Washington Coast

[jeronaut]

Looking to beat the heat for our first two nights out in the rig next week. Headed to the Washington coast. I don’t have a reserved camp site, so I’m looking for a (dispersed?) spot I can drive in and park my Toyota Tacoma with rooftop tent. Trying to (mostly) avoid the salt air and the beach. Anyone tracking such a resource? I’m new on OB and new to the adventure. Any ideas appreciated! Learning to use the three.word.location code, for what it’s worth. Pic posted for interest … building out the rack and tent this weekend. Hope everyone is well …

 

[reaver]

You can dispersed camp in any National Forest and WA state DNR land. I don't live in WA, so I don't know what other options you have, but make sure to check with the managing body regarding any current restrictions in the area (fire, etc) before heading out. Ranger districts always appreciate it when people call to check if there are fire restrictions.

 

[Ubiety]

Look for BLM or NF/NP (or even state) land on your map for dispersed camping opportunities, unless noted otherwise these are the places. Once you have located public land of interest a little internet sleuthing should get you more details.

I have all the layers enabled in OB1 except OB Regions and public land shows up in green. You can zoom in to an area of interest to get the name and then follow up with said internet sleuthing. I also have OB1 setup to show contributed campsites and don’t see any around the Ocean Shores area which makes me think there may be no dispersed camping there? Up to the North, in the Olympic Nat Park, I do see some camp site icons leading me to think this area is ok for dispersed camping.

 

[Ubiety]

And you will need appropriate passes. Discovery Pass, WA Forest Pass, etc.

 

[jeronaut]

You can dispersed camp in any National Forest and WA state DNR land. I don't live in WA, so I don't know what other options you have, but make sure to check with the managing body regarding any current restrictions in the area (fire, etc) before heading out. Ranger districts always appreciate it when people call to check if there are fire restrictions.

Thanks for the tips! Will stop at the Ranger stations along the route.

 

[jeronaut]

And you will need appropriate passes. Discovery Pass, WA Forest Pass, etc.

Thanks U.

 

[OTH Overland]

I have not found to much around the Ocean Shores area other than designated camgrounds, lots of private land. gets much better as you head up and around the peninsula, lots of FS roads heading inland and many get up to some good views. quite a few going in from the hood canal side also. When at the ranger stations, ask to see if they have an MVUM (motor vehicle use maps) available. These are the bible for where you are or are not allowed to drive on national forest lands. they are available online and in the mapping apps also, but I like the paper ones as you can spread them out on the hood and get a good overview... plus I am old school,,,lol

 

[jeronaut]

... plus I am old school,,,lol

Thanks for the info … and “old school” is great .. it’s the new “new school.”
:-)