Best Tent Camping near Cle Elum, WA
Tent campsites near Cle Elum, Washington range from established Forest Service grounds to dispersed backcountry sites across the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Owhi Campground on Cooper Lake offers walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and vault toilets, while Taneum Junction provides more primitive tent camping options. Several dispersed camping areas can be found along forest roads, including sites near Kachess Lake on logging roads and White River Dispersed Camping areas, which require permits but offer more secluded experiences.
Most tent campgrounds in the Cle Elum region have minimal amenities, with vault toilets available at established sites like Owhi and Lost Meadow, but no running water or showers. Dispersed camping areas typically lack facilities entirely, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during summer months. Sites at Owhi Campground feature picnic tables and fire rings, while dispersed areas may have rudimentary fire rings but no other infrastructure. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required at many trailheads, and campers should check current regulations before arrival.
The terrain at most tent sites consists of forest duff or compacted dirt, with some areas offering flat, sandy soil good for tent setup. Higher elevation sites like Thorp Lake, accessible via a 1.5-mile hike, remain snow-covered until late spring. Campers frequently mention the privacy between sites at Owhi Campground despite its popularity. "We stayed here 2 nights and will definitely be coming back. Tons of open sites to choose from right along the river," noted one visitor about the South Fork Tieton area. Many tent campsites provide direct access to hiking trails, including connections to the Wonderland Trail and other backcountry routes. During summer weekends, established campgrounds fill quickly, with reviewers recommending arrival by early afternoon on Thursdays to secure prime tent spots.
