Best Dispersed Camping near Cle Elum, WA

Ranger Review: GCI Waterside Pod Rocker with Sunshade at French Cabin Creek Dispersed Camping

Camping Review: 5 stars

We have nothing but love for French Cabin Creek (F.C.C.) dispersed camping zone!

From our home (Seattle area) to the camp zone typically takes less than 2 hours to arrive, horrific I-90 weekend traffic not included.

The F.C.C. dispersed camping zone can be found by crossing the first bridge off the Salmon la Sac Road, located between the Cle Elum River and Red Mountain Campgrounds. 

Once you arrive in the zone most of the camps are located along either Howson Creek, Little Salmon la Sac River or the backside of Lake Cle Elum.  They are available for camping from May to mid-November. Each camp we’ve stayed in offers waterfront camping, at least 2 parking spots, 2+ cleared spots for tents, trees for hammocks, usually 1 fire ring or more, and a honey-bucket somewhere nearby. 

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 from any loud camp neighbors.

The F.C.C. dispersed camping zone is located nearby the local Salmon la Sac swimming hole and Lake Cle Elum, so you have plenty of water activity options close at hand. We typically see folks’ kayak, raft, even SUP-board by our camp on their way down to the lake. Kayak and SUP rentals are available in the towns of Cle Elum and Roslyn for $50 daily.

Did I mention there are several hiking trails located close to the F.C.C. camp zone as well; Pete Lake trail, Salmon la Sac trail, Domerie Peak trail, French Cabin Creek trail and Thorp Creek/Little Joe Lake trail, just to name a few.

No forest passes are needed to stay in the F.C.C. dispersed camping zone so camping is truly free (unless you find yourself at a trailhead, then you will need a Northwest Forest Pass for the Wenatchee-Okanogan National Forest, be warned)!

Now just a few last-minute gentle reminders (since this is a dispersed camping zone) that there will be NO: running water, RV hookups or dump stations, no trash bins (pack it in/pack it out), picnic tables, fire pit grills, and on occasion a few more campfire restrictions than in the local campgrounds.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=57515

Gear Review: 4.5 stars

As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I occasionally get to test out products to review – I recently tested the GCI Pod Rocker with Sunshade and boy am I in love with this chair!

The chair is as described, a beachside rocking chair with a positional SPF sun blocking shade but GCI did a really great job designing this chair! 

The chair has a large comfortable seat holding up to a 250 lb. adult. The rocking mechanism is fantastic, rocking smoothly and quietly all weekend long on my first trip out. I was even able to set the chair up on uneven ground and continue rocking away while watching the river and kayakers float past our camp. 

I am super fair skinned and tend to burn through clothing and sunscreen, so having an extra layer of protection from the sun in the form of the SPF UV blocking sunshade is a real-life saver for me! My husband laughed all weekend at me, as I happily readjusted my sunshade time and again to stay safe and sunburn-free. 

Another little plus I love about the GCI Pod Rocker with Sunshade is the cool side pouch made to hold your phone and a beverage, which is super convenient for all-day lounging.  

When you are done using your Pod Rocker for the day, the chair easily folds up and fits into a travel bag with shoulder strap for opportune travel capability. 

Now the only complaint I have with the chair is the color.  After a weekend camping, leaving it out overnight, I awoke to the seat covered in sticky pine needles that left slight stains on the light aqua colored fabric.  Then there was the wild incident when our ketchup bottle lid flew off and sprayed me and the chair in ketchup, that also left its mark on the light-colored chair fabric.

My husband’s complaint with the chair is that he feels too hunched over when sitting in it for long periods of time. He said he feels like the chair won’t allow him to sit up straight. Now I don’t know if that is because he is so tall, at 6’4” or just how he fit in the chair but I am 5’6” and didn’t experience this problem. So, I’m guessing it’s more him and his height or long skinny frame?

Stumbled on this by just exploring the backroads near the BLM campground down the road. Technically this is USDA Forest Service land, but it is RIGHT next to BLM land. 

Being dispersed, they are primitive sites. You're going to find man-made stone fire pits but that's about it. There are a handful of dispersed sites in this area. We found one nestled right next to the creek. It was great, very peaceful for the most part, except for when you can hear people on their ATVs or dirt bikes tearing around the area. Since this is so close to a BLM recreation site, expect to hear those activities.

