Best Dispersed Camping near Sedro-Woolley, WA

Dispersed camping options near Sedro-Woolley, Washington include several primitive sites on public lands with varying amenities and access requirements. Lower Sandy Camp offers basic facilities with pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at Baker Lake. According to reviews, this small campground provides "lake and mountain views" but has limited parking for larger vehicles, with "mostly tent sites that are walk-in." Hope Island Marine State Park requires boat access and features just a few primitive campsites with a vault toilet. The Baker Lake Road area contains numerous free dispersed sites with no facilities but excellent views.

Most dispersed sites in this region require Northwest Forest Passes or appropriate permits. Vehicle access varies significantly between locations. NF Dispersed Camping areas need "clearance similar to Subaru vehicles or greater," as noted by campers, though 4WD is not always necessary. Water availability is limited; most sites have no potable water sources. Fire restrictions are strictly enforced seasonally, particularly during summer months. Campers should check current fire bans before planning trips, as violations carry substantial penalties.

The Mountain Loop Highway corridor provides additional primitive camping opportunities along rivers and in forested areas. These sites typically feature user-built fire rings and minimal amenities. Several campers noted these areas can be "heavily forested and beautiful" with "good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks." Walker Valley ORV Recreation Area allows dispersed camping primarily for off-road vehicle users. Pine Lake Campground offers hike-in sites but experiences heavy foot traffic from day hikers. During peak summer weekends, arrive early to secure spots at popular locations, particularly at waterfront sites.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sedro-Woolley, Washington (16)

    1. Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County

    3 Reviews
    La Conner, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 675-3767

    "Very different, primitive camping. Small island with only 2 sites that I could find. According to the website there were supposed to be more. 1 vault toilet available, picnic table and fire ring."

    "It's a short trip to the island, which is only accessible by boat. I was worried, with only four camping spots, that we wouldn't get one, but we ended up being the only people on the island."

    2. Pine Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Bellingham, WA
    15 miles

    "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."

    4. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    7 Reviews
    Concrete, WA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 854-2553

    "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."

    "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."

    5. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    5 Reviews
    Concrete, WA
    33 miles

    "Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access.

    Pros: free, good views, easy to get to, plenty of spots (even on Labor Day), fire rings."

    "No facilities! The drive in is easy."

    6. NF Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Marblemount, WA
    39 miles

    "(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."

    "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."

    9. NF 33 Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Maple Falls, WA
    32 miles

    10. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 436-1155

    "the better spots were once the road turned to gravel, found a spot by the stream, parked the car to protect us. if staying longer i’d say it’s best to keep going to south fork sauk. but it was nice for"

    "Easy to find and peaceful next to the river. No noise from the road."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sedro-Woolley, WA

32 Reviews of 16 Sedro-Woolley Campgrounds


  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    All things considered, good spot

    Many pull offs along the gravel road. Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access.

    Pros: free, good views, easy to get to, plenty of spots (even on Labor Day), fire rings.

    Cons: some spots have lots of trash (please remember leave no trace), most spots are along the gravel road so there are cars passing by every once in a while and sometimes they go by quite quickly kicking up lots of dust.

    All things considered, pretty good spot and would stay again.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2024

    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!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2023

    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!

  • Russel M.
    Mar. 31, 2023

    NF 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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    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.

  • Jill R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2019

    Point Doughty

    DNR site badly in need of care

    For such a fabulous location, this campground is woefully behind the times. Compared to other Cascade Water Trails locations under the WA State Parks jurisdiction that are clean and now sport awesome composting toilets, Point Doughty under the Department of Natural Resources has a particularly horrible pit toilet that you have to scramble up a bluff to get to. I understand a storm took out the stairs a while back and it's obvious there's been some activity to get stairs rebuilt. However, it's impossible as of this writing to get any gear from the beach to the campsites on the bluff. I wound up camping on the beach as I was in my kayak and there were no other options nearby. Actually the beach was quite pleasant as 2 orca whales cavorted just 100' off and a stellar sea lion, harbor seals and many sea bird varieties provided fantastic entertainment.

  • Bobby J.
    Jul. 21, 2024

    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

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2022

    NF 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.


Guide to Sedro-Woolley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sedro-Woolley, Washington, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Sedro-Woolley

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Baker Lake

  • The Baker Lake Horse Camp is ideal for equestrian enthusiasts looking to ride through picturesque trails while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Baker Hot Springs offers a unique opportunity to relax in natural hot springs surrounded by stunning landscapes.
  • Campers at NF Dispersed Camping can enjoy a peaceful environment with minimal disturbances, making it a great spot for stargazing and connecting with nature.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The breathtaking views at Point Doughty provide a perfect backdrop for photography and wildlife watching, including orca whales and sea lions.
  • Explore the lush surroundings of Suiattle Riverside Camp, where you can enjoy fishing and hiking along the riverbanks.
  • The tranquil atmosphere at Pine Lake Campground allows for peaceful picnics and leisurely walks, making it a great spot for families and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park my RV at dispersed camping sites near Sedro-Woolley?

RV options for dispersed camping near Sedro-Woolley are limited but available. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp offers pull-offs that can accommodate smaller RVs, though noise from highway traffic may be a concern. For a more secluded experience, some areas along Suiattle Riverside Camp can fit smaller to mid-sized RVs. Most dispersed sites in the region have size restrictions and limited turning space, making them better suited for car camping, vans, or truck campers. Hard Creek Bridge specifically notes it's not suitable for RVs. When searching for RV-friendly dispersed sites, arrive early, bring leveling blocks, and scout locations before attempting to park.

Is Baker Lake Road a good spot for dispersed camping near Sedro-Woolley?

Yes, Baker Lake Road is an excellent area for dispersed camping near Sedro-Woolley. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite offers free camping with beautiful, serene views. The drive in is relatively easy, though be aware there are no facilities at these sites. For those seeking a more established dispersed option along this route, check out Hard Creek Bridge, which features a back-in spot best suited for car/van camping rather than RVs. This site is located at a pullout just over the bridge along the main road and offers the pleasant background sound of a babbling creek.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sedro-Woolley?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Sedro-Woolley. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp offers free sites with amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets along Baker Lake. Take the first turn after Horseshoe Cove campground and follow the gravel road to the lake. Another option is NF Dispersed Camping, which provides beautiful waterside spots as well as more secluded areas. This location features minimal gravel roads that require some ground clearance (similar to a Subaru) but 4WD isn't necessary. Both locations have established sites but fill up quickly on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot.

What camping options are available in Skagit County near Sedro-Woolley?

Skagit County near Sedro-Woolley offers diverse camping options beyond standard dispersed sites. For water enthusiasts, Hope Island Marine State Park provides a unique primitive camping experience on a small island with just a few sites, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Access requires paddling, creating a romantic, secluded setting. Another option is Point Doughty with three non-reservable sites on Washington preserve land. For those preferring land-based options, Walker Valley ORV Recreation Area provides camping with off-road vehicle opportunities. Each location offers distinct experiences from island seclusion to recreational activities.