Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, South Cle Elum, WA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near South Cle Elum. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$25 - $35 / night
"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."
"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."
"There are walk in (50 to 100 feet walk) sites as well as horse camping sites. Pit toilets are clean, don’t smell, and have TP. Road in campground is in good condition with pretty new gravel."
"I was able to come stay here in the fall, and hike Lake Ingalls. It was absolutely gorgeous! Hands down the best decision my friends and I have made. The campground was actually somewhat busy."
$27 - $158 / night
"Pros
- Close to Seattle about 1.5 hr - 2 hrs away depending on traffic.
- It has numbers of walk-in sites with great access to the lake.
- Lots of loop for kids to ride bike and explore.
- Great"
"The Camp sides had good space separating them. oh and the bathrooms didn’t smell. I loved staying here."
$38 - $270 / night
"Easy to pop into Cle Elem or surrounding area to explore. I needed an Eastern Washington fix so I really enjoyed it."
"The site was In a good place, just a walk away from the river. We did have like 2 hornets make their way into our tent. I used the showers behind the dog park, which had 2 shower stalls."
$27 - $54 / night
"The growl of water flowing quickly downstream over huge granite boulders can be heard from most sites, with some sites nicely placed adjacent to river’s edge."
"All sites look nice but we probably get one of the nicest, just next to the river(#46)."
"Last minute we decided to take the camper van out of the smoke in Western Washington. We gave this campsite a shot after seeing it on The Dyrt and SUCCESS!"
"Helped drown out any cars on the highway at night. Our site was large enough for two tents and two cars."
"**Ranger Review: Camp Fare Premium Meals at LT Murray Wildlife Area **
Camping Review: The LT Murray Wildlife Area is located in Thorp, between Cle Elum and Ellensburg."
"We weren’t sure as to our ability to get in, as when we pulled up there was a ranger driving a UTE on the other side of the fence, and we thought for sure he’d tell us that we couldn’t get it."
$22 - $43 / night
"There is also a bear cage with a trap since the bear seems to linger and wander around (although it isn't aggressive and seems friendly). There is no water and the toilet is a honey bucket."
"Lake access is best via the great boat launch. Also a nice picnic area when the lake level exposes the access road."
"This is right off I90 very convenient but close to freeway so some road noise. I90 is the main east west freeway in Washington. It is right on the river and there's a pool."
"Convenient location, close to town. Nice amount of activities but a busy location. If you’re looking for isolation this isn’t the place but kids had a great time."
$35 - $99 / night
"Was great loved the outdoors there’s a store close by if u forgot something . Great fishing spots"
"Super close to cute towns and any needs. It rained most of the weekend, but we were cozy. 5.4.24 ATT 1 bar"
TravelerFour or five spots with fire circles, next to hwy 12 but the river drowns out the highway noise. Gorgeous spot on the river
Scout7-30-2025
1. Just planning and called to reserve: we got in. Attendant behaved as a newbies lacking info; but made it through.
2. Website obsolete; appears as last update was June 2022.
3. No current reviews.
4. Park map show adjacent to golf course: of course!
5. We'll update this review, accordingly.
ScoutNice, private sites, shaded, swimming lake, and watersports. Clean pit toilets and water supply faucets.
ScoutNot beautiful but wide open and I am the only person here. There are no camp fire rings just an open space. Tried to drive further in up a single steep and rocky road. It was very overgrown with tree branches scratching my van. Turned back to open field. See houses in distance. There are very few trees for shade so can get hot. I wouldn’t “camp” here. Just overnight and move on.
TravelerEasy access from I 90. I camped at a location 2.1 miles from the gate up the extremely bumpy gravel road. there are other good campsites another .5 miles further up the dirt road. I stayed three nights and did not see anybody else camping or passing by on the road.
TravelerThis campground is well manicured, with nice restrooms and campsite improvements. Our 50A full-service site was secured as a late-Sunday stop without reservations. Instructions at the [closed] entry booth directed us to pick any empty site without orange cones at their entry point.
In our situation, the phone number listed in the attached image was called to reserve and pay for the site, after we physically occupied it.
Special Note: A WA State Discover Pass is NOT required for camping here. That Pass is only required for day-users.
GuideRestrooms and ample spots close to climbing. Lower sites can be reached with normal vics, higher sights would benefit from clearance.
ScoutGood place to pull off and sleep for the night if you need a quick stop off the freeway that’s better than a rest stop. Close to the highway though and you can hear cars. It was a convenient place to stay after a concert at the Gorge.
GuideI’m not sure why it only lists the group site when there are regular sites as well. Lots of FCFS options, managed to snag a spot on a Sunday night which felt lucky. Beautiful area, nice bathrooms, tasty water, and has a beautiful hike across the road (Carter falls and beyond).
Camping near South Cle Elum, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near South Cle Elum, Washington, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, South Cle Elum, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 300 campgrounds and RV parks near South Cle Elum, WA and 64 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Cle Elum, WA is Lake Easton State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 27 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 64 free dispersed camping spots near South Cle Elum, WA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near South Cle Elum, WA that allow camping, notably Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park.
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