Best Dispersed Camping near South Cle Elum, WA
Dispersed camping near South Cle Elum in Washington's Cascade Range includes several primitive sites on forest service and BLM lands. The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area offers secluded camping spots with mountain views, while areas along the Cle Elum River and North Fork Teanaway Road provide riverside camping opportunities. French Cabin Creek Recreation Area, Kachess Lake Lakebed, and Liberty Town/Williams Creek feature additional primitive camping zones. Most sites require no reservations and typically allow camping for up to 14 days, though specific regulations may vary by location.
Access roads throughout the region range from moderately maintained gravel to rough, rocky terrain requiring high-clearance vehicles. The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area features steep, rocky roads with limited clearance, while routes to Kachess Lake Lakebed contain sharp rocks that can damage vehicle tires. Most dispersed sites have no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly July through September when fire danger is highest. A Discover Pass is required for some areas, including the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area.
These primitive camping areas appeal to those seeking solitude and natural settings. The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area provides expansive views of the Cascade Mountains, with campers reporting wildlife sightings including elk and wild turkeys. According to one visitor, "This was a great hidden spot and we did not see anyone else the whole time." However, some locations like Kachess Lake Lakebed can become crowded during summer months, with reviews noting it can be "very dirty, dusty and noisy, dirt bikes are everywhere." Environmental impacts are a growing concern, particularly at Kachess Lake where one reviewer observed "mountains of garbage due to no garbage services." Forest service roads along the North Fork Teanaway River offer quieter alternatives with river access, though cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas.
