Dispersed camping near Toutle, Washington offers primitive sites within Gifford Pinchot National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,500 feet. The area features distinct volcanic pumice soil and receives approximately 70 inches of annual rainfall, creating dense undergrowth during summer months. Most camping areas become accessible after snowmelt in late April through early November, with Forest Service roads typically closing after the first significant snowfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Creek access at Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed provides opportunities for anglers. "Spent a quiet weekend at Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed and loved it. The area is peaceful with a nice mix of forest and open space—felt super remote with hardly anyone else around. We found a great shady spot not far from a small creek, and it was perfect for relaxing," reports one camper.
Mushroom hunting: August-September season in the forest surrounding Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac Dispersed Campsite. "The area around mount Saint Helens is beautiful, tons of space to park any rig, tent, or vehicle. The forest has majestic trees and when it rains, it resembles a rainforest. During August and September, you can find tons of edible mushrooms," notes a visitor.
Waterfall exploration: Short hikes from several camping areas lead to cascades. "The hike to the falls is to the far left of the pullout. Do NOT go down the super steep trails to the right. Beautiful waterfall after a short hike," advises one camper about trails near camping pullouts.
What campers like
Privacy and isolation: Many campsites offer significant distance between neighbors. "Lots of space to park any rig, tent, or vehicle," mentions a camper at Butte Camp. Another notes about Gifford Pinchot National Forest Dispersed Site, "We went camping twice this past week because it was so beautiful! We explored the Forrest and ended up driving all the way to Trout Lake. Found great sites for multiple people, on the river or off the river, and multiple sites that are smaller and more secluded."
Water proximity: Sites near creeks and rivers provide both ambiance and practical benefits. "We stayed at the first site when you first get there back there on the right hand side. It's a short hike down to the creek," explains a camper at Little Soda Springs Rd.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Nice spot. Enough room for a few vehicles. Traffic during the day. Open spot for starlink. Good cell service also," reports a visitor about an overnight pullout area.
What you should know
Safety concerns: Some areas experience criminal activity. "Cops came around about 930pm to inform me there is a high level of criminal activity around. To stay at my own risk. He was very friendly and left me his card. Lock up, don't leave anything outside and be aware," warns a camper about one trailhead overnight area.
Road conditions: Many forest roads deteriorate significantly after winter. "You may get lost. The coordinates here were incorrect coming from Hood River Oregon. It sent me down a rough dead end forest service road. I ended up lost on the mountain for 3 hours," cautions a visitor to Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping.
Permit requirements: Northwest Forest Pass needed for most areas. "Forest service does drive through there frequently to check," confirms a camper at Little Soda Springs Rd. Specific climbing areas like Dome Camp require additional permits: "Permits are required and limited to 4 per night. At the time, they cost $6ea."
Tips for camping with families
Tent locations: Seek shaded areas during summer months. "There is a lovely site in the trees near the water, but more spots are scattered on the hillsides," notes a visitor to Pumice Butte- Dispersed Campsite.
Bathroom planning: Limited facilities throughout the region. "This site is amazing people have already set things up for tent camping. If you look hard enough you can find a PRIMITIVE toilet (plywood stand with toilet seat)," advises a camper at a Gifford Pinchot dispersed site.
Wildlife awareness: Expect encounters with regional fauna. "In the morning, there was a herd of mountain goats along the ridge to the south west looking down over us, playfully dancing along the steep walls. Woodpeckers and coyotes could be heard in the distance truly expanding the environment," describes a backpacker at Dome Camp.
Tips from RVers
Turnaround space: Limited at most sites with few exceptions. "I could pull my 17' pop-up 'A' frame trailer and back into one of the two spots with no problem. Due to the narrow road, it may be a bit more snug with bigger rigs (25+ feet long and anything more than 8+ feet wide)," advises a visitor to McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed.
Group camping options: Multi-vehicle sites available on certain forest roads. "Right off forest road 81. Group camping with 4-5 places for tents and 2 maybe 3 spots for travel trailers but will need to back in," notes a visitor to Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac.
Winter access: Seasonal closure affects most sites. "The area has no trails, so you would not have to worry about people wandering into the campsite. The Ape Caves is a small drive away. The town of Cougar, WA. is about 10 miles away if you need gas or food," adds a McBride Lake camper about the amenities during accessible months.