Some of these sites can be tricky to get to unless you have a good vehicle for it. I was renting a 4Runner at the time so no issues, but I don't think I would have been able to get to the further in dispersed sites if I was driving a Civic.

All in all, really great spots right next to the old town of Liberty, and worth the $0 you'll spend to camp here. Hell, maybe even worth more, not that you'll have to worry about that.

Within the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping. This area of the southeast corner of the NF has very little traffic compared to others, we saw only one ATV for the whole time we were there. This area lies along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-7400. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road and I wouldn't suggest it in anything less. Incredible sunset views of the valley in front of Chumstick Mountain, it gets pretty windy at night but there are treelines you can position against. This particular spot photographed is just up the hill off the roadside in a nice grassy clearing. More spots were just up the hill around the bend as well.

Found this sweet spot a little bit ago. Various dispersed camping spots along the road and up the forest service roads. There are some really sweet spots along the road with water access.

We’ve been coming here for years now. Spots fill up fast! You can float the river down to Cle Elum lake. Once the weather warms up the river lowers and slows down. Lots of area for kids to create their little pools to swim in. Outhouses are sparse so bring tp. Very peaceful. Up at the end of salmon la sac road you will find trails and beautiful alpine lakes. There is a “last resort” store 20-30 mins from the camp sites.

For dispersed camping you gotta get out of the main "campground". Tons of options just off the beaten path. This is another gateway location which holds entrances to dozens of roads each with their own selection of dry camp sites.

Nice place for dispersed camping and only 5$! close the NP entrance and plenty of space here

Every dispersed campground we checked along this road (maybe five or so) was littered with human feces and toilet paper everywhere. We found a literal bucket of human waste beside the river with a soiled pool noodle nearby I can only assume was being used as a toilet seat. Please, if you care about keeping nature wild, carry out your toilet paper and dig a cathole or use the outhouse in the campground. If you don’t know what a cathole is, you should probably should not being using dispersed camping and try the campground down the road. We ended up staying at the campground because we couldn’t find dispersed camping where there wasn’t poop and had a positive experience there. Leave no trace!! 

https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm

NF dispersed camping along Derby RD. Multiple sites along the road...make sure to look for signs as there are some pullouts marked “no camping.” No amenities but super quiet. Great place when you need to escape.

**Ranger Review: Camp Fare Premium Meals at LT Murray Wildlife Area **

Camping Review: The LT Murray Wildlife Area is located in Thorp, between Cle Elum and Ellensburg. It is often referred to as Elk Heights or Joe Watt Canyon. This is primarily an ORV and horseback riding area in the summer. Hunting and elk feeding/wintering grounds area in the winter. This is also a great area to find elk sheds once wintering season is over. There are plenty of dispersed camping sites along the Forest Service roads. All you need is a Discover Pass and a high clearance, capable vehicle. 

We were looking for a close by, no reservation, free place to camp for a weekend. I remember riding horses up here as a kid but have not been up to this area for many years. Once you arrive to the Wildlife Area, you must let yourself in the gate and close it after you pass through. From the gate we drove down a rough, rocky road and passed a wide-open meadow where there we a couple other trailers camping, maybe living, along the road. We passed through some very narrow, brush lined roads. It was also steep and rutted with water wash out spots. The rocks that made the road are sharp, large, and loose. We did not go too far as we were not sure what shape the road would be in and did not want to get in a situation with our trailer that we could not get out of. Plug for our Airstream Basecamp. It's advertised as being "built for adventure and tough enough to go anywhere." I think I really believe it now. 

The spot we chose turned out to be beautiful. We had a view of the Thorp valley and the forested gully and ridge across from us. The stars were out and the comet NEOWISE was visible. We saw large elk, deer, many birds, and were visited by some wild turkeys in the night. It can get very windy in this area. Fires are not allowed due to red flag conditions. There is nothing out here. You must bring everything you need. Food, water, TP, lights. The best part was we saw two other cars, a couple ORV's, and a couple horseback riders total for the 2 days we were there. You can't get any quieter and more unplugged than that! 

