Dispersed Camping

Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping, or camping outside of designated campgrounds, can be a great way to enjoy the Forest if everyone follows basic rules and guidelines to protect wildlife, plants, water quality, and the health of others.

Dispersed camping means no toilets, no drinking water, no metal fire rings, and no trash service - and, therefore, no camping fees.

Dispersed camping is not for everyone - and that's okay! Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has many designated campgrounds for people who want or need amenities.

Basic Rules and Guidance

Your site:

Please choose an existing dispersed site rather than create a new one to reduce impacts on natural resources.
Locate your camping spot outside of fragile meadows and restricted areas, preferably on bare or mineral soil.
Camp out of view from major roads and trails, where possible.
Camping at least 100 feet from the shoreline of lakes and streams will help protect plants and animals that use these areas.
Avoid trenching around sleeping areas by selecting a site with good natural drainage.

Garbage and Human Waste:

Always pack out all trash and all objects you brought with you! Leave your camp area cleaner than when you found it.
Food Storage Order is in effect across the entire Forest, requiring visitors to store food items in a “bear resistant manner” and to properly dispose of wildlife attractants. This is intended to reduce human/wildlife conflicts resulting from readily available food sources and other attractants.
Bury human waste: dig a hole 6 inches deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container.
Other products and options for burying or packing out waste.
Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Animals might eat it; it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it; and leaving poop exposed impacts other visitors.

Fire

ALWAYS check for fire restrictions before heading out.
If you didn't bring firewood and intend to build a campfire, only collect already down wood. Do not cut down any tree or branches, dead or alive.
If your campfire is too hot to touch with bare hands, it's too hot for you to leave! Never leave a campfire unattended. Bring plenty of water and a shovel to help you put out your fire. Make sure your fire is dead out before leaving.

Restrictions

There are some areas in federal wilderness that are not open to dispersed camping. Learn more about wilderness regulations.
Certain areas are closed to dispersed camping, such as within developed recreation sites, along certain roads, and particularly sensitive areas. Contact your local Ranger District for details.
You may camp in a single location on the Forest for only up to 14 consecutive days at a time and camp in any location on the Forest for no more than 28 days total during a calendar year.
Your group must be under 75 people. If larger, you must obtain a permit in advance from the local Ranger District.

Follow all Leave No Trace principles.