Best Dispersed Camping near Cle Elum, WA
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest surrounding Cle Elum, Washington features predominantly dispersed camping options along forest service roads and waterways. French Cabin Creek Recreation Area and Salmon la Sac Road Dispersed Camping provide waterfront sites where campers can set up along Howson Creek, Little Salmon la Sac River, or Lake Cle Elum. The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, located between Cle Elum and Ellensburg, offers more remote camping experiences with wide-open meadows and mountain views. Most sites are primitive with basic fire rings but few amenities, making them suitable for tent camping and smaller RVs seeking a more natural experience.
Rough forest roads with steep grades and loose rocks limit access to many camping areas, particularly after rain or snowmelt. According to one camper at L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, "From the gate we drove down a rough, rocky road... It was steep and rutted with water wash out spots. The rocks were sharp, large, and loose." Most dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, though some areas closer to main roads can accommodate standard cars. A Discover Pass is required for Wildlife Areas, while a Northwest Forest Pass may be needed at trailheads within national forest boundaries. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-November, with fire restrictions common during summer months.
Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with campers noting the sound of flowing water helps mask noise from neighboring sites. "We really enjoy camping here because it's off the main road so it's much quieter than the campgrounds right off Salmon la Sac Road, plus the river drowns out most of the noise," reported one French Cabin Creek visitor. Wildlife sightings are common, with elk, deer, wild turkeys, and various birds frequently observed. Nearby recreational opportunities include hiking trails such as Pete Lake, Salmon la Sac, and Domerie Peak, plus water activities on Lake Cle Elum where kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in town. Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier, with Verizon generally providing better coverage than other networks.
