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
"Everyone around us was respectful of one another and wasn't too loud late at night."
"There is actually quite a distance between the two types of camping with a nice day use area in between. The campsites are nice with good distance between them and good privacy."
"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."
$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"
"**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."
GuideAccess road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn’t recommend driving down it without good ground clearance. There are a number of established sites where you can pull off the road and drive back into the woods a bit. And I had cell service everywhere!
ScoutBe prepared for mosquitoes. But other than that very clean nice campsite.
TravelerNo toilets or water, but you can get s spot right next to the river! right in the forest so lots of shade, and great for dogs as well!
LegendWe had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out. There were lots and lots of other campers there, lots of camo, lots of large pickup trucks that don’t slow down on gravel roads, lots of “don’t tread on me” flags. We drove to the end where the bathroom is and decided to turn around, though it seems that the camp spots do continue after that point. This was on a Saturday, in all fairness, so the vibe might be different during the week.
It’s a 14 day stay limit, and other than the toilets there are no other amenities, so please pack out your trash. At the entrance it says that the following passes are honored: Annual Northwest Forest Pass, Golden Eagle Passport, and Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass. However, at the bathrooms, there’s another sign that says a $5 day use fee required. Doesn’t make sense that camping is free with certain passes but for day use it’s a $5 fee, but since we weren’t staying we didn’t look much into it. No ATV or off road riding here.
Cell signal was very weak for Verizon and non-existent for ATT. Giving it 4 stars instead of 3 because it wasn't so bad that I wouldn't be willing to check it out again the next time we're in the area.
LegendWe had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out. There were lots and lots of other campers there, lots of camo, lots of large pickup trucks that don’t slow down on gravel roads, lots of “don’t tread on me” flags.
We drove to the end where the bathroom is and decided to turn around, though it seems that the camp spots do continue after that point. This was on a Saturday, in all fairness, so the vibe might be different during the week.
It’s a 14 day stay limit, and other than the toilets there are no other amenities, so please pack out your trash. At the entrance it says that the following passes are honored: Annual Northwest Forest Pass, Golden Eagle Passport, and Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass. However, at the bathrooms, there’s another sign that says a $5 day use fee required. Doesn’t make sense that camping is free with certain passes but for day use it’s a $5 fee, but since we weren’t staying we didn’t look much into it. No ATV or off road riding here.
Cell signal was very weak for Verizon and non-existent for ATT. Giving it 4 stars instead of 3 because it wasn't so bad that I wouldn't be willing to check it out again the next time we're in the area.
GuideGood level asphalt roads and paved sites. Grounds / grass well Maintained. Clean restrooms and pay 25 cents for four minutes clean showers. Convenient location between Leavenworth and Wenatchee. Must call or show up to make same day reservations. Otherwise can reserve online. Road noise during day. Was quiet from 10pm to 6am.
GuideAll of the Clear Lake campgrounds are closed for two years. Sad. It’s a beautiful area though hoping to go back someday.
GuideAll of the Clear Lake campgrounds are closed for two years. Sad. It’s a beautiful area though hoping to go back someday.
TravelerDispersed camping area with a lot of places to pull off the road and camp. We were able to find a spot with our 32ft camper.
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 293 campgrounds and RV parks near South Cle Elum, WA and 61 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 3.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 61 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 Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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