Best Dispersed Camping near Skykomish, WA

Skykomish is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Washington camping adventure.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Skykomish, Washington (50)

    1. Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    7 miles

    "Just a couple miles East of Skykomish, up a paved road, the campsite is just before you go over the bridge on your right and had enough room for high clearance vehicles to pull into it and smaller cars"

    "You could put 2 rigs down here if you’re friends, but plenty of turn offs for smaller vehicles"

    2. Lake Dorothy

    2 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    "The lake is ice cold, which is nice if you’re just finished a hot hike in. There are some areas sort of cleared for camping, that have clearly been used before."

    "Easy stair stopped trail; a bit harder with a 40# pack. Lots of camp sites to choose from, but the one on the far shore of the lake is my fav. Great for groups. Primitive toilets along the way."

    3. Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    3 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 677-2414

    "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."

    "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."

    4. US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass

    4 Reviews
    Baring, WA
    13 miles

    $50 / night

    "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."

    "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"

    5. 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."

    6. Iron Goat

    1 Review
    Skykomish, WA
    11 miles

    "It has an awesome trail showing an old railroad that was decommissioned in 1929 with tunnels and walking pads and historical placards to explain its history in an amazing rainforest."

    8. Keechelus Lake

    7 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    23 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!"

    9. French Cabin Creek Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Roslyn, WA
    27 miles
    Website

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

    "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"

    10. Salmon la Sac Road Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Roslyn, WA
    26 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."

    "You can float the river down to Cle Elum lake. Once the weather warms up the river lowers and slows down. Lots of area for kids to create their little pools to swim in."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Skykomish, WA

123 Reviews of 50 Skykomish Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • Sara J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2024

    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

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2025

    Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    Roadside Oasis

    Just a couple miles East of Skykomish, up a paved road, the campsite is just before you go over the bridge on your right and had enough room for high clearance vehicles to pull into it and smaller cars have roadside space the road wasn’t too active when we camped overnight even so the sound of the waterfalls drowns it all out. It has Solid fire pit and very lush green forest surroundings.


Guide to Skykomish

Dispersed camping near Skykomish, Washington, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, this area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure.

Scenic River Access for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Skykomish, Washington

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Lake Dorothy

  • The hike-in access to Lake Dorothy rewards campers with stunning alpine views and a refreshing lake for swimming after a long trek.
  • This area features several established camping spots, making it a favorite among backpackers looking for a serene environment surrounded by nature.
  • Be mindful of the primitive toilet facilities available, as they may not provide the privacy some campers expect, especially for those new to backcountry camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping along the Old Cascades Highway near Skykomish?

Several dispersed camping options exist along the Old Cascades Highway near Skykomish. Old Cascades Highway Dispersed offers sites just a couple miles east of Skykomish up a paved road, with spots just before the bridge that accommodate high-clearance vehicles and roadside space for smaller cars. Another option is Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek, which features multiple large campsites along the road near water. While the sites are accessible, be prepared for unpaved roads, possible litter issues, and practicing Leave No Trace principles. Most sites are primitive with no facilities, so pack accordingly.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Skykomish area of the Cascades?

Dispersed camping in the Skykomish area follows standard National Forest regulations. At Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Dispersed Camping on Derby Rd NF7400, you must observe seasonal burn restrictions, especially later in summer months. Private property boundaries are marked in some areas and must be respected. At South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site, strict Leave No Trace principles apply. Pack out all trash, properly dispose of human waste (dig a cat hole at least 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water sources), and use only established fire rings when fires are permitted. Most sites have no facilities, so bring your own water and sanitation supplies.

When is the best season for dispersed camping near Skykomish on the Old Cascades Highway?

Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions for dispersed camping near Skykomish. May through September typically provides the most pleasant weather and accessibility. At Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed, summer months can be quite busy with many campers. For Old Bluett Pass Road Dispersed, the USFS paved road offers lovely views during the warmer months when the higher elevation areas become accessible. Be aware that fire restrictions typically increase as summer progresses, particularly in July and August. Spring camping (May) offers plentiful firewood at many sites, while fall brings cooler temperatures but fewer crowds. Always check road conditions and fire restrictions before your trip.