Top Free Dispersed Camping near Shelton, WA

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Shelton? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shelton, WA (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Joemma Beach State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joemma Beach State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joemma Beach State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joemma Beach State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joemma Beach State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Joemma Beach State Park

    1. Joemma Beach State Park

    10 Reviews
    39 Photos
    254 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    2. NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    20 Photos
    158 Saves

    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419
    Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419
    Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419
    Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    3. Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    180 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    4. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    2 Photos
    57 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24
    Camper-submitted photo from Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24
    Camper-submitted photo from Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24
    Camper-submitted photo from Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24
    Camper-submitted photo from Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24

    6. Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    53 Saves

    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)
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2292 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2292 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2292 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2292 Dispersed

    7. FS-2292 Dispersed

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    34 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed South Shore Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed South Shore Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed South Shore Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed South Shore Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed South Shore Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed South Shore Road

    8. Dispersed South Shore Road

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    434 Saves

    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
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Firewood Available
    Camper-submitted photo from Quinault Ridge Road
    Camper-submitted photo from Quinault Ridge Road
    • No image available
    Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Shelton

    17 Reviews of 11 Shelton Campgrounds


    • bThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
      Oct. 5, 2024

      NF-2419 Dispersed Site

      Nice free boondocking between Port Angeles and Forks

      Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river.

    • Sam S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 6, 2024

      Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

      Olympic National Forest - Dispersed Camping

      We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed. We picked the first spot we got to since it was getting kind of late. It wasn't the most ideal spot and I think further down the road has prettier and more remote options, but it made do. There were really huge flies but they did not bite. The only complaint was that there was more car traffic than I wanted very late at night into the early morning. One car even slowed down and yelled at our tent around 2am. We never felt unsafe but it was annoying. A lot of trash was left behind from previous camper. I would suggest finding alternative spots if you're looking for a more enjoyable night but if you are just there for an overnight, it is fine.

    • Danielle S.
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2292 Dispersed
      Jul. 27, 2024

      FS-2292 Dispersed

      Epic views

      Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don’t run into anyone. You’re camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy. East of the campsite there is a walking trail that takes you to an overlook, perfect for watching the sunrise.

    • Mar Z.
      Camper-submitted photo from Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead
      Jul. 7, 2024

      Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

      Perfect woodsy rest stop off highway

      Right off the highway. Pit toilet and wooded areas. Can still hear highway from this exact GPS location, so I went further on up the road for a quieter spot. A few trucks did speed by in the middle of the night, but it was a Saturday and July 4th weekend. 5 bars of cell service.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
      Jun. 29, 2024

      NF-2419 Dispersed Site

      It’s was ok

      NF-2419 is a very busy road at all hours. 2 or 3 cars drive by all day and all through the night. As far as we could find there aren’t many spots that are more secluded they are mostly just turn outs.

    • Jason C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
      Jun. 22, 2024

      NF-2419 Dispersed Site

      NF-2419

      Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place. It is frequented by others so low privacy unless you camp away from the vehicle path. Grateful a place like this exists.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed South Shore Road
      Jun. 10, 2024

      Dispersed South Shore Road

      Quilaut River-South Shore Road

      Several campsites along the gravel road, we found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River. Drove right into the hidden alcove in our stealth camper van.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419
      Mar. 27, 2024

      Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

      The view!!!!!

      Fantastic secluded spot at the top of the mtn with amazing views! First night we camped next to the creek pull off site and the second night we scored the top of the mountain. Please be aware it’s at the snow line and very cold in March! Cell phone service for Cricket was great. Not so much for Verizon!

    • Beamus R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead
      Mar. 8, 2024

      Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

      A spot to sleep

      Overall I had a nice quiet stay. This spot isn't anything too awful special. There are about four pull outs to set up for the night. The bathrooms are located in the trailhead parking lot. They could use cleaning, but they are open 24 hours. As for cell service Verizon was barely there. To sum it up if you need a spot to crash for the night this place will work. Y'all stay safe and be well out there.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24
      Mar. 2, 2024

      Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24

      Good spot for a night

      Not the most private spot if vehicles were to pass. the road looks like it’s used but no one around when we arrived. the road itself is a gorgeous drive and since it’s free it’s worth it!

