Best Dispersed Camping near Woodland, WA

Dispersed camping opportunities near Woodland, Washington include several primitive sites within Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping provides free sites with established fire rings and flat tent pads. Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping offers secluded sites accessible via forest service roads. Little Soda Springs Road Dispersed features 2-3 drive-in sites and additional walk-in sites near a creek. Most locations require a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass for overnight parking.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region. Several campers noted that "the road coming in the last 10 miles is rough in many spots" at Mount St. Helens sites. Forest Road 81 near McBride Lake is "mostly paved, but be prepared for several miles of gravel and a road that is sometimes very rough." Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing remote sites, particularly during wet weather. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most locations, so downloading offline maps before arrival is essential.

Most dispersed sites in the area are primitive with no amenities. Vault toilets can be found at nearby trailheads but are not typically at campsites themselves. Campers must pack in all water and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. When fires are permitted, they must be contained within established fire rings. Forest Service rangers patrol these areas regularly to check permits and enforce regulations. The proximity to Mount St. Helens provides excellent hiking opportunities, with many campsites serving as convenient basecamps for exploring the volcanic monument.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Woodland, Washington (31)

    2. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    6 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    23 miles

    "Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down!"

    "The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping."

    3. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out."

    4. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    35 miles

    "This is a dispersed campsite near the south side of Mount St. Helens. It's free, which is always great. The drive in is just off the highway and up a little hill, but my car had no problems with it."

    "This dispersed camping is free, huge bonus in my book."

    5. Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "It looks like there might be two walk-in campsites as well and I believe there might be one if you walk across the Creek. It's very close to trapper Creek trailhead and there is a vault toilet there."

    "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."

    6. Butte Camp/Climbers Bivouac Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    30 miles
    Website

    "Group camping with 4-5 places for tents and 2 maybe 3 spots for travel trailers but will need to back in. 2 fire pits and a few walking trails. Solar friendly and level."

    "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."

    7. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

    8. McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed

    1 Review
    Cougar, WA
    28 miles

    "I would scout the road and area before committing; however, there is a turnaround that you could use to maneuver the trailer to drive out. "

    9. Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Stevenson, WA
    36 miles
    Website

    "I wanted to add videos of the river sites to my other review for this site, but the website wouldn't let me - anyway, the hike has 3 river sites about 1 mile in from the trailhead and they are beautiful"

    "We wanted a beginner backpacking trip (10 to 12 miles round trip) close to town - this one is a pretty hike with views at the end (theoretically, we saw fog)."

    10. Pumice Butte- Dispersed Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    31 miles

    "Pumice Butte is a dispersed camping area along the Loowit trail that circles Mt St Helens."

    "The camp is around a gully on the north side of Pumice Butte with outstanding views of Mt St Helens and Mt Adams."

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Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Woodland, WA

71 Reviews of 31 Woodland Campgrounds



Guide to Woodland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Woodland, Washington, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

Stunning Waterfalls for Dispersed Campers

  • The Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight is a great spot for those looking to enjoy a picturesque waterfall just a short hike away from your vehicle.
  • While camping here, you can enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding forest, although be mindful of the potential for noise from passing vehicles.
  • This area is pet-friendly, making it an ideal choice for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.

Scenic Hiking Trails While Free Camping Near Woodland

  • The Pumice Butte- Dispersed Campsite offers access to the Loowit Trail, which circles around the stunning Mt. St. Helens, providing breathtaking views and a chance to explore the unique volcanic landscape.
  • Hikers will appreciate the variety of trails available, with options that cater to different skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  • Be prepared for a busy atmosphere during peak summer weekends, as this spot is popular among outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Woodland, Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Woodland, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Woodland, WA is Gee Creek Rest Area I-5 with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near Woodland, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.