Top Free Dispersed Camping near Steptoe, WA

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Steptoe? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Steptoe, WA (15)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground

    1. Hog Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    79 Photos
    296 Saves

    Entire area is open year round. There are no fees. There are no facilities or services available with the exception of one vault toilet at Folsom Farm. Both lakes have concrete boat launches maintained by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (paid in advance parking permit from WDFW is required.)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area

    3. Fishtrap Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    11 Photos
    48 Saves

    The Fishtrap Area offers 9,000 acres of beautiful landscapes and an old farmstead, with habitats ranging from forest to shrub-steppe, grassland, and wetlands. Fishtrap is home to two scenic fishing lakes and numerous species of birds and other wildlife. The historic Folsom Farm Recreation Site demonstrates how the landscape was converted into small farms, ranches, and communities beginning in the late 1800’s. Enjoy the chance to explore, view and study nature, picnic, backpack, horseback ride, mountain bike, or hunt throughout the entire Fishtrap area. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout is popular at Fishtrap Lake, and during the winter season at Hog Canyon Lake. Know Before You Go: Fishtrap Recreation Area is open year-round has no developed campsites. The South Loop Trailhead parking lot has substantial space for vehicle and RV parking/camping. Additional minimal space is available at the Folsom Farm, and Hog Lake Loop Trailhead parking lots. See the Fishtrap Area map. vehicle and RV parking/camping is limited to existing parking areas and camping pull-outs. Dispersed (tent) camping is allowed. Please practice the seven Leave No Trace principles when recreating on Public Lands. Check Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishing regulations for fishing seasons at Hog Canyon Lake and Fishtrap Lake. Both lakes have concrete boat launches maintained by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (a paid in advance parking permit from WDFW is required.)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Lake Island
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Lake Island
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Lake Island
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonnie Lake Island
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Camp Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Camp Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Camp Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Camp Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Camp Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Camp Trailhead

    5. Horse Camp Trailhead

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    23 Saves

    The Horse Camp Trailhead serves as the north end of the popular Sand Mountain OHV Trail system. The actual trail begins on the north side of the 381 road while the trailhead is on the southern side. Some dispersed camping is available on a first come first serve basis.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Riparia
    Camper-submitted photo from Riparia
    Camper-submitted photo from Riparia
    Camper-submitted photo from Riparia

    6. Riparia

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    46 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Cow Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Cow Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Cow Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Cow Lake
      • No image available
        • No image available
        Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Steptoe

        36 Reviews of 15 Steptoe Campgrounds


        • Josh S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
          Sep. 3, 2024

          Fishtrap Recreation Area

          Quiet Prairie Camping

          Quiet campsite in Fishtrap Recreation Area.

          Pros:

          Very quiet open sites. Plenty of opportunity for solar 3 bar 5g Tmobile Open mostly level sites Not very busy Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least)

          Cons:

          No amenities (where we are, maybe further in they have them) Dusty and dry Fire restrictions in place Sites have some trash in them.

          Overall we enjoyed it for a layover stay. It's very quiet, open skies were good to recharge solar and stargaze and it was a nice break from some of the more crowded campsites.

        • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Jul. 16, 2024

          Hog Lake Campground

          Good stay

          Arrived early in the afternoon and got the last spot, looked to be a lot of people staying longer term; but still was quiet and there are lots of places to walk with pets/explore around camp.

        • Overland S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
          Jul. 15, 2024

          Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

          Astro Photographer’s Dream

          The drive was mostly dirt roads. I managed just fine in a Subaru for context. The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol. I was getting close to where one of the waterfalls was and ran into a Coyote who would not budge. That pretty much ended the hike as I could hear others howling nearby.

          The hike back was even amazing with the Sunset and landscape making me feel like I was on another planet. The best part was pure luck as I setup camp on the road back during a new moon which was perfect for star gazing and astro photography. I’m an amateur and took my time to learn my camera a bit. This little adventure was my favorite thus far this year.

        • Nick The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Jul. 13, 2024

          Hog Lake Campground

          Spacious sites

          A lot of places to camp here all equipped with fire rings. We had a 30ft RV and drove in on the nice gravel road. We took the very last camping spot closest to the lake and it had a good amount of shade on all sides. It was big enough to fit two campers if camping with friends. The spot was very spacious and felt private. It was clean with only a couple specks of trash that we found.

          We walked down to the lake and it looked great for paddle boarding or small boats/rafts but not for swimming. There is a lot of seaweed and it’s murky.

          The area/sites are really dusty in July. Lots of dirt but the road is gravel. Sites are pretty well spread out.

          We took a little hike and saw a buck with a big rack on it, other deer, and a coyote. Great spot for back country hiking.

        • M
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Jul. 2, 2024

          Hog Lake Campground

          Nice spot with wildflowers

          Easy access off of I90. Mostly quiet overnight stay as we heard some people from another site and the road was trafficked with people looking for sites. Train noise as well. A fire pit was available. But there was some broken glass and shell casings at our site

        • Traci B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Jun. 17, 2024

          Hog Lake Campground

          Nice over night stay

          Nice over night stay, but 1st come 1st served. We got there about 4pm and luckily found the last spot. May have been one of the best spots as well.

        • LThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
          Jun. 14, 2024

          Fishtrap Recreation Area

          Tent Camping meets dust

          A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents. We did end up finding a spot in our tent, but this is site is much easier with an RV or van. Would recommend a backup plan ahead of time in case the sites available here are not compatible.

        • Sheila A.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Jun. 2, 2024

          Hog Lake Campground

          Lots of fire pit spots

          Access to Hog Lake was closed. Found a spot with a fire pit. All the spots are pretty spread out. Unfortunately not many treed areas for wood. Fairly rough terrain of sand and rocks

        • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Oct. 6, 2023

          Hog Lake Campground

          Spectacular!

          We found the most amazing site! We felt like we were on top of the world! Clear open skies! Loved the sound of the cows, coyotes, and owls! Total dispersed camping! Thank you to whoever left us wood!

        • Matt G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Oct. 1, 2023

          Hog Lake Campground

          Great Spot

          We really enjoyed our night stay , it was very quiet and the campsites were spread out well enough that it was quite private! We will be going back . Can’t drive right down to the lake , but you can walk in and take the trail around it .

        • Anam S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Aug. 8, 2023

          Hog Lake Campground

          Easy breezy

          Cutting through this area needed night to crash, stumbled upon this last minute. Easy to find easy to access in our Honda accord. Lots of spaces but also lots of ppl. Was peaceful though. Lots of cows singing at night. I didn’t mind though. Heard some coyotes in the distance. Wasn’t a problem though

        • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Aug. 4, 2023

          Hog Lake Campground

          Stayed here in March , going back today and was a very nice campground

          Was a good site, safe, people def. Stay longer than 14 days lol

        • Stephenie C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Mar. 17, 2023

          Hog Lake Campground

          Coyotes and trains, OH MY!

          Nice little place. The road gets a bit rough. I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites. Be careful going into the sites as there is a dip. My Kia seemed to think I was just nose diving into a crevice as I was getting across with all its sensors screaming at me. Some coyotes came through camp at some point during the night. I heard them howling from a distance but only knew they came into camp because they left footprints in the frost. Only one other person was out there so nice and quiet

        • E
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Oct. 31, 2022

          Hog Lake Campground

          Good car camping

          A friend and I car camped here overnight on our way through the state. We couldn’t get down to the lake by car because a gate was closed but we were able to park at a pull off up the road a ways. We could hear someone shooting skeet or something and the train nearby but it didn’t bother us much.

        • EThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Sep. 4, 2022

          Hog Lake Campground

          Good quiet place for a pass through

          We have stayed here twice while driving through the area. It’s quiet and really close to the highway. There are 10-12 spots along the gravel road to Hog Lake. We have a 21ft trailer towed behind a pickup truck and it’s able to fit in most spots. None of these are really official spots (not flattened or bordered) but it’s a nice place to pass through. There are train tracks that parallel the highway, so the further you go down the gravel road, the further you’ll be from the train noise. Even if you’re closer to the entrance, it’s not too bad.

        • Kayln H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Mar. 28, 2022

          Hog Lake Campground

          Great spot right off 90

          BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road. A lot of dispersed sites, some close to the road, a few very private. Two nice lakes.. at the end of the road you cross to state park land which does not allow camping but is very well marked with a gate and signs. There was a fe portapottys scatter along the road. Light freeway noise, did hear one night train, but for free and a beautiful landscape not too bad.

        • Overland S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Mar. 28, 2022

          Hog Lake Campground

          My fave spot

          This spot has made many memories for me. The hike is pleasant and the view is pretty awesome. Pet friendly and honestly it doesn’t feel like this place is well known. I don’t find many folks there every time I go.

        • Brian L.
          Camper-submitted photo from Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
          Mar. 4, 2022

          Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

          Beautiful spot in the scablands

          Rock creek runs through this lovely BLM land with 2 sets of falls. It's a great spot in late winter or early spring if you're looking for solitude. We visited in February and saw 4 or 5 people, but no one stayed the night except us. Towell falls is beautiful, but we have yet to visit Breeden falls. The ranch has an interesting history and it's fun to poke around the old structures.

        • PThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Riparia
          Dec. 6, 2021

          Riparia

          Small Army Corps of Engineers campground along the Snake River

          Quiet primitive campsites on the lower Snake River - at least, in late November, when there was only one other campsite in use. I suspect it's a bit busier in the warmer weather.

          Clean, frequently checked toilet. No water or power. Tables and fire rings at each site.

          The Little Goose Dam entry point is open in the daytime from 7:30 to 4:30. Signs state that crossing is only open once an hour on the half hour, but the security guard opened up right when we got there both entering and leaving. There are also campsites along the river before the Riparia campground entry. Easy gravel road into the campground.

