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
"Clean raised tent bed with pea-gravel raked evenly good for 6-7 person tent . Fire pit is decently sized approximately 3x2 with a flip top grill that covers half of it."
"There were clean facilities available, as well as drinking water and trash bins. Our lot was spacious with a nice picnic table, fire pit, and area for our two person tent."
$38 - $270 / night
"Arriving later than expected, when it is darker than can be believed, is bad enough. Then there is setting up in the dark: ARGH! "
"The on-site store was pretty good size, from what I saw they had camping gear and regular convenience store stuff. When we got there there was only 1 other tent/ family set up a space away."
$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 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."
"Horses are welcome too! The new owners are doing a great job turning the property around. There is a large recent renovated cabin that fits up to 20 people you can stay as well. "
"Just after the rolling hills met the forested tree line this quaint campground welcomed me to the Washington I had wished to find on my adventures. "
$24 - $48 / night
"There was a woodsy area behind the site where kids could play. The bathrooms are fancy out houses no place to wash hands. Lots of bugs in the evening."
"Loved our weekend at Bumping Lake! Our site in the Upper Campground was really nice and spacious, with a very new seeming fire pit and picnic table."
$27 / night
"It is walking and biking distance from town, right behind the Safeway, and has lots of amenities. Great place for kids especially there's tons of activities, playground and even a pool. "
"Not only that the campground gives many options that they have such as hot tub, breakfast, coffee, fire pit, games and etc."
$27 - $54 / night
"Everything is green and the sites are very clean, hosts take really care, a bit busy, but we still found space for our RV, had no problem with noise, despite the sound of the water it was silent, water"
"We got here around 9pm and there were still 3-4 sites available. Sites were paved and somewhat flat. Velvet buck was eating next to our class c the next morning."
$90 / night
ScoutThe bathrooms were filthy Quiet hours were not enforced The place is falling apart and looks decrepit: from fences to bathrooms The only dirt roads and sites(no gravel or asphalt anywhere) make everything filthy Site boundaries are practically impossible to determine as a number is the only way to see, no side lines Our site did not even have a picnic table
GuideCame last minute during father's day weekend looking for a tent site. The booth host was very helpful letting us know that there was only two spots left and answering many more questions. We were able to find a perfect site for my family of 4. Clean raised tent bed with pea-gravel raked evenly good for 6-7 person tent . Fire pit is decently sized approximately 3x2 with a flip top grill that covers half of it. Paved road gravel parking space big enough for a trailer/camper . Dumpster and water spicket as well as a bathroom with pay to use shower's . ¢50-1 token = 3 minute shower. Small playground with a basketball court by the bathrooms. Lovely river walk trail follows the Yakima River . Activities for children such as the Jr. Ranger program. Gas station is close just cross the highway sells firewood as well . Overall great first time at the campground friendly staff will be coming back.
ScoutWe camped on site #42 and it was perfect location. We didn't want to be right on the water as our dogs would be in it 24/7. This site you could still see the water and hear it. We found many paths down to the water, even some places to soak if we wanted. The bathrooms (glorified outhouse) were always clean and had toilet paper. There is no running water, so we brought our own. Everyone was pretty quiet and the hosts were wonderful. We will definitely come back again. We drove into Yakima to check out WilRidge winery and go pick cherries.
ScoutThe group site set apart from the rest of the camping, so you can really enjoy the space without feeling like you are bothering the other campers. There's lots of space for tents plus some wooden bunks in a wooden shelter, a nice option for people new to camping who don't have a tent, but I'd be afraid of spiders! :O Site is adjacent to a river access, which I did not get a chance to check out myself, but being near water is always a plus to me.
The campgrounds are about an our of of Seattle, so it's a really nice low-commitment option for those residing in the greater Seattle area. Despite being so close, it doesnt feel very populated or anything like that, nice and woodsy still! :)
The only drawback to the group site is occasionally you'll get a random person wandering through to access the water.
I wouldn't suggest going so late in the year unless you are prepared for rain, it poured on us most of the stay, but we still managed to have fun. Luckily there is a large covered dining area so it's survivable in rain
GuideNormally I don't camp at KOA's but if you are trying to camp and ALSO do some usual Leavenworth things this is the perfect spot. It is walking and biking distance from town, right behind the Safeway, and has lots of amenities. Great place for kids especially there's tons of activities, playground and even a pool. There are 4 or 5 free activities daily and even a couple for 21+ which I appreciated as a visitor without kids.