    • Jonas S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Quinault Ridge Road
      Feb. 27, 2024

      Quinault Ridge Road

      Great place to spend the night, but not really great to stay longer

      I was camping out there while being on the way to the coast. It was quiet and easy accessible. Once you enter the road there are a few turn outs sprinkled on the side of the road that you can pull in. Please clean up after yourself! When I was there it was kind of sad how much trash there was laying around. But for a quick overnight trip it worked out

    • Trevor M.
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
      Jun. 19, 2023

      NF-2419 Dispersed Site

      Forest Road camping

      Had a blast coming up the mountain with the family , found a few great spots that we pinned for later that are unmarked with fire rings. Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed . Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories. Definitely recommend going , we saw people driving various types of vehicles so most will make it up. My 2011 Ford Flex made it up no problem . Bring in water and plenty of fire wood. Happy camping!

    • Rachel K.
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-2510 Dispersed Site - CLOSED
      Jun. 9, 2023

      NF-2510 Dispersed Site - CLOSED

      Beautiful views- Use EXTREME CAUTION when on this road

      I love this area and come out here frequently, many rivers and creeks with camping spots right next to them. The people camping are always super kind, secluded, but not too far from each other and always willing to help. DRIVE VERY CAREFULLY, LOTS OF POT HOLES AND DOWNED DEBRIS IN ROAD - STEEP DROP OFFS AND TIGHT TURNS The road goes from ground level up and around the mountain, so be cautious of time of year traveling as I have gotten stuck in the snow up at higher elevations trying to get back down to the other side. This is an area that they do regenerative forest work so big open areas from clear cuts give an amazing view of the hills and mountains.

    • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed South Shore Road
      Aug. 23, 2022

      Dispersed South Shore Road

      Rainforest heaven!

      There are about 5 sites hidden on the road. Please be careful the road is a mix of private land, national forest, national park. The sites can be easily found by their stone fire rings. The site that is directly on the river was very popular. I ended up staying 2 nights at one of the last sites before it turns to private land. It was tucked away, walk in site, had a nice fire ring, nice tent pad area. It has a large rope so you can access the river. The scenery is breath taking. Down the road there are at least 2 waterfalls on the right. In the town of quinault there is a laundry mat/shower facility!



    Guide to Shelton

    Camping near Shelton, WA, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do

    • Hiking and exploring: Many campgrounds, like Millersylvania State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and trailing running in the park is wonderful," highlighting the variety of trails available.
    • Fishing and water activities: At Lake Sylvia State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper shared, "Lake Sylvia is great for our SUP's and the kids to swim," making it a perfect spot for water lovers.
    • Beach combing and wildlife watching: Seal Rock Campground is right on the Hood Canal, where you can enjoy beach activities. One reviewer said, "It's the best of the best!" for beach combing and observing marine life.

    What campers like

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Dosewallips State Park Campground noted, "Super clean bathrooms and showers," which is a big plus for many.
    • Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer decent spacing between sites. A reviewer at Penrose Point State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are decently spaced with tall trees," providing a sense of privacy.
    • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Belfair State Park Campground are great for families. One camper said, "The kids spent most days playing in the river or at the beach," making it a fun spot for kids.

    What you should know

    • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Potlatch State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are dramatically close, so there is little to no privacy if it was busy."
    • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at Twanoh State Park Campground noted, "Some of the sites are not very level for a tent," so be prepared for varying conditions.
    • Reservation recommendations: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Dosewallips State Park Campground advised, "Probably need to reserve far in advance," to secure a good site.

    Tips for camping with families

    • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or water access. A camper at Millersylvania State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp is arranged in a bunch of loops," which is great for kids to explore.
    • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A family at Lake Sylvia State Park Campground enjoyed cooking together, saying, "It’s so peaceful, we stayed two nights."
    • Safety first: Keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Seal Rock Campground noted, "The campsites are spacious and relatively private," which helps keep an eye on little ones.

    Tips from RVers

    • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Belfair State Park Campground mentioned, "Some of the sites have at least a little privacy," which is important for RVers.
    • Use amenities wisely: Take advantage of electric hookups when available. A camper at Potlatch State Park Campground said, "The spots themselves are clean and the park is great!"
    • Be prepared for weather: Bring gear for rain or shine. A visitor at Twanoh State Park Campground noted, "The sound of the canal and the creek even closer," which can be soothing but also means you should be ready for wet conditions.

    Camping near Shelton, WA, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Shelton, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.