Best Dispersed Camping near University Place, WA

Dispersed camping near University Place, Washington is primarily found in Olympic National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park areas, with multiple primitive sites available along forest service roads. Popular locations include the Carbon River area, Ranger Creek Airstrip, South Fork Snoqualmie River, and several sites along Forest Road 2419. Most dispersed camping in this region follows standard U.S. Forest Service regulations with sites typically situated near rivers, on forest roads, and at trailheads that serve as access points to wilderness areas.

Access roads to many dispersed sites feature unpaved, potholed surfaces requiring careful navigation and sometimes high-clearance vehicles. The Ranger Creek Airstrip area provides numerous sites with some vault toilets but no other amenities, while most other locations offer completely primitive camping with no facilities. Several reviewers note rough road conditions, particularly to South Fork Snoqualmie River sites and Forest Road 2419 areas. Camping is generally limited to 14 days, and Northwest Forest Passes or similar permits may be required at some locations. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, with fire bans strictly enforced during high fire danger periods.

The dispersed camping experience varies across sites, with some offering riverside locations providing natural white noise and others featuring mountain views. Many sites throughout the region provide good tree cover for hammock camping and relative privacy. Cell service is inconsistent, with some areas having no coverage while others maintain reasonable connections. Visitor experiences reflect the primitive nature of these sites, with one camper noting that "roads are fairly accessible, though there are some fairly large potholes that could damage smaller vehicles," while another mentioned that their spot was "nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by."

Best Dispersed Sites Near University Place, Washington (28)

    1. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 884-1944

    $12 / night

    "Simple, small, peaceful campground with pit toilets and potable water.

    Mid week after Labor Day, I had my choice of sites arriving in late afternoon."

    "We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."

    3. Carbon River

    4 Reviews
    Carbonado, WA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 270-7504

    "My fiance' and I are sleeping in a tent and it has rained a lot but if you go into the woods, you can still find dry branches for starting a fire."

    "I go every year, but unfortunately the only bridge to gain access to camping is closed until further notice"

    4. South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    18 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 888-1421

    "Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn’t recommend driving down it without good ground clearance."

    "PLEASE LEAVE NO TRACE! Other wise we really enjoyed a quick night away in our van."

    5. Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 783-6000

    "We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out."

    "We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out."

    6. NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place."

    "Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed . Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories."

    7. Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24

    2 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    33 miles
    Website

    "Not the most private spot if vehicles were to pass. the road looks like it’s used but no one around when we arrived. the road itself is a gorgeous drive and since it’s free it’s worth it!"

    8. Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419

    3 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    38 miles

    "Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night."

    "No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!"

    9. Ipsut Creek Camp — Mount Rainier National Park

    2 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    35 miles
    Website

    "Located at the trailhead are two bathrooms, a covered picnic area and a handful of parking stalls with additional parking located along the road. "

    10. NF-52 Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Puyallup, WA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1103

    "Forest Service has installed 6 temporary toilets for the third year in a row to assist with human waste issues. "

    "We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near University Place, WA

82 Reviews of 28 University Place Campgrounds



Guide to University Place

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near University Place, Washington, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the stunning landscapes.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Joemma Beach State Park Campground offers picturesque views of the water, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate natural beauty.
  • For a more secluded experience, the Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419 provides breathtaking vistas at the top of the mountain, ideal for capturing stunning sunrises and sunsets.
  • If you prefer a riverside setting, the Ipsut Creek Camp features sites along the Carbon River, allowing for peaceful moments by the water.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near University Place, Washington

  • When visiting the Carbon River, be prepared for a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends, as it can attract larger groups and families.
  • The NF-2419 Dispersed Site is a great option for those seeking a no-cost camping experience, but be aware that it can be busy with passing vehicles.
  • For a quieter stay, consider the Large Pull Out (Dispersed) on FR 24, where you can find several pull-out spots that are free and accessible.

Activities While Free Camping Near University Place

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the long dock at Joemma Beach State Park Campground, which provides excellent opportunities for catching local fish.
  • Hiking trails abound near the Ipsut Creek Camp, offering access to beautiful scenery and wildlife, making it a great base for outdoor adventures.
  • The Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead is perfect for those looking to explore the woods, with trails that lead to stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near University Place, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near University Place, WA is Joemma Beach State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near University Place, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near University Place, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.