Campers visiting Cle Elum, Washington encounter a diverse landscape where eastern Washington's arid climate meets the moisture of western Washington. Positioned in the Cascade foothills at elevations ranging from 1,900-2,200 feet, this transition zone creates variable camping conditions with temperature swings of up to 40 degrees between day and night. Forest service roads throughout the region provide access to multiple campgrounds within the Wenatchee National Forest.
What to do
Riverside trails: exploring: At Whispering Pines RV Campground, trails along the Yakima River offer recreational opportunities beyond glamping. "Paths that go to the Yakima river or along side it was nice. Just on the other side of the freeway is the town of Cle Elum. Nice bakeries and breweries is what attracted us," notes Patrick J.
Lake activities: swimming and boating: Lake Easton State Park Campground features a beach area popular with families. "The park offers hiking trails, lots of day use picinic areas, and of course the lake," shares Lorinda D., who visited for a holiday weekend. During summer, the lake becomes a hub for water activities.
Winter sports: seasonal options: Swauk Campground Sno-Park transforms during winter months into a cross-country skiing destination. Crystal C. observed, "Crossing through the dry and rugged terrain of the eastern most portion of Washington, the pleasant surprise of the forest campground of Swauk could not have come at a better time." This dual-season versatility makes the area suitable for year-round visits.
What campers like
Clean facilities: bathroom standards: Campers consistently mention clean bathrooms at campgrounds near Cle Elum. At Eightmile Campground, one reviewer noted, "The vault toilet was the cleanest ever vault toilet. No odors!! Kudos to the guy who cleans it!" These facilities enhance the camping experience, particularly for those staying multiple nights.
Privacy between sites: The spacing between campsites at Bumping Lake Campground receives positive feedback. "The sites were nicely spaced and wooded," states one camper who appreciated the layout. This contrasts with more densely packed camping areas closer to town.
River sounds: natural white noise: The sound of moving water adds to the camping atmosphere at several locations. At Eightmile Campground, Bonnie C. shared, "The Icicle River runs through it and everyone can hear it in June. Bugs were minimal. Waterfront sites availabile." These river sites often book quickly during peak season.
What you should know
Highway noise: location considerations: Several campgrounds near Cle Elum sit close to I-90, creating ambient noise. At Lake Easton State Park Campground, Laura M. warns, "Nice state campground, well kept, beautiful lake if you can get one of the lakeside spots. We had site #11, and the road noise was just too too loud for me. Definitely try to get a spot away from the road."
Bear activity: proper food storage: Wildlife encounters occur throughout the region. Jenny S. reported seeing bears at Eightmile Campground, noting simply: "Beware of bear activity." Proper food storage in vehicles or designated containers remains essential when glamping close to Cle Elum, Washington.
After-hours check-in: Some campgrounds offer specific procedures for late arrivals. At Lake Easton, a camper explained, "We arrived after the ranger shack at the entrance had closed for the day, but they have a really easy phone registration process if you arrive after hours but before 10pm. After 10 pm they say to just pick an unreserved spot and pay in the morning."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: activity options: Whispering Pines RV Campground offers dedicated play areas for children. Nick C. reported, "The campground was very clean, the spots were spacious and tons of things for the kids to do. Highly recommend!" These facilities provide entertainment options when not exploring surrounding areas.
Junior Ranger programs: Educational opportunities exist at several campgrounds in the Wenatchee National Forest. Trevor M. mentioned Lake Easton offers "Activities for children such as the Jr. Ranger program," providing structured learning experiences during family camping trips.
Swimming access: check water temperatures: Lake swimming can be chilly even in summer months. Beth E. recommends Lake Easton because it "has such a nice beach for little kids to swim and play in the sand. They also have a nice playground for kids there too. Worth the trip for day use if you don't want to camp."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Whispering Pines RV Campground offers pull-through sites suitable for larger vehicles. Julie F. noted, "Lots of sites, very well laid out and easily maneuverable/accessible. They are right off of I-90 and on the Yakima river." These sites typically cost $5-10 more than back-in options.
Septic system limitations: RVers should note specific restrictions at some campgrounds. A visitor to Whispering Pines mentioned, "There was a note not to flush your tank due to their sensitive septic system." This requires planning for dump station use elsewhere.
Water pressure variations: Water access points may have inconsistent pressure. At Eightmile Campground, Norris K. reported, "Only real complaint is low water pressure at water stations," suggesting RVers fill tanks before arrival or allow extra time for filling onsite.