Product Review: Camp Fare Beef Burgundy with Field Vegetables and Chicken Tikka Masala with French Green Lentils

 I ordered these meals a bit short of our last trip and was unable to make them. I was happy I had them saved for our trip up to LT Murray given we traveled quick and light. Camp Fare https://campfare.com/ advertises their food as high quality, delicious, chef-crafted, and ready to eat- no refrigeration required. All you have to do is submerge in hot water for 2-3 minutes, tear open the pouch, and enjoy. Selection is limited but covers all the bases. Beef Burgundy, Chicken Tikka Masala, Wild Alaskan Salmon, and Brown Rice and Red Quinoa with Pink Beans. They all sound great! We had our camp stove and a pot of water but you could probably stuff the pouch into a larger Jet Boil for backpacking too. I chose the Beef and had my partner eat the Chicken. 

Preparation was as quick and easy as promised. The meals may not look amazing, especially on a plate instead of the pouch or in a bowl, but they really are delicious. The Beef Burgundy was flavorful and tender. The Chicken Tikka Masala was Indian restaurant good, seriously. I would way rather eat these meals than something dehydrated ever again. Looking forward to trying the Salmon and maybe getting the Chicken again for future trips.

A good option for Dispersed camping if Lake Wenatchee State Park campground.  This is a at the Lake Wenatchee Airstrip Snoparks at the junction of 207 and 22 near Lake Wenatchee and Fish lake. There is a large parking lot and some pull outs off an old forest road the loops around from one side of the road to the other. Quiet in the spring. No facilities and good AT&T cell reception.

There are many options for dispersed camping along the North Fork of the Teanaway Road. We stayed in the area directly across the Teanaway Guard Station by the river. We hoped to be able to use the vault toilet next to the cabin but it was locked.

No services and no cell reception but otherwise a nice peaceful place on a early season (early May) week-end. Lots of other spaces all along the road past this one and before the Beverly Campground.

Lots of space for big groups, but it does get crowded on the weekend. Lots of little secluded spots which are more quite at night. Easy river access from all camp spots. Great trees for hammocks, ect. Would not recommend a low clearance vehicle; big rocks and roots on most roads.

You can hear the road from most camping spots. When we arrived at our site there was garbage all over the place in a fire pit so we cleaned it up.

There was a nice long trail that took us to the river. That was nice. Cleaning up sucked because the floor got muddy.

Lots of mosquitoes.

Lots of camping spots. We left Friday evening and most spots were taken.

Dog wasn’t feeling well so took a chance and went up this USFS mostly paved road. There are lovely views on the trip up and a few roadside areas you could car or van camp in a pinch. Towards the top a couple private roads break off, and just above the now dirt USFS road continues. Here is 1 large, not terribly level, high clearance needed, site with fire ring and lots of parking options.

Nice secluded camp site. Pros: privacy, river access, sunny. Cons: trash and glass scattered throughout the site. Freeway noise is very loud

The campsites aren’t bad. There in heavy wooded areas. If you get here early enough you can get a good secluded site on an offshoot, but most sites are just right off the road. Some sites are really close together with like 50 yards.

There wasn’t a lot of shade, so definitely bring a canopy if you have one. We camped along the river, and had absolutely no cell phone service while we were there. There was a dog fight, people partying loudly all night, and people trying to peek into our tents. The campsites were not as “dispersed” as I thought they’d be. Overall, it was just a bad experience. The view was nice though

Peninsula Camp is one of 3 designated camp grounds on the East end of Rimrock Lake. From the UPFS air field you will pass the first designated camp - suitable for dispersed RV'ing and the roomiest area. As you travel the One-Way loop, you will pass multiple locations for tent camping just off the road and cars lining the shoulder. You can find a few med sized camp site for RVs especially near the boat launch.

The views were amazing but all the campers made so much noise, we moved. This might be a better review on a less busy weekend.

Bring your own water and the facilities were lacking attention, if they were open at all. Be prepared to rough it.

There are ~5 dispersed campsites on this side road off the main North Fork Teanaway road. Some maps show this side road as "Loop Camp 973725".

I think this site has the best river access, but a couple of others have better distance from the main road. However, I think this site is far enough from the road. Noise and dust from the road were minimal.

It's plenty large for tenting, or a truck camper. I wouldn't bring a trailer, other than a very small one. There is a fire ring, but no fires allowed at this time of year, unless you have the propane kind.

The sounds of the river are nice. It's a mild scramble to get down to the river, but worth it. The water was clear and cold. Very pretty. No fishing allowed, but the river is shallow so I don't think there would be anything to catch anyway. On a hot day, this would be a nice spot to park a chair in the river and soak up some sun!