Best Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA

Want to go dispersed camping near Stehekin? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Stehekin, Washington (25)

    Brett B.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA

    1. Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    63 Saves
    Methow, Washington

    There are many undeveloped camping locations on the forest. Generally there are no amenities available, such as restrooms, water or garbage dumpsters. All trash and waste must be packed out. No toilet available? See How to Go in the Forest. Use existing sites and do not damage vegetation. Campfires are not allowed at these sites during high fire danger. Check Fire Restrictions page.

    14 Day Stay Limit at National Forest Campgrounds and Dispersed Areas

    PROHIBITED: Camping or occupancy in any developed campground by any person or group for more than fourteen (14) days. Camping or occupancy in that campground by the same person or group may not occur again for a period of seven (7) consecutive days thereafter.

    Camping or occupancy in any dispersed areas by any person or group for more than fourteen (14) days. Camping or occupancy in that site or area within a 5 mile radius by the same person or group may not occur again for a period of fourteen (14) consecutive days thereafter.

    These restrictions also apply to camping equipment. Camping equipment may not remain in place longer than the stay limit, even if used by a different person or group. Camping equipment must be removed by the end of the fourteen (14) day stay limit or the equipment may be impounded.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at NF Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at NF Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at NF Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at NF Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at NF Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at NF Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA

    2. NF Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    8 Photos
    477 Saves
    Marblemount, Washington

    Has a fire ring made of stones.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    3. Sullivan Pond Camp

    1 Review
    24 Saves
    Winthrop, Washington
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Luke B.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed near Stehekin, WA

    4. Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    12 Photos
    85 Saves
    Manson, Washington
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA

    5. Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    25 Saves
    Winthrop, Washington
    • Pets
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark near Stehekin, WA

    6. Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    54 Saves
    Leavenworth, Washington

    Designated areas are available for tubing and general snow play at the Fields Spring, Lake Wenatchee, Hyak, Rose Springs, and Oldman Pass Sno-Parks. In addition, tubing and general snow play are permitted in non-designated areas in many Sno-Parks and in state parks that are open in the winter. For safety's sake, snow players should stay off designated snowmobile and non-motorized sport trails. Ice skating is not available in any location. Due to the mild Washington climate, lakes do not freeze hard enough to permit safe skating.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    $12 - $50 / night

    Meghan's photo of a dispersed camping area at Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass near Stehekin, WA

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

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    176 Saves
    Baring, Washington

    Traveling along Highway 2, enter the center of the forest along the Skykomish River, a rafting adventurers' dream. Grab your skis! In just two hours you will be gliding down the slopes at Stevens Pass Ski Area. Check in at the Stevens Pass Historic District for an overview of the area's colorful railroad and mining past. Recreation Area Map National Scenic Byway

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

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road Dispersed Site near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road Dispersed Site near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road Dispersed Site near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road Dispersed Site near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road Dispersed Site near Stehekin, WA

    9. Forest Road Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    25 Saves
    Leavenworth, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Philip D.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Camper-submitted photo at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed near Stehekin, WA

    10. Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    12 Photos
    298 Saves
    Skykomish, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Cabins
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Showing results 1-10 of 25 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Stehekin, WA

43 Reviews of 25 Stehekin Campgrounds


  • Meghan The Dyrt PRO User
    Alyson M.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Mar. 28, 2021

    Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Great area to camp along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route

    Within the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping. This area of the southeast corner of the NF has very little traffic compared to others, we saw only one ATV for the whole time we were there. This area lies along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-7400. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road and I wouldn't suggest it in anything less. Incredible sunset views of the valley in front of Chumstick Mountain, it gets pretty windy at night but there are treelines you can position against. This particular spot photographed is just up the hill off the roadside in a nice grassy clearing. More spots were just up the hill around the bend as well.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek near Stehekin, WA
    Oct. 27, 2021

    Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    Dispersed camping along Beckler Creek

    Found this sweet spot a little bit ago. 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.

  • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp near Stehekin, WA
    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

  • Meghan The Dyrt PRO User
    Meghan's photo of a dispersed camping area at Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Mar. 28, 2021

    Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Stellar views of Lake Chelan yet worlds away

    This campsite is along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-8410. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road but if you approach from the Chelan side you could maybe get away with a high clearance AWD vehicle. Incredible sunset views of the valley overlooking Lake Chelan to one side and a vast forested mountain range to the other. This particular spot photographed is on the south side of the road to the north of the Baldy Mountain crest. This area seemed to have a good number of sites in the immediate vicinity, not that we saw anything in them. This particular site was clearly well used as it was flat, had log stump seats, and a stone fire pit (even if you aren't supposed to have fires most of the year in this forest). Someone even built a rustic camp toilet in the woods just away from the campsite.

  • John T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Sullivan Pond Camp

    Sullivan Pond, Winthrop WA

    Nice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required.

  • Theresa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek near Stehekin, WA
    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

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at NF Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Nov. 18, 2021

    NF Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, secluded, good hangout spot.

    This site will be on your right as you drive up NF-1062. someone made a firepit using stones, it will be easy to spot. 

    This was my very first dispersed camping that i did with my dog. will comeback if i drive by or something.

  • Emma A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark near Stehekin, WA
    May. 1, 2021

    Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark

    Great dispersed camping near Lake Wenatchee

    A good option for Dispersed camping if Lake Wenatchee State Park campground.  This is a at the Lake Wenatchee Airstrip Snoparks at the junction of 207 and 22 near Lake Wenatchee and Fish lake. There is a large parking lot and some pull outs off an old forest road the loops around from one side of the road to the other. Quiet in the spring. No facilities and good AT&T cell reception.

