Dispersed camping opportunities near Cle Elum, Washington span multiple forest service roads and logging routes in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Most sites sit between 2,000-3,000 feet elevation, with higher sites retaining snow until late spring. Fire restrictions typically begin in June and extend through September, with complete bans during high fire danger periods.
What to do
River activities: Float the Cle Elum River starting from Salmon la Sac Road Dispersed Camping sites. "We've been coming here for years now. 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," notes Jen T.
Mountain biking: Access multi-difficulty trails from forest service roads near Cle Elum. The Taneum Ridge system offers beginner to advanced routes with trailheads located within 2-3 miles of most camping areas. According to Denny G. about Taneum Junction, "It's mostly used by off road ATVs crowd and motos. On the small river. Not bad."
Alpine lake hiking: Reach high-country lakes with moderate effort. At Thorp Lake, Zach A. reports: "This lake is a fairly easy hike in from the end of Forest Service Road 4312... walk uphill for about a mile and a half before reaching the far side of the lake. Enjoy views of Thorp Mountain and if you get a wild hair climb up to reach the lookout tower on top!"
What campers like
Riverside privacy: Multiple secluded sites along forest roads. "There are truly endless amounts of sites along this road- most along the river. They are super fun and each one is pleasantly different," explains Emma C. about Salmon la Sac Road camping areas.
Accessibility to backcountry lakes: Easy day hikes reach pristine swimming destinations. "The lake is absolutely beautiful, as is the surrounding Alpine Wilderness overlooking it," mentions one camper about Cooper Lake near Owhi Campground. The lakeside campsites offer direct water access and mountain views.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution at higher elevation sites. "We stayed at different pull offs. Didn't worry too much about not finding a vacant spot," shares Jonah C. about FS Road 7601 Dispersed, which offers "beautiful views of the surrounding mountains" away from town lights.
What you should know
Rapid site fill rates: Arrive Thursday for weekend camping. For the best tent camping near Cle Elum, Washington, plan ahead. Joe S. warns about Salmon la Sac: "It gets pretty packed on the weekend but opens up during the week. Lots of people floating down the river. Beware of burn bans."
Road conditions: High-clearance vehicles recommended for most dispersed sites. Savannah S. cautions: "Would not recommend a low clearance vehicle; big rocks and roots on most roads."
Variable access timing: Snow impacts higher sites until June. At Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites, Susan and Dorin D. reported: "Snow was still on the ground, and it was cold. There are only one or two sites on this logging road that are available for RVs our size about a mile up the compacted gravel road from the lake."
Site maintenance concerns: Pack out all trash. "The site was trashed. We picked up a full garbage bag of trash," notes one reviewer about Kachess Lake sites, while another mentioned: "Some sites are cleaner than others, but most had garbage left behind by previous boneheads. Please pick up after your stay!"
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly ATV loops: Dedicated learning areas for young riders. Bruce S. recommends Riders Camp Campground: "This is a great place to camp and ride ORVs they have a beginners loop trailhead attached to this site as well as a trail head to a larger trail system. I've been coming here since a child and I bring my kids here to learn how to ride."
Shallow water play areas: Safe river spots for children. "There were a few small pebble-strewn 'beaches' along the lakeshore where you can set up a few chairs for an afternoon in the sun," notes one camper about Cooper Lake at Owhi Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk animal sightings. At Cooper Lake, campers report seeing elk bugling during early morning and evening hours. According to Kerrie L., "We canoed on the lake and saw a few Elk bugling. Really amazing views."
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Self-contained camping required. No developed sites near Cle Elum offer electrical or water hookups, so arrive with full tanks and charged batteries. Donald C. notes about Owhi Campground, "Very remote woodsy area around the lake. Pristine waters, state fish stocked lake, bring drinking water."
Size restrictions: Most forest roads limit larger rigs. Susan and Dorin D. caution at Kachess Lake sites: "There are only one or two sites on this logging road that are available for RVs our size (ours is a Class A 35') about a mile up the compacted gravel road from the lake. Road is packed well, washboard in some sections."
Parking challenges: Separate vehicles at walk-in campgrounds. Brian B. mentions about Owhi: "All walk in sites. Not too far from parking. Not allot of privacy between sites. Gets packed."
