling environment.
  • Be mindful of burn bans during dry seasons, as noted by visitors to Keechelus Lake, where fire restrictions are strictly enforced.

Enjoy hiking and nature exploration while free camping near Roslyn

  • For those looking to combine camping with hiking, Annette Lake provides a challenging hike with rewarding views and access to beautiful alpine scenery.
  • The North Fork Teanaway River area is perfect for those who enjoy wildflowers and river access, as highlighted by campers at North Fork Teanaway River - Dispersed.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping at L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, where sightings of deer and other animals are common in the serene surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Roslyn, WA?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Roslyn. Dispersed near Salmon la Sac offers single campsites off forest service roads with established fire rings. You'll also find numerous sites along North Fork Teanaway River - Dispersed, which provides free camping opportunities. Additional options include the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest areas, particularly along Derby Road (NF7400), and the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area. Most sites lack amenities like toilets or running water, so come prepared with supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Roslyn area?

Dispersed camping in the Roslyn area requires following specific regulations. At Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Dispersed Camping on Derby Rd NF7400, you must observe burn restrictions during fire season and respect private property boundaries, which are clearly marked in some areas. Always camp in established sites, pack out all trash, and properly dispose of human waste at least 200 feet from water sources. Most areas have a 14-day stay limit. In L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, motorized vehicles must stay on designated roads, and seasonal restrictions may apply during wildlife breeding seasons.

Is dispersed camping available year-round near Roslyn?

Dispersed camping availability near Roslyn varies seasonally. Silver Springs Sno Park provides accessible camping in warmer months, but winter access can be challenging due to snow. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site offers year-round options for vehicles with good ground clearance, with unpaved access roads that may deteriorate in wet conditions. Many forest service roads in the area close during winter months due to snow accumulation. Higher elevation sites typically become accessible between May and October, while lower elevation areas may remain open longer depending on weather conditions. Always check current road conditions and forest service alerts before planning winter dispersed camping trips.