48 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rimrock Lake provides several dispersed camping options near Tieton, Washington, with Rimrock South Fork Bay being a popular choice along the riverbank. Sites offer shaded spots in the forest with no toilets or drinking water, though some visitors note the coordinates can be inaccurate. Peninsula/Rimrock Boat Launch provides another option with picnic tables and toilets, though reviews mention significant trash issues and weekend crowds.
The South Fork Tieton Dispersed area features riverside camping but suffers from cleanliness problems, with multiple reviews citing human waste and garbage. The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area offers a more remote experience requiring higher clearance vehicles. According to one visitor, "After going through the gate (and closing it) we head down the gravel road... We saw multiple places to pull into." Clear Lake Campgrounds provides dispersed options with basic toilet facilities but is currently closed until April 2027.
Most sites around Tieton have fire rings, though seasonal burn bans are common. Pack-in/pack-out principles apply at all locations, as trash collection is minimal or nonexistent. Cell service varies significantly between sites, with L.T. Murray Wildlife Area offering surprisingly good coverage. During summer weekends, arrive by Thursday to secure preferred spots, as the most accessible areas fill quickly.
"Nice spot, just off the highway. Several level spots. Right on the river. Perfect location, fire ring, no water or potty. Ideal for slide in pickup camper, small trailer or tent camp."
"Was a great place to camp right off the highway, the river drowned out the sounds of cars and was very nice to listen to during night time."
"Due to state fire ban requirements, absolutely no campfires or fire rings are allowed on-site. Also, the mosquitoes can get bad, so make sure you come well-prepared with bug spray or netting!"
"Driving here from Graham washington, I passed so many camp spots I was shook lol."
"Multiple spots located along NF 580. Saw several big goosenecks and some tent campers. Plenty of site with space and fire rings. Be mindful of fires are allowed at the time you visit."
"Plenty of places to choose from, if you want you can be next to the river. Right off the road, good cell signal."
"After figuring out which gate to go through (make sure and shut the gate behind you), I took a road to the right with my truck and 19 ft. epro."
"**Ranger Review: Camp Fare Premium Meals at LT Murray Wildlife Area ** Camping Review: The LT Murray Wildlife Area is located in Thorp, between Cle Elum and Ellensburg."
"The sites on the peninsula are pretty great, great distance between each other, fire pits, the basics.. the trash is rampant. Some shady looking individuals, too."
"There is great fishing here, however you can’t fish in the river, you have to fish either in the lake/reservoir or further upstream because the camping area is a breading zone for an endangered fish."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"If you come during the week, you're going to enjoy quiet, gorgeous dispersed camping. Big spaces, big trees, big lake."
"Has toilets around area, didnt check them as my rig is self sufficient. No other service though but out here it doesnt matter. Pack in pack out. Has fire rings all over!"
"1 rule is to leave no trace. Extremely grateful we get to explore and camp on land that is free. We should all do our part and take care of it. "
"Right outside the entrance to Mt."
"If you come here you must leave no trace."
"I made it up to the lake in July. There were too many ppl for the small campground on this weekend. "
"Plenty of campsites around the small lake that are right up next to the water, but to get the good spots, It's first come first serve."
ScoutIt was fairly easy to get to this area however despite our best efforts we only found one established campsite with a fire ring. Road getting here was mostly paved with some debris on the roadway. We lost GPS signal just before arriving and passed NF200. I gave 3 stars because we were unable to locate other sites. Maybe it was just me but we drove quite a while on NF200 and only found the one right at the entrance.
RangerIt was MAGICAL- mushrooms, fall leaves, and moss everywhere. Keep in mind that there’s no signal, Starlink nor cell.. we also were freezing at night (35 degrees) in early October and the spots were tricky for our bigger rig. But if you have a smaller rig there’s tons of places off of road 73 for dispersed camping. Bumpy road to get there but keep on driving and you’ll find places with even firepits.
ScoutDriving here from Graham washington, I passed so many camp spots I was shook lol. Amazing camp site for free, I believe u need discover pass. the water is beautiful not many people here so many spots by the water Amazing, where i am u definitely need high clearance to even be close to water, Unless u tent camp away from your vehicle which is not far there are a lot of spots everywhere. The water moves fast and your up high bring your hammocks.
