Best Dispersed Camping near Vantage, WA

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Vantage, Washington

33 Reviews of 22 Vantage Campgrounds

• 

  Quinn Z.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 29, 2020

  Liberty Town / Williams Creek Dispersed Camping

  Hidden little nooks of great creekside dispersed camping.

  Stumbled on this by just exploring the backroads near the BLM campground down the road. Technically this is USDA Forest Service land, but it is RIGHT next to BLM land. 

  Being dispersed, they are primitive sites. You're going to find man-made stone fire pits but that's about it. There are a handful of dispersed sites in this area. We found one nestled right next to the creek. It was great, very peaceful for the most part, except for when you can hear people on their ATVs or dirt bikes tearing around the area. Since this is so close to a BLM recreation site, expect to hear those activities.

  Some of these sites can be tricky to get to unless you have a good vehicle for it. I was renting a 4Runner at the time so no issues, but I don't think I would have been able to get to the further in dispersed sites if I was driving a Civic.

  All in all, really great spots right next to the old town of Liberty, and worth the $0 you'll spend to camp here. Hell, maybe even worth more, not that you'll have to worry about that.

• 

  Maui F.

  Guide

  

  May. 16, 2023

  Old Bluett Pass Dispersed Site

  Great Dispersed camping spot

  Was a perfect Weeknd to Disperse camp, really quite, no toilets no water, Verizon coverage good.

• 

  Jeremy H.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 6, 2024

  Ringold Springs Camping

  If you are just looking for a place to put your tent

  The sign says you need to register, couldn't find anywhere to register. Sign on board says closed for camping, it was a Covid-era sign. Requires a discover pass, but otherwise, free. Didn't see any park employees. I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section. Has a boat ramp and a spot you can fish from. No campfires.

• 

  Emma A.

  Legend

  

  May. 11, 2021

  Dispersed Camping North Fork Teanaway Road

  Nice dispersed camping on the North Fork Teanaway Road

  There are many options for dispersed camping along the North Fork of the Teanaway Road. We stayed in the area directly across the Teanaway Guard Station by the river. We hoped to be able to use the vault toilet next to the cabin but it was locked.

  No services and no cell reception but otherwise a nice peaceful place on a early season (early May) week-end. Lots of other spaces all along the road past this one and before the Beverly Campground.

• 

  Cheryl M.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 1, 2022

  Old Bluett Pass Road Dispersed

  High Elevation Site off Hwy 97N

  Dog wasn’t feeling well so took a chance and went up this USFS mostly paved road. There are lovely views on the trip up and a few roadside areas you could car or van camp in a pinch. Towards the top a couple private roads break off, and just above the now dirt USFS road continues. Here is 1 large, not terribly level, high clearance needed, site with fire ring and lots of parking options.

• 

  Shay F.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 30, 2020

  L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

  Beautiful Solitude for Boondocking

  **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. It is often referred to as Elk Heights or Joe Watt Canyon. This is primarily an ORV and horseback riding area in the summer. Hunting and elk feeding/wintering grounds area in the winter. This is also a great area to find elk sheds once wintering season is over. There are plenty of dispersed camping sites along the Forest Service roads. All you need is a Discover Pass and a high clearance, capable vehicle. 

  We were looking for a close by, no reservation, free place to camp for a weekend. I remember riding horses up here as a kid but have not been up to this area for many years. Once you arrive to the Wildlife Area, you must let yourself in the gate and close it after you pass through. From the gate we drove down a rough, rocky road and passed a wide-open meadow where there we a couple other trailers camping, maybe living, along the road. We passed through some very narrow, brush lined roads. It was also steep and rutted with water wash out spots. The rocks that made the road are sharp, large, and loose. We did not go too far as we were not sure what shape the road would be in and did not want to get in a situation with our trailer that we could not get out of. Plug for our Airstream Basecamp. It's advertised as being "built for adventure and tough enough to go anywhere." I think I really believe it now. 

  The spot we chose turned out to be beautiful. We had a view of the Thorp valley and the forested gully and ridge across from us. The stars were out and the comet NEOWISE was visible. We saw large elk, deer, many birds, and were visited by some wild turkeys in the night. It can get very windy in this area. Fires are not allowed due to red flag conditions. There is nothing out here. You must bring everything you need. Food, water, TP, lights. The best part was we saw two other cars, a couple ORV's, and a couple horseback riders total for the 2 days we were there. You can't get any quieter and more unplugged than that! 

  Product Review: Camp Fare Beef Burgundy with Field Vegetables and Chicken Tikka Masala with French Green Lentils

   I ordered these meals a bit short of our last trip and was unable to make them. I was happy I had them saved for our trip up to LT Murray given we traveled quick and light. Camp Fare https://campfare.com/ advertises their food as high quality, delicious, chef-crafted, and ready to eat- no refrigeration required. All you have to do is submerge in hot water for 2-3 minutes, tear open the pouch, and enjoy. Selection is limited but covers all the bases. Beef Burgundy, Chicken Tikka Masala, Wild Alaskan Salmon, and Brown Rice and Red Quinoa with Pink Beans. They all sound great! We had our camp stove and a pot of water but you could probably stuff the pouch into a larger Jet Boil for backpacking too. I chose the Beef and had my partner eat the Chicken. 