          Open all year. No wood fires allowed from June 10 through October 10.

          https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lower-Monumental-Dam-Lake-West/Riparia/

        • mThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
          Dec. 1, 2021

          Fishtrap Recreation Area

          Quick & Quiet Overnight

          Stopped here to sleep midway through a long drive. The main site is a large gravel lot with a vault toilet at the trailhead. We arrived after dark so it took some trial & error to find. Exit 254 off I-90 then travel east on Sprague Highway Rd E for at least 2 miles then left on Miller Ranch Rd then take the next right. About a half mile on the left will be the parking lot, trailhead & toilet. There’s other spots to camp but I think it would be hard to find them in the dark if you’ve never been before. Heard the train a few times off in the distance but it wasn’t too loud. We were the only ones there on a Monday night.

        • kara H.
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Sep. 26, 2021

          Hog Lake Campground

          Blm

          Nice open blm area, rustic campsites. there's an established trail that goes to hog lake and the boat launch area which is only accessible on foot when we were camping. The lake access (with the toilet) is not open, gate is locked. Saw a rattlesnake on the trail but we kept our distance and he went on his way. Be kind to the animals, it's their home. Can stay up to 14 days

        • D
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Aug. 31, 2021

          Hog Lake Campground

          Hog is right

          We parked at the end of the road the gate was locked down to the water somebody had hung a dead coyote in the tree. people came and went all night long the water was stagnant and absolutely disgusting and smelled even worse

        • Jessica
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Aug. 21, 2021

          Hog Lake Campground

          Location wrong

          The fishing area is closed for the season and there are no camping signs everywhere around it. Before you come there is a sign for the BLM land and you will follow that down. When you get to the end there’s a porta potty but the vault toilet is closed. There are no fire rings or tables but flat grass you can see used for camping. ATT service is limited.

        • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Fishtrap Recreation Area
          Aug. 17, 2021

          Fishtrap Recreation Area

          Great for the night

          Stayed for a night to breakup a long drive. Arrived Monday evening and was the only one here. It’s just a large gravel parking lot with a single vault toilet, no other services. The road getting into here is very bumpy the last half mile so take it slow. Close to the interstate so easy to get to. Surrounded by fields and beautiful sunsets. Definitely would stay again and it’s free!

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from Hog Lake Campground
          Jun. 17, 2021

          Hog Lake Campground

          Lovely wild camping

          Beautiful BLM area! Plenty of drive-in areas and tons of land around the lake to access. The single vault toilet is down at the lake, but helpful if needed. We will be back!



        Guide to Steptoe

        Camping near Steptoe, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore nature, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

        What to do:

        • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, especially at Kamiak Butte County Park. One visitor mentioned, "There’s a little trail at Kamiak Butte and you can access it via a trailhead near the entrance of the campground."
        • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park, are close to lakes where you can fish. A reviewer noted, "The trees offered some great shade+privacy and there were some spectacular views from the campsite."
        • Star Gazing: If you enjoy the night sky, Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area is perfect for that. One camper shared, "This is a lovely secluded spot for amazing star-gazing on a clear night."

        What campers like:

        • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy spots at places like Hog Lake Campground. A review said, "The spot was very spacious and felt private."
        • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of campgrounds like Fishtrap Recreation Area. One visitor mentioned, "Very quiet open sites. Not very busy."
        • Pet-Friendly: Campgrounds such as Spring Valley Reservoir allow pets, which is a big plus for many. A reviewer noted, "Great trails and great places to put up your hammock."

        What you should know:

        • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Giant White Pine Campground, have few facilities. A visitor pointed out, "No electric hookup available."
        • First-Come, First-Served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, such as Hog Lake Campground. One camper said, "We got there about 4pm and luckily found the last spot."
        • Dusty Conditions: Some areas can be quite dusty, especially in summer. A review of Fishtrap Recreation Area mentioned, "Dusty and dry."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Choose Family-Friendly Spots: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds or picnic areas. Wawawai County Park has a swing set and covered gazebos, making it great for families. A reviewer said, "There is a day use area with a gravel hike through the hills."
        • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned, like fishing or hiking. One family at Hawleys Landing Campground enjoyed the trails, stating, "There is a really nice cycle that you can do."
        • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand is essential, especially for kids. A camper at Kamiak Butte County Park mentioned, "Plenty of space for our vehicle, a fire pit and grill area."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check Site Size: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV. A review of Spring Valley Reservoir noted, "The RV sites have water and electricity unlike most campgrounds in the area."
        • Be Prepared for Dust: RVers at Fishtrap Recreation Area mentioned the dusty conditions, so be ready to clean up after your stay. One camper said, "The area/sites are really dusty in July."
        • Look for Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with electric and water hookups. Boyer Park & Marina KOA offers these amenities, making it a convenient choice. A visitor shared, "It provides a boat launch and nice sized RV lots."

        Camping near Steptoe, Washington, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.

        Frequently Asked Questions

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

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Steptoe, WA is Hog Lake Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Steptoe, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.