RV campgrounds near Cle Elum, Washington spread across diverse terrain at approximately 2,000 feet elevation where the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains meet drier landscapes. Summers can reach 90°F while winter temperatures often drop below freezing, creating distinct camping seasons. Forest Service roads in the area frequently close from November through April due to snow accumulation.
What to do
Fishing on the Yakima River: Access the river directly from Whispering Pines RV Campground where paths lead to prime fishing spots. "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," notes Patrick J.
Winter sports at Crystal Mountain: Located about 45 minutes from Cle Elum, Crystal Mountain RV Parking provides a convenient base for winter activities. "It is far more popular in winter when ski season is open. It was quiet and sparsely filled in July on a Friday and Saturday night," shares Emma A.
Golf outings: SunCountry Golf Course & RV Park combines camping with direct golf course access. While there are limited recent reviews, the location offers water and 50-amp hookups from April through November, with most sites situated in open areas with minimal shade.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at Thousand Trails Leavenworth. "The women's side facilities were open. For the men they only had the showers working," notes Jennifer Z., showing that even during maintenance, the park tries to maintain some services.
River access: Many campgrounds feature river proximity as a key attraction. At Blu-Shastin RV Park, "Creek right out the back of our site. No cell service with T-Mobile. WiFi at the clubhouse," reports Cris Jason L., highlighting both natural benefits and connectivity limitations.
Privacy options: Some parks offer more secluded sites. "Whispering Pines they were. Feels like camping. Nice folks at check in. A gate code is needed to check in. We had a pull through, gravel site," notes Patrick J., describing the balance between amenities and natural setting.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. At Icicle River RV Resort, "WiFi is pretty bad, which is unfortunate if you try to download the laundry app. T-Mobile cell coverage was basically useless for data," warns David E.
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, especially during peak season. "Just planning and called to reserve: we got in. Attendant behaved as a newbies lacking info; but made it through. Website obsolete; appears as last update was June 2022," reports Mark J. about SunCountry Golf Course & RV Park.
Septic system restrictions: Some RV parks have limitations on tank usage. "There was a note not to flush your tank due to there sensitive septic system," mentions Patrick J. about Whispering Pines, indicating campers should plan accordingly for waste management.