Tent camping near Selah, Washington centers primarily in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during daytime hours while dropping to 45-55°F at night. Most dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles to navigate unpaved forest roads that become rutted after rainfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Clear Lake offers productive fishing from shore or small watercraft with stocked trout being the primary catch. According to a camper at Clear Lake Campgrounds, "Very beautiful spot... no other service though but out here it doesn't matter. Pack in pack out. Has fire rings all over!"
Rock climbing access: The Frenchman Coulee area provides numerous climbing routes for various skill levels. A reviewer notes about Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites: "The climbing is bang on but it's bouldering or lead climbing only. BE WARNED, THE BATHROOMS ARE STANKY (hot tip: bring a citronella candle and your own TP)."
Wildlife viewing: Rocky Coulee Recreation Area offers opportunities to spot bighorn sheep and other native wildlife. A visitor reports, "We had a large herd of bighorn sheep as pre dusk visitors which was great to admire. Camp was clean with tidy restrooms."
What campers like
Lakeside waking views: Campers enjoy morning views at Lost Lake, as one visitor explains: "It was amazing to go up for the weekend and wake up next to the beautiful lake. Great fishing and just a great weekend."
Established fire rings: Most dispersed sites include established fire rings when burn bans aren't in effect. At South Fork Tieton Dispersed Camping, a camper noted, "Tons of open sites to choose from right along the river. Designated fire rings but currently there's a burn ban."
Natural spring water access: Some areas provide access to natural springs for water collection. A camper at Fish Creek Dispersed explains: "As far as drinking water, it's not available at the site, but there is a natural spring down the road about a mile and a half. It's clean and drinkable."
What you should know
Campsite competition: Securing prime spots requires early arrival, especially at popular locations. A Fish Creek camper advises, "I camp here every year and it's always tough to get the spot you want unless you get there by Thursday. It's $8 per car and there are several spots to throw up a tent or hammocks."
Bathroom facilities: Vault toilets vary significantly in cleanliness and maintenance. A reviewer at Frenchman Coulee warns about bathroom conditions, suggesting campers "bring a citronella candle and your own TP."
Weekend crowds: Weekday camping provides a dramatically different experience than weekends at most sites. A camper at Clear Lake North Campground explains: "We stayed in the campground called fish hawk. We paid $10 for the site and it was right next to the river. We were tucked in. Right next to the river and the bathroom."
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Wasps and mosquitoes are common during summer months in the area. Bringing appropriate repellents improves the experience significantly.
Water safety concerns: Bridge jumping occurs at some locations despite posted restrictions. A camper at Fish Creek notes, "There is a bridge we normally jump off, however they have signs up saying it's not permitted. As long as you're being safe, nobody cares."
Site cleanup requirements: Many camping areas require significant cleanup before setting up camp. "Pack it in, pack it out! When we first arrived we spent about 20 minutes cleaning the site we chose after the people whom were here before us," notes a camper at South Fork Tieton.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Access roads to many sites present challenges for larger vehicles. A visitor to Rocky Coulee Recreation Area advises: "One note about access, the entrance to this camping area has some pitch to it. Better suited for high-clearance vehicles, and brave souls in truck campers."
Limited designated RV parking: Many dispersed camping areas lack clearly marked parking areas. A Rocky Coulee visitor mentioned, "I just dropped by today for a look see. The place looks quite nice. Picnic tables and tent pads on crushed rock probably 1/4-. I couldn't find where to park."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between locations. South Fork Tieton camping reports Sprint coverage, while other areas have limited or no service, affecting planning for remote workers or those needing to stay connected.