ScoutLots of camper trailers, basically a cow field. If you want a private spot you have to traverse a sketchy road that if you don't have awd and decent tires and ground clearance you'll be screwed.
LegendThe reviews here seem to be from two different places
Parking lot up by the logging operation is fine
Down the road by the creek is a bunch of permanent trailers
Be nice if people reviewed the proper spots
ScoutWe attempted to go here. We followed "the dyrt" and then clicked on recreation dot gov link for driving directions which told us to take HWY 12 to SR1200 then SR1000. We even looked it up on google maps and it seemed totally do-able. We'll we made it about 7 miles on SR1000 and came to the top of a very very steep incline. Sent a scout vehicle ahead and they couldn't make it across a big gulley. Saw another small Ford truck attempting to cross towards us at the same area, and they bottomed out and had to turn around. We also had to turn back down SR1000 and go all the way back to HWY 12. We were trying to haul a 24ft travel trailer. Its completely impossible as of 9/2026. Find alternate route, because that SR1000 is dangerous trying to haul a trailer or a camper. Not to mention, the beginning of SR1200 was super narrow and sketchy.
ScoutWe left someone left trash everywhere
ScoutWas a beautiful spot - road was a bit more narrow and rocky than we expected, but there are a few spots you can pull up before the narrow part of the road. Once you go up, there are a couple spots with really nice views. We were there on a Thursday and no one else was there!
ScoutFound a cool site closer to the water when a random tweaker came through our site from his site down the hill with a whole ass machete cutting through some greenery then came back with a buddy while we were down by the river filling our water and rinsing off in our swimsuits STILL WITH THE MACHETE IN HAND and starts hollering to scare us off so they could fish??? If you wanted the spot near the river to fish just use that spot and not come through someone else's and scare them off. Be careful if you come here bc he seemed like he's been here before and likes to frequent this site
Several dispersed camping areas surround the Tieton River and Rimrock Lake region, offering boondocking opportunities on public land. Rimrock-South Fork Bay provides riverside sites with good shade coverage but no toilets or water. The coordinates listed may be incorrect - campers should continue north until seeing the Rimrock Recreation Area sign, then turn right down a rocky forest road that requires careful navigation with lower-clearance vehicles.
The Peninsula/Rimrock Boat Launch area offers designated dispersed camping with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though facilities are sometimes closed or poorly maintained. Fish Creek Dispersed provides lakeside camping with vault toilets and trash collection for $8 per vehicle. "Privacy can be had if you take your time and find a good spot," noted one visitor, though multiple reviews mention trash problems throughout the area. Most sites operate on a first-come basis and fill quickly on weekends, with Thursday arrival recommended for prime locations. L.T. Murray Wildlife Area offers more secluded dispersed camping with a 14-day limit, requiring a Discover Pass and high-clearance vehicle to access through a gated entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any photos of South Fork Tieton dispersed camping sites?
Photos of South Fork Tieton dispersed camping sites can be found on The Dyrt's campground page. These images typically show riverside campsites with natural surroundings. For visual comparison, check photos of similar dispersed areas like White River Dispersed Camping, which features comparable riverside camping spots. When viewing dispersed camping photos, look for the natural setting, river access points, and open clearings suitable for tents or vehicles. Remember that dispersed sites change seasonally and with use patterns.
What amenities are available at South Fork Tieton dispersed camping areas?
South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping is a primitive camping area with minimal amenities. You'll find designated fire rings at campsites, but there are no vault toilets or picnic tables. This is truly dispersed camping where pack-it-in, pack-it-out principles apply. For a dispersed area with more facilities, Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed offers three pit toilets spread across the camping area, though it's still primarily dry camping.
Where is South Fork Tieton dispersed camping located?
South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping is located along the South Fork of the Tieton River in Washington state. The camping area features numerous sites positioned right along the riverbank. For a nearby alternative, Rimrock - South Fork Bay Dispersed Camp is situated on a creek close to Mount Rainier, though note that the coordinates sometimes provided may not be precise—you'll need to continue north until you see appropriate signage.
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