Olympic National Forest surrounding Union, Washington contains several dispersed camping areas along forest service roads. Elevations vary from 300 to 2,500 feet, with most sites situated between 800-1,200 feet. While many locations near Union feature challenging logging roads, numerous accessible pullouts accommodate small to medium-sized vehicles without requiring high clearance or 4WD in dry conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: Several spots along NF-2419 provide access to mountain streams. "There are about 16 campsites and you can walk down to the beach area. It is dog friendly, and they should be on leash. It's really quiet and peaceful here," notes a Joemma Beach State Park Campground visitor.
Hiking trails: Many dispersed sites serve as bases for nearby trail systems. "Great spot on the NF-2419, about a mile before the Mt Elinor lower trailhead. Plenty of space for a large vehicle," shares one camper at NF-2419 Dispersed Pullout.
Wildlife viewing: Forest pullouts offer opportunities to spot native birds and animals. "We got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories," reports a visitor to NF-2419 Dispersed Site.
Stargazing: The distance from urban areas creates excellent night sky viewing. "Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night," according to a Hilltop Camp visitor.
What campers like
Mountain views: Higher elevation sites provide panoramic vistas. "Fantastic secluded spot at the top of the mtn with amazing views! First night we camped next to the creek pull off site and the second night we scored the top of the mountain," says a Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419 visitor.
Waterfront access: Several dispersed sites feature water proximity. "Long dock in the area where you can go fishing. You can walk along the beach as well," reports a Joemma Beach State Park camper.
Cell service: Connectivity varies by carrier and specific location. "It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by. Felt safe as a single tent camper," notes a visitor to Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping.
Free camping options: Multiple no-cost sites exist throughout the forest. "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don't run into anyone. You're camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy," comments a camper at FS-2292 Dispersed.
What you should know
Site availability: Many free sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Joemma State Park campground is no longer all first come first serve only. It is now reservable online, but if you get there and there is an available spot it is $12 a night that you pay at site," advises a recent visitor.
Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly in quality. "The road was a little rough but my suv made it fine. No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view," reports a camper at FS-2292.
Weather preparation: Mountain areas can experience significant temperature drops at night. "Please be aware it's at the snow line and very cold in March! Cell phone service for Cricket was great. Not so much for Verizon!" warns a Hilltop Camp visitor.
Permits required: Some areas need forest permits. "If you don't have one there is a slip there for you to pay for one as well. You get the little slip, fill out the info and out cash/check and deposit the envelope portion, keep the detachable slip and display on vehicle," explains a Joemma Beach camper.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Some areas have limited site boundaries. "Where we stayed was slightly sketchy, lots of trash," notes a visitor to Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead.
Kid-friendly sites: Certain locations better accommodate children. "We camped here during a 3 days bike camping trips. The camping has a few biker-hikers and marine sites that can't be reserved and are FCFS," shares a Joemma Beach State Park visitor.
Group camping space: Some pullouts handle multiple vehicles. "It was so large that we could have added a few more vehicles. The road wasn't bad. There were blackberry plants all over the place," reports an NF-2419 Dispersed Pullout camper.
Noise levels: Traffic varies by location. "We camped here and heard maybe 1 car the whole day/night. Granted, we found a pull off into the woods," mentions a FS-2292 camper.
Tips from RVers
Pullout dimensions: Most forest road sites accommodate smaller rigs only. "There's a big circle that you pull in and out of. 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," notes a visitor to NF-27 Tunnel Creek.
Leveling challenges: Many forest pullouts require leveling. "Fairly large and level site with an amazing view. No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!" advises a Hilltop Camp camper.
Trailer accessibility: Limited options exist for longer vehicles. "There was a handful of large pull out spots along this road. Nothing fancy and not secluded but got the job done," reports a Large Pull Out visitor.
Road clearance: Some access roads present challenges for lower-clearance RVs. "The drive up to this road is half paved and unpaved, not too bumpy. Big area for camp - dry camping," explains an NF-27 Tunnel Creek visitor.
