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Dispersed Camping

NF-52 Dispersed Camping

7 Reviews

NF-52 Dispersed Camping, near Mt. Rainier, Washington, offers a rugged escape into the heart of Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This area is perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of nature without the frills of developed campgrounds, allowing you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

The scenery here is stunning, with plenty of sites that provide breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier. Visitors have noted that while the area can be busy, the experience is worth it, especially for the picturesque landscapes and the chance to connect with nature. Just be prepared for some bugs; as one camper mentioned, “there can be a lot of bugs,” but that’s part of the wild charm.

Amenities are minimal, so come ready for a true camping experience. There are no picnic tables or showers, but you can enjoy campfires and the freedom to set up your tent or RV wherever you find a suitable spot. Some campers have pointed out the need for better waste management, but volunteers and the Forest Service are actively working to keep the area clean.

For those looking to explore, NF-52 is close to various trails and natural features, making it a great base for hiking and enjoying the surrounding wilderness. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, and you’ll have a memorable time in this beautiful part of Washington.

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Location

NF-52 Dispersed Camping is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.728288 N
121.867841 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if NF-52 Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

BThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2024

Beautiful views but semi busy road

Got here around sunset. Looks like some good camping spots to walk into. Beautiful view of Rainier. There was a little bit of traffic but nothing crazy. Would stay here again.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of NF-52 Dispersed Camping by Bella M., September 3, 2024
Holbrook P.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2024

Amazing Spot Outside of Rainier

We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates. While we didn't have the comfota of our car parked right next to us, we had spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, easy access down to the river, and a fire pit. Unreal spot about 10-15 drive to the entrance of the park. Paved road all the way.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of NF-52 Dispersed Camping by Holbrook P., August 31, 2024
SThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2024

Easy to find

It was a pretty good stay, it was easy to find a spot. We just pulled over and set up a tent. A little buggy and it’s not a super special spot to camp but it was a nice stay.

Month of VisitAugust
Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2024

Ok stay near Mt Rainier

It was just a pretty ok spot. Nothing fancy, my spot wasn’t right on the river and I had a creek which was just full of mosquitoes

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of NF-52 Dispersed Camping by Bobby J., July 21, 2024
  • Review photo of NF-52 Dispersed Camping by Bobby J., July 21, 2024
  • Review photo of NF-52 Dispersed Camping by Bobby J., July 21, 2024
  • (7) View All
samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2024

One of my favorites!

One of my favorite dispersed sites of all time, now let me say , there can be a lot of bugs, but there are lots of sites , and the view of rainier is amazing. !!!! There is a lot of traffic but I love it everytime.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of NF-52 Dispersed Camping by samuel C., July 16, 2024
  • Review photo of NF-52 Dispersed Camping by samuel C., July 16, 2024
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  • (5) View All
DThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023

Attack of the ants!

I used the big pull in spot where you can get good access to the river via multiple paths. I backed my SUV in and set my car tent up. Then realized there were ants ALL OVER! Maybe the big trash pile but they seemed bigger (Carpenter?). Not only could I not enjoy the space outside my tent and just chill but they also were all over multiple path entrances. If I hadn’t already set my tent up I’d have found another spot!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of NF-52 Dispersed Camping by Diana M., August 21, 2023
Sheryl H.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2023

This Dispersed Camping area is next to the Skate Creek Rd. It is beautiful!

The area is beautiful with about 38 sites. Forest Service has installed 6 temporary toilets for the third year in a row to assist with human waste issues.  Many of the campers do not understand the rules and they depart with trash and litter everywhere. 

Volunteers continue to cleanup after these abusers as well as the Forest Service.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at NF-52 Dispersed Camping?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at NF-52 Dispersed Camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does NF-52 Dispersed Camping have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, NF-52 Dispersed Camping does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at NF-52 Dispersed Camping?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.