  Preparation was as quick and easy as promised. The meals may not look amazing, especially on a plate instead of the pouch or in a bowl, but they really are delicious. The Beef Burgundy was flavorful and tender. The Chicken Tikka Masala was Indian restaurant good, seriously. I would way rather eat these meals than something dehydrated ever again. Looking forward to trying the Salmon and maybe getting the Chicken again for future trips.

• 

  Zach A.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 3, 2017

  Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

  Hidden Gem

  This place is where I go when I want to disconnect and get away from the stress of school in Ellensburg. I've been here a handful of times and there's never been more than a dozen people spread out over the entire coulee valley. The previous directions are good and the one on WTA will take you right to the parking lot where it's an easy 1.5 mile hike down into the coulee. I've heard other people say they walked in from ancient lakes road and it took three times as long to make it to the camping spots.

  The lakes are safe for swimming in my opinion (there's even a rock to jump off on the closest lake!) But do carry your own water in, it is irrigation runoff and has plenty of yummy pesticides that you cannot filter out. Other than that enjoy the lakes, waterfalls and killer sunsets that happen on a nightly basis out here!

• H

  Horace M.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 31, 2022

  Vernita Bridge

  Awesome Spot

  I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!

• 

  Nicole C.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 12, 2020

  Vernita Bridge

  For Fisher-folks only

  The main draw here is that there's a boat ramp into the Columbia. If you've got a fishing/camping rig and like to tell fish stories, this is a great spot for you.

  If you're looking for a private, secluded or picturesque spot, this isn't for you.

  This place does require a Discover Pass, but it's otherwise free. There were portapotties available, but I wouldn't count on them always being available.

• 

  Judy T.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 26, 2020

  Vernita Bridge

  Free campground on Columbia River

  This is a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing access site. It is free with a Washington State Discovery Pass for $30/year. This annual pass will also gain you admission to state parks. There are several boat launch sites here and a number of those Sani Cans. The area is spread out over open land with smooth rocks. It can be a bit bumpy if hauling a trailer unless you stick to the smooth rock roads. No shade except along the shore.

  For a free site, it has its good points: easy access to highway 24/243 which will bring you to I-90, quiet, wide open space, near the Vernita Bridge Rest Area for free tank dump site. If you arrive on the last weekend of October, there is a huge king salmon fishing derby with about 100 entrants so you will have company. But, it is usually quiet midweek in the spring and fall. It may be busier in the summer midweek as there are lots of fishing enthusiast ps and boaters who live close by in the Tri Cities area.

  If you need a quiet place for one night or are hauling a river fishing boat, this is a good place to stay.

• B

  Bre C.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 19, 2024

  Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

  Love this spot!

  The views are amazing, plenty of open campsites and nobody was around us when we camped. A perfect quiet getaway.

• 

  Katie W.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 17, 2018

  Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

  Gorgeous desert oasis

  Lots of campgrounds to choose from. Some are dustier than others. Plenty of space between campsites. Fire pits available for use but check for burn bans.

• 

  Tee C.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 19, 2023

  Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

  Amazing hidden gem!

  Waterfall, gorge, amazing scenery! There is a pit toilet and there were some people climbing. No accessible water. Only a couple miles from the highway. It was windy, as this whole area is. But well worth it! Note: some of the rocks on the paths to the campsites were pretty pointy, but the road in is well maintained.

• 

  Heather C.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 8, 2017

  Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

  Great Early Season Hike

  This is a good early season hike while its still rainy in Seattle it can easily be sunny and warm on the other side of the mountains. There are at least 5 good campsites at the lakes that will each hold multiple tents no problem. Some people do light fires but I’d like to discourage it, fire danger is pretty real in these scrublands. This is a very pretty hike full of sage brush and interesting geological features, also several waterfalls. Past the lakes you can go out to the Columbia River Gorge. Check out the WTA description for more details. Note that there is no potable water, you have to haul it it. The lakes are contaminated by irrigation run off. 

  WTA Ancient Lakes

• 

  James B.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 30, 2024

  Martha Lake Dispersed Camping

  Overnight Stay

  Note: Lake needs Washington Discover Pass Stopped while traveling through for an overnight stay. Camping areas are big gravel lots next to the lake.
  Had no problem with level. There is some noise from I90, but not really that bad.
  Nobody else was at the lake when we stayed.
  Great overnight stop with a lake view out our back door.

