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Best Dispersed Camping near Stanwood, WA

25 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas exist along the Mountain Loop Highway near Stanwood, Washington. Most notable is the Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp, featuring riverside sites with natural fire rings and log seating. The gravel portion of the highway provides the best camping options, with sites becoming more plentiful once the paved road transitions to gravel. A recent visitor noted, "Meandering sites along the river with good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks. Heavily forested and beautiful."

Forest service roads in the region offer additional primitive camping opportunities. NF-27 Tunnel Creek and FR27 Landing provide spacious, flat sites suitable for multiple vehicles, while Top of the Hill camping offers more secluded options with scenic views. These areas typically feature basic campfire rings but lack facilities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months. According to one camper, "The drive up to this road is half paved and unpaved, not too bumpy. Big area for camp—dry camping."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Stanwood, Washington (18)

    1. Hope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County

    3 Reviews
    La Conner, WA
    15 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. Walker Valley ORV Recreation Area

    Be the first to review!
    Clearlake, WA
    13 miles

    3. Pine Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Bellingham, WA
    31 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. Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp

    4 Reviews
    Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA
    36 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."

    5. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    7 Reviews
    Concrete, WA
    44 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."

    6. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Concrete, WA
    49 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."

    7. NF-27 Tunnel Creek

    2 Reviews
    Quilcene, WA
    42 miles

    "The drive up to this road is half paved and unpaved , not too bumpy. Big area for camp- dry camping. There was already a fire ring made, we opted out of having a fire."

    "There’s a trail from this site that leads to a great tint site as well. Plenty of space if you have a decent sized group. Easily accommodating 3 cars. We have plenty of space with our rig."

    8. Old Quarry by Sulphur Creek

    3 Reviews
    Concrete, WA
    41 miles

    9. Top of the Hill camping

    1 Review
    Quilcene, WA
    41 miles

    "This is actually a really secluded, pivate location with a beautiful view! The road is fairly easy to get up to this spot but really just room for one vehicle."

    10. FR27 Landing

    1 Review
    Quilcene, WA
    42 miles

    "Great large flat spot for camping. Could easily fit about 5 cars here. About 4 fire rings set up and the road is pretty easy getting here."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Stanwood, WA

21 Photos of 18 Stanwood Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Stanwood, WA

25 Reviews of 18 Stanwood 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.

  • H
    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!

  • 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

  • Pat M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2019

    Point Doughty

    Point

    3 non-reservable sites are available on Washington area preserve land. The path up to the sites is steep and slippery with loose dirt but there’s a rope to help out. Looks like they started to build steps, who knows if it will get finished. Not recommended for hauling myriad items up from kayaks. The restroom is a vault toilet that lacked toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We brought a couple rolls from Sucia to help out. During low side it is very rocky and tough on fiberglass kayaks, but there’s a small path that can launch one or two kayaks at a time. There’s a couple short paths to explore the area, and an epic view at the tip of the point. Best used for small groups and simple camping.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2025

    Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    Hidden Gem

    Driving through the area on the way back from camping in a different area, my wife and I were pleasantly surprised to find a well kept small campground by the lake. And… an available site on the water. Our spot (site #3) was tucked away in low area by the water. Semi-private and peaceful. Perfect space for 2-4 people to camp. The fire pit setup was perfectly sized and shielded from wind. The only downside (which is a stretch to find a downside) were the bugs. And there somewhat steep walk downhill from parking to the site.

  • Pat M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2019

    Point Doughty

    Gamble for a view

    Only 3 non-reservable sites with tables and fire pits on DNR land. The path up to the sites from the beach is very steep and slippery on the dirt but there is a rope to help. Looks like they’re trying to create a stairway in the future. Not recommended if you need to haul myriad items up to the campground. One vault toilet had no toilet paper and was quite unsavory. We grabbed some rolls from Sucia to restock it for people. There is an epic view with short trails to walk around though.

Guide to Stanwood

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Stanwood, Washington, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. 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 Stanwood

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Stanwood, Washington

  • Be prepared for a primitive experience at Point Doughty, where access is by boat and facilities are limited, making it essential to bring all necessary supplies.
  • Check the weather conditions before heading to South Fork Sauk River, as the area can be remote and lacks services, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping at Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp, where you might encounter raccoons and sea lions, adding to the adventure.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

  • This well-reviewed spot features pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for those looking to enjoy nature without sacrificing too much convenience.
  • Located near Baker Lake, Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp offers a variety of sites, some with stunning views of the water and mountains, ideal for relaxation and recreation.
  • The campground is popular but still allows for a peaceful experience, especially during weekdays, making it a great option for those seeking a quiet escape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping spots near Stanwood?

The Stanwood area offers several excellent dispersed camping opportunities. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp provides free camping on Baker Lake with fire rings, picnic tables, and stunning mountain views. Sites vary in size, with some featuring tent pads. For island adventures, Hope Island Marine State Park offers primitive camping with limited sites, vault toilets, and picnic facilities accessible by kayak or boat. Both locations provide different experiences—lakeside relaxation at Lower Sandy or a more adventurous island setting at Hope Island. These spots tend to fill quickly on weekends, so arriving early is recommended, especially during summer months.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Stanwood?

Dispersed camping in the Stanwood area follows typical public land regulations. At Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp, camping is permitted in designated pull-offs, though sites along the gravel road section provide a quieter experience away from traffic. Many sites like Point Doughty have non-reservable sites with tables and fire pits but require adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Generally, dispersed camping rules include: maximum 14-day stays within a 30-day period, proper waste disposal, using existing fire rings when allowed, keeping sites clean, and maintaining distance from water sources (typically 100-200 feet). Check for seasonal fire restrictions before your trip, as they change frequently during summer months.

Is boondocking allowed in the Stanwood area?

Yes, boondocking (dry camping without hookups) is allowed in several areas near Stanwood. Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite offers free boondocking with beautiful lake views but no facilities, making it perfect for self-sufficient campers. NF-27 Tunnel Creek provides another boondocking option with established fire rings on a mix of paved and unpaved roads suitable for most vehicles. Be prepared for true self-sufficient camping—bring all necessary water, pack out all waste, and plan for no cell service in most areas. These locations typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis with standard Forest Service regulations limiting stays to 14 days within a 30-day period.

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