Top Free Dispersed Camping near Winthrop, WA

Looking for dispersed camping near Winthrop? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Winthrop, WA (14)

    • No image available

      1. Sullivan Pond Camp

      1 Review
      22 Saves
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping

      2. Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping

      2 Reviews
      1 Photo
      24 Saves

      Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

      • Pets
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping

      3. Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping

      2 Reviews
      7 Photos
      63 Saves

      There are many undeveloped camping locations on the forest. Generally there are no amenities available, such as restrooms, water or garbage dumpsters. All trash and waste must be packed out. No toilet available? See How to Go in the Forest. Use existing sites and do not damage vegetation. Campfires are not allowed at these sites during high fire danger. Check Fire Restrictions page.

      14 Day Stay Limit at National Forest Campgrounds and Dispersed Areas

      PROHIBITED: Camping or occupancy in any developed campground by any person or group for more than fourteen (14) days. Camping or occupancy in that campground by the same person or group may not occur again for a period of seven (7) consecutive days thereafter.

      Camping or occupancy in any dispersed areas by any person or group for more than fourteen (14) days. Camping or occupancy in that site or area within a 5 mile radius by the same person or group may not occur again for a period of fourteen (14) consecutive days thereafter.

      These restrictions also apply to camping equipment. Camping equipment may not remain in place longer than the stay limit, even if used by a different person or group. Camping equipment must be removed by the end of the fourteen (14) day stay limit or the equipment may be impounded.

      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Lake Backcountry Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Lake Backcountry Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Lake Backcountry Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Lake Backcountry Campsite
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Lake Backcountry Campsite

      4. Black Lake Backcountry Campsite

      1 Review
      5 Photos
      5 Saves

      Pasayten Wilderness encompasses 531,000 acres, skirting more than 50 miles of Canada's border and encompassing the crest of the Cascades. The Wilderness encompasses almost 150 peaks over 7,500 feet in elevation, 160 or more bodies of water, and at least as many waterways, some turbulent enough to have carved sharp canyons with sheer walls. Rugged ridges in the west flatten into more open plateaus toward the east, with deep drainages on both sides. Its diverse forest changes from fir, cedar, western hemlock in the west to fir, pine, and larch in the east. This region provides habitat for deer, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, the gray wolf, and is home to the largest population of lynx in the Lower 48. Snow falls between October and May, and the hard packed snow may block the high western-side trails sometimes until early August. Eastern-side trails are usually free of snow by early July. More than 600 miles of trails provide access to the Wilderness, many of them deceptively gentle at the start and become progressively labor-intensive as they climb up multiple switchbacks into the higher elevations. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses the area north-south for about 32 miles. The Boundary Trail begins in the southeast corner of the Wilderness and meanders north and west for over 73 miles near the Canadian border to eventually join the Pacific Crest Trail. Help protect your wilderness by following wilderness regulations and using Leave No Trace principles.

      • Pets
      • Tents
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Forde Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Forde Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Forde Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Forde Lake

      5. Forde Lake

      2 Reviews
      7 Photos
      2 Saves

      A Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass is required to camp on Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) Lands.

      • Pets
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • Toilets
      • No image available

        6. Blue Lake North

        1 Review
        15 Saves

        A Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass is required to camp on Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) Lands. Blue Lake North is open from the last Saturday in April thru October 31st.

        • Pets
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Dispersed
        • Toilets
        Camper-submitted photo from Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed
        • No image available
          Camper-submitted photo from Secret Camping Spot #1
          Camper-submitted photo from Secret Camping Spot #1
          Camper-submitted photo from Secret Camping Spot #1
          Camper-submitted photo from Secret Camping Spot #1
          Camper-submitted photo from Secret Camping Spot #1
          • No image available

            10. BLM Chopaka Lake

            1 Review
            4 Saves
            • Pets
            • Electric Hookups
            • Phone Service
            • Reservable
            • RVs
            • Dispersed
          Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

          Recent Dispersed Reviews In Winthrop

          14 Reviews of 14 Winthrop Campgrounds


          • LThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed
            Sep. 11, 2024

            Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed

            Awesome View from the Top of the Ridge

            Great campsite with an awesome view. Sandy dirt camping site near the USGS sensor station. No fires today due to high fire danger, but there was a pit in the camp. Tent right on the ridge. Dirt road was 12 miles up the mountain. Lots of switchbacks, but passible in a sedan. Takes 45 mins to get up. Take shady pass road to the top.

          • Emma
            Camper-submitted photo from Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping
            Jul. 13, 2024

            Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping

            Great spot

            Great spot with plenty of sites. Lots of room at your site and between neighbors. Super close to the river. There were a lot of people, mainly families, but everyone was super respectful and it honestly made me feel safer and a solo traveler. Would definitely go back.

          • aThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Forde Lake
            Jun. 9, 2024

            Forde Lake

            Nice spot for a few nights

            Short trip from the town of Loomis. Only a mile or so of gravel road. The campground has 10 sites. It sits between Forde lake and a pond we call reflection. It is or was a part of an irrigation system. The gravel road is fairly busy with plenty of dust boiling up. I recommend not taking the first site in even though it looks like it would accommodate a 40 ft rig. Four of the sites looked able to handle our 27 ft trailer. A few are slide in camper sized. Not busy during our stay and was a less improved area near by with more sites. Remember lake and pond so mosquitoes are present.

          • John T.
            Camper-submitted photo from Sullivan Pond Camp
            Jul. 25, 2023

            Sullivan Pond Camp

            Sullivan Pond, Winthrop WA

            Nice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required.

          • Alan-Mark I.
            Camper-submitted photo from Secret Camping Spot #1
            Aug. 16, 2022

            Secret Camping Spot #1

            Bare Necessities

            A place to sleep. You can set up tent on the elevated ridge you see as you drive in off the pull-off from the hwy. But be mindful of the cactuses, these are small but quite sharp.

          • P
            Camper-submitted photo from Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping
            May. 22, 2021

            Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping

            Big Bugs, Nice Spot

            Was here last summer and the bugs were BAD, like hiding in the car and tent bad.

            Left with more bug bites than I could count, but was a nice and open space at least.

            Lots of spots even late on a holiday weekend, but definitely was not out first choice

          • Meghan
            Camper-submitted photo from Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping
            Mar. 28, 2021

            Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping

            Stellar views of Lake Chelan yet worlds away

            This campsite is along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-8410. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road but if you approach from the Chelan side you could maybe get away with a high clearance AWD vehicle. Incredible sunset views of the valley overlooking Lake Chelan to one side and a vast forested mountain range to the other. This particular spot photographed is on the south side of the road to the north of the Baldy Mountain crest. This area seemed to have a good number of sites in the immediate vicinity, not that we saw anything in them. This particular site was clearly well used as it was flat, had log stump seats, and a stone fire pit (even if you aren't supposed to have fires most of the year in this forest). Someone even built a rustic camp toilet in the woods just away from the campsite.

          • M
            Camper-submitted photo from Blue Lake North
            Feb. 12, 2020

            Blue Lake North

            Blue lake

            Beautiful lake, long, big and I hear they have fish (not a fisherman). Has several points of access to the lake.

          • M
            Camper-submitted photo from Forde Lake
            Feb. 12, 2020

            Forde Lake

            Camping at Forde Lake

            This is a dry Camp only. , no water/power ect. Has a small lake or a large pond? With a beautiful view of the valley floor.



          Guide to Winthrop

          Camping near Winthrop, Washington, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

          What to do

          • Water activities: Enjoy kayaking, jet skiing, and fishing at Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "All things water-based including jet skis, water skiing, kayaking, SUP, and fishing."
          • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, especially if you’re staying at Klipchuck Campground. A visitor shared, "This is a good basecamp for exploring the North Cascades."
          • Relaxing by the lake: Spend a day lounging at Alta Lake State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "The swimming area at the lake was really nice."

          What campers like

          • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One happy camper at Lone Fir Campground said, "The scenery around every turn was AWESOME!"
          • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A reviewer at Klipchuck Campground noted, "Most sites are relatively private."
          • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The showers are free but you are asked to not use more than three button pushes."

          What you should know

          • Road noise: Some campgrounds, like Early Winters Campground, are close to highways, which can lead to noise. A camper noted, "Road noise can be a problem during the summer months."
          • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full facilities. A reviewer at Antilon Lake Campground pointed out, "There is no drinking water, no electric hookups, and no showers."
          • Reservation challenges: Many sites are first-come, first-served. A visitor at Klipchuck Campground advised, "Get there early or it will be hard to find a spot for an RV."

          Tips for camping with families

          • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and trails. One parent at Alta Lake State Park Campground said, "There were lots of paths to take our kids for walks or bike rides."
          • Safety first: Bring bug spray, especially if you're camping at places like Antilon Lake Campground, where mosquitoes can be a nuisance. A camper warned, "BRING BUG SPRAY!!!"
          • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to cook. A visitor at Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Each site had a picnic table and fire ring."

          Tips from RVers

          • Check site sizes: Not all campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Klipchuck Campground noted, "Few sites are long enough for larger rigs."
          • Be prepared for tight turns: Some campgrounds have narrow loops. A visitor at Lone Fir Campground mentioned, "Turns are tight in the loops."
          • Bring cash for fees: Many campgrounds operate on a cash-only basis. A camper at Klipchuck Campground advised, "Make sure you have cash or check to pay in the Dropbox."

          Camping near Winthrop, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make your experience even better!

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Winthrop, WA?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Winthrop, WA is Sullivan Pond Camp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

          • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Winthrop, WA?

            TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Winthrop, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.