OUR GUIDE TO FREE DISPERSED CAMPING IN WASHINGTON STATE
Dispersed camping along a Washington river.
A Budget-friendly Camping Adventure.
The stunning and unique landscape of Washington State attracts thousands of campers each year. With iconic destinations like Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park, campsites fill up months (or even years) in advance and often come with a price tag. Luckily, our expert campers at Peace Vans have years of experience researching and finding the best free dispersed camping spots in the state. This guide to dispersed camping will give you our favorite resources for finding the best sites to pop the top for the night.
What is Dispersed Camping?
Dispersed camping is a term used to describe camping outside a designated campground. Because most campgrounds in Washington charge a nightly fee, dispersed camping is usually the cheapest option. You won’t have to worry about noisy neighbors or scramble to make reservations months in advance to find something.
Most dispersed camping spots have no amenities like picnic tables or running water. However, when you rent from Peace Vans, your van will have nearly everything you’ll need to enjoy a night off the grid. Have your own camper and not sure what is essential to bring for a night off-grid? Contact us, and we’ll suggest some of our favorite products! These remote campsites are a great way to disconnect, immerse yourself in nature, and view wildlife without breaking the bank.
Where is Dispersed Camping Allowed?
Dispersed camping is allowed in many places but is most commonly found in our state’s National Forests or BLM land. These two types of land make up almost 10 million acres across our state. Some popular national forests include Olympic National Forest, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Dispersed camping is allowed along Forest Service roads as long as there is adequate space to park off the roadway safely and not on any vegetation. It’s important to note that while dispersed camping is free, many government-owned lands require a recreation pass to explore. If you’re heading to a national forest, ensure you have a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, which can be purchased annually online or at a local vendor.
Rules for Dispersed Camping
Like regular campsites, there are rules for dispersed camping. According to the US Forest Service, dispersed camping is always free unless there is a sign indicating otherwise. Each area has slightly different rules, so check the webpage for the national forest you’re heading to. For example, these are some rules for Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest:
You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 14 days within a 30-day period
You may not blaze new roads to campsites, create new campsites, or clear ground by cutting vegetation
Do not block any roads or gates
Do not create new firepits
Follow Leave No Trace principles
For a complete list of rules and regulations for dispersed camping, check out this list from the US Forest Service. The linked page also lists popular spots in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
If you’re ever in doubt about whether your camping spot is allowed, you can contact the US Forest Service, and a ranger will be happy to help.
How Can I Find Spots in Advance?
There are many resources for finding dispersed camping in Washington State. These include online resources like blogs, apps, and more.
This blog lists 20 great dispersed campgrounds in Washington. Some of these include 29 Pines Campground, Sherry Creek Campground, and Rocky Lake Campground. These are all available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you won’t have to worry about making last-minute reservations. Some dispersed camping sites are labeled “tent” or “car camping” sites, but our compact Metris vans will still fit.
Best Apps for Finding Dispersed Camping
There are tons of awesome apps for finding dispersed camping spots. These include FreeRoam, iOverlander, The Dyrt, Gaia GPS, and more.
iOverlander is an excellent option because the destinations are added to the map by other campers. You can use the map to search for free spots in specific locations across the state. Each location marker provides GPS coordinates that can be put into Google Maps for directions. Users also upload photos and written reviews. This resource can be used on the app or the web.
Ready to Adventure Off-the-Beaten Path?
Have your own Mercedes Metris camper? Check out our list of upgrades and add-ons that are sure to enhance your off-grid adventure.
Our rental vans are the perfect option for dispersed camping. They come with everything you need: a kitchen, two beds, camping tables and chairs, and more. You won’t have to sacrifice the amenities of a standard campground since your van will come fully equipped.
We are changing our nightly minimum beginning in August! Our typical 6-night minimum will change to a 3-night minimum, the perfect window for a weekend adventure. Book your trip now and get started mapping out your dispersed camping adventure!