  • Karina J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass near Stehekin, WA
    Jul. 9, 2018

    US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass

    A Quiet Escape

    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 spots are separate from others giving you a private, relaxing experience. Hike out to Blanca Lake!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at NF Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    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.

  • Bryan J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Philip D.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    Quiet, easy spot!

    We were planning to stay in Leavenworth, but that got sketchy, so we came up here to this dispersed spot, and it's beautiful, quiet, and easy. Enjoyed the sounds of the waterfall/river all night, never heard a single car.

  • Sara J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek near Stehekin, WA
    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

  • Philip D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Philip D.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Aug. 8, 2023

    Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    Beautiful/ Dirty and noisy

    Some of you never learned proper etiquette and it shows! Beautiful spot. Toilet paper everywhere. Peaceful… except for the trucks air braking on Highway 2; and the train… which made me question if I was being visited by some alien beings for half a second. Beautiful spot, great access to the river, whose noise washes out the majority of the ambiance killers. Secluded, sadly too dry for a fire.

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at NF Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Jul. 3, 2023

    NF Dispersed Camping

    Deep in the woods

    Really deep into the woods. Driveway is a little rough but I made it in a car. All the other paid campsites were packed but found a few open spots here on the 4th of July weekend. Right next to the river! This app is great. Never would have found this!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Luke B.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed near Stehekin, WA
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed

    Awesome View from the Top of the Ridge

    Great campsite with an awesome view. Sandy dirt camping site near the USGS sensor station. No fires today due to high fire danger, but there was a pit in the camp. Tent right on the ridge. Dirt road was 12 miles up the mountain. Lots of switchbacks, but passible in a sedan. Takes 45 mins to get up. Take shady pass road to the top.

  • Ashley V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jackie C.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Dispersed Camping on Derby Rd NF7400 near Stehekin, WA
    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.

  • Jake S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Forest Road Dispersed Site near Stehekin, WA
    Aug. 13, 2023

    Forest Road Dispersed Site

    I was about to rate this 5 stats but...

    I stopped by to scope this one out. it looks like there's 2 entrances, one on the north and one on the south, but the south side doesn't connect to the main road so taje the north one. there isn't really a good turn around so you'll have to use the one turn off or an empty site to turn around if needed. I thought the 5 or so sites looked alright, but if you pull back past the site on the turn off there's an abandoned camper and a bunch of trash around a bend(I wouldn't have gone that far back if I'd been pulling a trailer since there are tight turns and no real good turnaround. it seems fairly decent if you don't go to the back site and out of 5 or more campsites on a Sunday afternoon only one was taken.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at NF Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    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.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    May. 22, 2021

    Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping

    Big Bugs, Nice Spot

    Was here last summer and the bugs were BAD, like hiding in the car and tent bad.

    Left with more bug bites than I could count, but was a nice and open space at least.

    Lots of spots even late on a holiday weekend, but definitely was not out first choice

  • Emma The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping near Stehekin, WA
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    Great spot with plenty of sites. Lots of room at your site and between neighbors. Super close to the river. There were a lot of people, mainly families, but everyone was super respectful and it honestly made me feel safer and a solo traveler. Would definitely go back.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark near Stehekin, WA
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark

    Lake Wenatchee Airstrip

    We turned at (47.8178974, -120.7258512) which you travel a short distance down a well maintained FS road to a very large gravel and dirt parking area. You can park in this parking lot if you choose, lots of space, great internet speeds. To the right of the information sign you will see a small sign with a snowmobile on it. That is the road that you can take back to the airstrip portion of the site. You will only travel about 100 yards on that road before it opens up to a very large grass field (and airstrip) you will need to turn left to head toward the camping locations. To the right will be the landing strip so you need to avoid that area. There is a dirt/sandy road leading back to 2-3 sites with fire rings but also a very large open field where you can camp as well. MOSQUITOES WERE AWFUL AT NIGHT FYI. A forest service rig pulled up on us in the AM and just waved :)


Guide to Stehekin

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Stehekin, Washington, where nature's tranquility meets stunning landscapes. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping

  • Nestled in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping provides breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
  • The access road is a long, winding path that requires a high-clearance vehicle, but the journey is worth it for the serene environment and stunning vistas.
  • With no amenities available, this site encourages a true back-to-nature experience, ideal for those who appreciate solitude and the beauty of the wilderness.

Top activities while free camping near Stehekin

  • Enjoy hiking in the surrounding areas, with trails leading to scenic overlooks and hidden gems, particularly near Sullivan Pond Camp, where you can explore the peaceful waters and wildlife.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will find opportunities at nearby lakes and rivers, with Couger Lake being a great spot to cast a line and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • For those seeking adventure, the rugged terrain around Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping offers excellent off-roading and hiking trails, rewarding visitors with stunning views of Lake Chelan.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Stehekin, Washington

  • Always check for required permits before heading out, as places like Eldorado Peak Alpine Camp require them for access.
  • Be prepared for a lack of facilities; sites such as Forest Road Dispersed Site do not offer drinking water or restrooms, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and respect their habitat, especially in areas like Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping, where encounters with animals are common.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Stehekin, WA is Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 25 dispersed camping locations near Stehekin, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.