Best Dispersed Camping near Seattle, WA

The Emerald City is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier cities and a popular place to stop. While the city doesn’t offer many camping or RV options, it’s rich in amenities and is a great visit on your way to any of Washington’s parks.

The best camping near Seattle is on Blake Island State Park, though it’s only accessible by boat. If that doesn’t bother you, the park is a beautiful place to be during summer evenings. Seattle tends to be a popular stop for travelers heading to campsites in Olympic National Park near Port Angeles, WA. The surrounding Olympic National Forest is also a great choice if you can’t get one of the campgrounds you were hoping for at Olympic.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Seattle, Washington (14)

    1. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    39 Photos
    266 Saves
    Lakebay, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $12 / night

    2. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    14 Reviews
    66 Photos
    440 Saves
    Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    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
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    3. Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    63 Saves
    Lilliwaup, Washington

    Dispersed camping is allowed along Forest Service roads in WA as long as there is adequate space to park off the roadway safely and not on any vegetation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    4. NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    20 Photos
    173 Saves
    Lilliwaup, Washington

    Dispersed camping is the term used for camping outside of a developed campground. If you enjoy selecting your own campsite, providing your own amenities, creating your own experience, and camping for FREE, then dispersed camping is for you!

    Campsite

    Choose a campsite screened from roads and trails, and at least 200 feet from water Use a campsite that’s already been established, if possible. If you choose a new site, return the site to its natural condition when you leave Pets

    Your animal friends are welcome to accompany you on your dispersed camping adventure! Fires

    Only burn wood that is already dead and down Always make sure your fire is DEAD OUT and cold to the touch before you leave it Campfires are allowed below 3,500 feet when not otherwise prohibited by fire restrictions Trash

    Store your food & trash properly to keep bears and other wildlife out of your camp Whatever you pack in, PACK IT OUT! Human Waste

    Bury your poo & paper at least 6” deep and at least 200 feet away from any water source

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    5. Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    3 Reviews
    9 Photos
    199 Saves
    Lilliwaup, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    6. Lake Dorothy

    2 Reviews
    76 Saves
    Skykomish, Washington

    A Northwestt Forest Pass (daily/annual) is required for entrance to Dorothy Lake. view more information here: https://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes#northwest-forest-pass-details

    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol

    7. Annette Lake

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    321 Saves
    Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol

    $5 / night

    8. Keechelus Lake

    4 Reviews
    10 Photos
    127 Saves
    Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

    9. Carbon River

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    98 Saves
    Carbonado, Washington

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    10. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    119 Saves
    Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

    What 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
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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Seattle, WA

42 Reviews of 14 Seattle Campgrounds



Guide to Seattle

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Seattle, Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without designated sites.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Seattle

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Hilltop Camp

  • The breathtaking views from Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419 make it a must-visit for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
  • This site offers a first-come, first-served experience, so arrive early to secure a spot and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
  • Be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in the spring, as this location is situated near the snow line.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The picturesque Carbon River area provides ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness, making it a great base for outdoor adventures.
  • Campers can enjoy the tranquility of the river while also having access to various hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views and natural wonders.
  • With plenty of space for tents and RVs, this area is ideal for families and groups looking to experience the beauty of Washington's outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Seattle, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Seattle, WA is Joemma Beach State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Seattle, WA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Seattle, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.