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Camper submitted image from South Fork Tieton Dispersed CampingView 10 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near White Pass, Washington

South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible by vehicle with numerous open sites spread along the South Fork Tieton River, this dispersed camping area operates under Forest Service management with no fees or reservations required. Campers select from available spots in open terrain, though designated fire rings mark established areas. No facilities exist on-site—no vault toilets, picnic tables, or water sources.

Cell service varies by carrier, with some campers reporting reception while others find none. The river provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking, while nearby trails offer hiking and biking access. Reviewers consistently note cleanup challenges from previous visitors, so campers should expect to pack out all waste and potentially clear chosen sites. Those seeking additional options can explore campgrounds near Snoqualmie National Forest throughout the surrounding region.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

Highway 12 to Forest Service Road 1200. Forest Service Road 1200 to Forest Service Road 1000.

Coordinates

46.597307 N
121.211183 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol

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 South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

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Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

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34%
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34%

2.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the riverside location and site availability, but recurring comments addressed serious cleanliness problems with waste and trash left by previous campers requiring cleanup upon arrival.

Jeffrey R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 3, 2023

Nice, but dirty

Privacy can be had if you take your time and find a good spot. However, be prepared to clean up behind the hooligans.

If people would just take care of stuff, this could be an awesome place.

Month of VisitApril
J
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2020

Pretty disgusting camping area.

I could let go the dust, wind, noise, crowds of jerks not taking covid precautions (in Yakima County which has one of the highest infection rates in Washington, but one of the lowest pop. density in the state), such as gatherings of 30-50 people with none wearing masks, but I can't get over the poo and toilet paper littering the ground. You can see it just driving down the road. Forestry even posted a sign about the poo poo and TP. No wonder so many people are sick. Can't even go for a walk without dodging mine fields of poo and discarded TP. I drove 4.5 hours to get there. Terribly disappointing, disgusted, and left feeling dirty and possibly exposed to covid. BTW, got tested and was negative.

There was also no internet, calls or texting on Sprint.

Location 46°39'57.3"N 121°06'11.0"W (copy paste)

SiteRiver side toward the back.
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping by Jason A., August 19, 2020
  • Review photo of South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping by Jason A., August 19, 2020
  • Review photo of South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping by Jason A., August 19, 2020
Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2019

Dispersed camping

We stayed here 2 nights and will definitely be coming back. Tons of open sites to choose from right along the river. Designated fire rings but currently there's a burn ban. No vault toilets or picnic tables. Pack it in, pack it out! When we first arrived we spent about 20 minutes cleaning the site we chose after the people whom were here before us. Not such a big deal just a little saddening. #1 rule is to leave no trace. Extremely grateful we get to explore and camp on land that is free. We should all do our part and take care of it. 

A little surprising that we had cell phone reception with sprint! 

Near this area there are a lot or activities. Biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking.. to name a few!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping by Jess G., August 4, 2019
  • Review photo of South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping by Jess G., August 4, 2019
  • Review photo of South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping by Jess G., August 4, 2019
  • (7) View All
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in the South Fork Tieton area?

South Fork Tieton dispersed camping follows standard Forest Service dispersed camping regulations. This includes a strict pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy with no trash services available. Campers must use existing fire rings, though seasonal burn bans are common and should be checked before arrival. There are no vault toilets or picnic tables provided. The area has a 14-day stay limit typical of most national forest dispersed camping. Proper waste disposal is mandatory, and campers should practice Leave No Trace principles. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Always check current forest regulations before your trip as rules may change seasonally.

How does South Fork Tieton compare to other camping options near Rimrock Lake?

South Fork Tieton offers a more primitive experience compared to developed campgrounds around Rimrock Lake. While established campgrounds provide amenities like maintained toilets, trash service, and defined sites with tables, South Fork Tieton provides a true dispersed experience with no facilities. It offers greater privacy when you find the right spot, but requires self-sufficiency. The riverside location is a major draw compared to some other options. The area can get busy during peak season with varying levels of campsite cleanliness. Unlike developed campgrounds that may have fees, South Fork Tieton is typically free but demands more preparation and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

Where is South Fork Tieton dispersed camping located and how do I access it?

South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping is located along the South Fork Tieton River in Washington state, near Rimrock Lake. The camping area offers numerous sites situated right along the river. Access is via forest service roads, with several open areas suitable for camping. The area is in Yakima County, providing a riverside camping experience in a natural setting. There are no developed facilities, making it a true dispersed camping experience. When arriving, look for established sites with fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply depending on current conditions.

Are there any photos of South Fork Tieton dispersed camping sites available?

Photos of South Fork Tieton dispersed camping sites are available on The Dyrt's campground page. These images show the riverside camping areas with natural settings and established fire rings. The photos display the undeveloped nature of the sites, positioned along the South Fork Tieton River. Visual documentation helps illustrate the dispersed camping experience, showing the natural landscape and typical site layouts. Check The Dyrt's website or mobile app to view current photos before your visit.

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