Darrington’s Dispersed Campsites
Dispersed Camping is camping on public lands outside of designated campgrounds. They can take you to more private, quiet locations, but keep in mind, they also require more self reliancy for your needs. For many, that’s part of the fun!
Dispersed Campsites
Dispersed Campsites are not Campgrounds and are available year round, weather and conditions permitting.
They do not have: Camp host, trash receptacles, potable water. No reservations are accepted as the campground is run on the first come first served principle.
They do have: Vehicle pull ins, vault toilet.
Being able to camp at dispersed campsites is a wonderful recreation to have available. Please keep our backcountry clean and do not blaze new trails by driving where roads are closed or nonexistent.
Chockwich Dispersed Campsites
Chockwich Dispersed Campsites is right along the wild and scenic South Fork Sauk River and the Mountain Loop Highway. There are three pull in campsites with an adjacent vaulted toilet. Please keep our backcountry clean and use the facility here. The campsites are nestled in old growth trees, all with a river view. Many hiking trails are nearby and there is kayak access near the entrance of Bedal Campground, a short distance to the north.
To get to Chockwich Dispersed Campsites, from Darrington, drive about 25 miles south on the Mountain Loop Highway. After crossing the Bedal Creek and before you cross the Chockwich Creek, you see the three pull-ins and a vaulted toilet on the right side.
French Creek Campsites
French Creek Dispersed Campsites are three simple pull in spots. To the east of these sites, flows the beautiful French Creek. Just past the sites is a vaulted toilet on Forest Road #2010, the road to the Boulder River Trail.
To get to French Creek Dispersedsites from the Darrington Ranger Station, drive west on SR 530 for 8.2 miles, turn left onto French Creek Road, Forest Service Road #2010, (mile post #41) you will reach the campsites at 0.9 mile. The Boulder River Trailhead is 2.8 miles beyond the campsites.
Sloan Creek Dispersed Horse Campsites
These unique Campsites have a maximum occupancy of 12, with saddle animals counting as an occupant. The road forms a loop which permits stock trailers to turn around. Adjacent to the campsites is a holding corral, hitching post, vaulted toilets and Sloan Creek.
Nearby recreation include two hiking trails, the North Sauk and Bald Eagle, both open for stock use and access to the Pacific Crest Trail.
To get to Sloan Creek Dispersed Horse Campsites and the trailhead #649 from the Darrington Ranger Station, take the Mountain Loop Hwy 17 miles to the Sloan Creek Rd. FS Rd. #49, turn left and drive 6.6 miles to trailhead and campsites.
Texas Pond Dispersed Campsite
This one campsite is up on North Mountain and is a beautiful and historical place to visit while in Darrington. There is a picnic site by the pond and one campsite nestled in the trees. This is a great place for wildlife viewing and early summer wildflowers while the swamp laurel grows on the stumps and logs like magical floating gardens. On the south, the pond is larger and there are several “fisherman’s trails” to utilize. This campsite is a suitable place for the mountain bike enthusiast to set up camp as it is surrounded by miles of Forest Service roads connecting directly to the North Mountain Bike Trail System.
To get to Texas Pond, drive 5.6 miles north from the Darrington Ranger Station, turn left at the Christian Camp sign on Forest Service Road #28, drive 1 mile and make a left just past the Christian Camp, drive 3.6 miles. When you come to a Y in the road, keep to your right. It is about 1/2 mile to the camp site