• 

  Angela A.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 26, 2024

  Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

  Beautiful

  Great location so close to 90 but tucked away - will be staying here often

• 

  Joshua C.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 8, 2024

  Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

  Nice Spot Mid Week to Beat the Crowds

  Popular rock climbing area that gets many people through the day. Dispearsed camping in 2 areas. The first spot as you come from the road is much smaller and doesn't have any pit toilets. I prefer to park here when its not busy as the "Feathers" basalt columns are really pretty to camp up next to. The second open site down the road has pit toilets and is a much larger area. Both are nice but also there are many cars, campers, tents and becomes a much more lively area in the evening depending on the crowds.

  I think this is a great spot but I move on during the day when the rock climbing crowds start to swarm and park near you. There are some nice trails that take you up above the climbing area and you can get to the backside to get some nice views and away from the crowds. Can get pretty hot here in the warmer months but a beautiful spot to camp if you can avoid the busy/peak times.

• b

  billie J.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 23, 2024

  Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping

  My home away from home

  I travel for work and I stay here almost every week to save money on hotels. I’ve also taken my family here over the summer for camping and hiking. We all love it. Very quiet. Weekends can get kinda busy due to hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts. I suggest coming up early if you plan to stay the weekend. Many beautiful views. There is even a waterfall I sleep across from. On clear nights you can see all the stars. Which is my favorite! There are lots of sites to camp. In car/tent/RV it’s pretty accessible. There are some rougher spots where you probably should have four-wheel-drive or at least a higher stance vehicle.

• 

  Tim H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 19, 2024

  Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite

  Fantastic view of the Coulee falls

  Beautiful overlook site. Perfect for Overland type vehicles. The entrance to the site is rough. Scouting is a good idea before attempting entry with a trailer.

• F

  Fish ..

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 30, 2024

  Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook Dispersed Campsite

  A good getaway from the crowd

  This, like the other spots in Frenchman Coulee, is seldom empty, but it's much less packed than the areas closer to the climbing. This spot offers the best views, sunrises, and sunsets, at the cost of no shade and a healthy dose of wind. If you're going for the rugged feel, this'll do it. OF NOTE: The vault toilets are about a mile away from here.

• S

  Sean N.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 9, 2024

  Lenice Lake - Washington DNR

  Bare Camp site

  This is used by fly fishermen to access the near by lake.

• 

  Emma A.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 30, 2021

  Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

  Great dispersed camping on the East side of the Cascades

  Camped here in February and November and in generally recommend it for fall and spring. Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around. It gets cold at night so come prepared.

  There are several established sites near Ancient Lakes and Dusty Lakes that can be accessed from the lower trailhead hiking or biking in.

  Ancient Lakes sites are only 2 miles from the trailhead on flat terrain which makes it for an ideal first backpacking experience.

  Only catch is that the lakes are polluted with agricultural runoff so that water should not be used for drinking not even if filtered. Pack all the water you will need.

  No facilities at the lakes. Port-a-potty at the trailhead.

  Need Discover Pass to park here.

• T

  Tony G.

  Traveler

  

  May. 21, 2017

  Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

  Amazing Geology!!

  2 mile backpack into box canyon and 2 night campout. Surrounded on three sides by tall basalt column cliff walls. Small water fall at northeastern corner. Incredible hiking up to top of rim and around to secondary canyon with a larger lake. You can also hike down towards the Columbia river where there is some additional camping available. Go in early spring for the green and cooler temps. You will want to bring a sleeping pad and tarp since ground is rough. Make sure you bring your own water! Even though there are lakes in the canyon, none of the water is safe for drinking due to the agricultural run off. Filtering will not work.

• B

  Brittany O.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 3, 2020

  Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

  This place is awesome.

  Really easy straight on hike. It is definitely dusty but a really nice change of pace from the trees and mountains. Several waterfalls that you can get super close to. We have not camped there yet but it looked super fun.

• 

  Jennifer R.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 24, 2021

  Vernita Bridge

  Great for Boat Fishing

  Discover Pass required. Not for regular camping. Used for staying overnight and getting up early to hit the water.

• 

  Sara Turner W.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 6, 2021

  Vernita Bridge

  No longer public

  This site is now gated off.

• S

  Steve K.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 16, 2022

  L.T. Murray Wildlife Area

  Close the gate after you

  We weren’t sure as to our ability to get in, as when we pulled up there was a ranger driving a UTE on the other side of the fence, and we thought for sure he’d tell us that we couldn’t get it. But he was so nice, and even told my wife that he’d close the gate behind us after we entered. I’ve read that a parka pass is needed for this place, but we did not have one. The ranger did not look for or question about one, and off we went. Dirt rocky road, steep in areas, and 4x4 not necessary, but a higher clearance sure seems as if it is. We drove about 20 minutes and started to see pull offs for camping, and finally decided on on with the most amazing view of the cascade mountains. Thinking we’d see wildlife, as there was signs of it all over…. Scat, all different kinds, my dog found a lower leg and hoof of maybe a large deer, and a recently killed snake. But as of our first night nothing living and breathing. Att and Verizon were both 3 strong bars, but tv reception was nothing with our little average sized antenna. The trails were thick and lush with greenery and flowers, it being mid June and there has been plenty of rain. Not another soul in site, and only the sounds of nature around us.