We stayed in a tent site and it was small and dusty but had a private trail to the river which totally made up for the more cramped quarters. Quiet hours were observed and the staff was ultra friendly. Picked up our propane and filled it for us and everything!
I will definitely go back here during shoulder season and rent a cabin.
TravelerVery well kept campground. There are bathrooms with showers right in the center of the park. They are sticklers on the parking situation so don’t expect any leeway. I believe it was 2 cars max with one boat and camper. Either way though they will only allow 2 cars. Otherwise quiet hours start at 10:00. you can walk right down to the water. Bars are a 10-20 minutes walk depending on which one you go too. Camp spots have electrical hookups only. It’s a dry campground but as long as you have covers on your beers or are using a cup then they won’t bother you.
LegendWe love coming here. It's close proximity to our house allows us to hook up the trailer after work and include a Friday night in our camping weekend! The availability seems pretty good too, especially in Spring when some campgrounds are not quite open yet.
This campground has great clean and heated bathrooms. Sites and roads are paved. Hook ups are electric only, bring your water. The first time we went we did not know and our Basecamp's heat runs via the hot water heater. It was cold! The sites are large and pretty private. We have stayed in site 42 which is a back in spot with fire pit and table above the back of the pad. Also, we have enjoyed site 38, a pull through that gave us nice wooded views and privacy.
The campground loop is a nice walk or cruise on a bike. There is easy access to a beautiful stretch of the Green River, with picnicking areas and walking trails. You might catch a kayaker in the river, I hear this stretch take a lot of skill!
LegendCrossing through the dry and rugged terrain of the eastern most portion of Washington, the pleasant surprise of the forest campground of Swauk could not have come at a better time. Just after the rolling hills met the forested tree line this quaint campground welcomed me to the Washington I had wished to find on my adventures. It was a first taste of the glory of the Pacific Northwest and a perfect way to find the solitude and beauty of the land during late fall.
Pulling into Swauk you first will find a recreation area where cross country skiing is permitted during the winter months and during summer months families can enjoy horse shoe pits, picnic and barbecue areas. Parking here is plentiful and invites you to enjoy the land in its entirety.
I noticed a small trail behind a shelter area and followed it to the gentle moving stream which passed throughout the back of not only the recreation area but also the camp. Here you could truly get a glimpse of the beauty and wonder of the trees opening up and increasing in size, the ferns growing wild and abundantly and the pine needles lining the forest floor creating a barrier which seems to trap sound and create a hush over the entire area.
The shelter when I had passed housed a large fire place and additional picnic tables making this a perfect location for those chilly nights you find in the forest.
Just beyond the recreation area the campground welcomes campers with large sites and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy a day, a weekend or a week. A self service pay station is located at the entrance to this portion. Single sites are $18 while doubles are $36, envelops are available alongside other rules and regulations for the campground.
Once you have secured your campsite at this location you will place your tag on the site itself in a small plastic placard located at the entrance of each site to signify it is taken. this allows you to navigate away from the campground to explore the forest and the many areas of interest near the Cascade Loop or the Gingko Forest.
Vault toilets can be found in two locations, one at the mid point of camp and the other at the entrance and provide facilities, however no running water is available at these sites. Running water can be found in the recreation area however if it is needed. You will want to make sure you are able to sustain without power however because that is not available at any portion of the campground.
This site overall is a great way to enjoy Washington and I found that visiting was an unexpected treat. To visit the facilities make sure you understand that this is not a State facility thus the Discover Pass is not accepted. Instead you will want to make sure you display a National Park Pass, as this is a site maintained by the Forest Service, though I will say no one was there to check it and there was no clear signage to mark this.
Tips:
* Bring your own firewood. There are signs posted throughout camp mentioning that you cannot cut trees in the area for any reason. There is no firewood station at this campground either so if you are planning on having a fire make sure you come prepared.
* Because this site is a part of the Forest Service there are also signs posted about saving the vegetation. This means you will want to park only in the areas that are marked clearly. If you have a rig which does not fit within the bounds, consider another site at the campground.
* If you need supplies you will want to find them in the larger cities or towns along the way. When I was here I noticed there are very few stops which provide basic essentials for many miles.
TravelerThis was a lovely campsite. It was smaller, yet felt large enough so you had your own privacy and space. There were clean facilities available, as well as drinking water and trash bins. Our lot was spacious with a nice picnic table, fire pit, and area for our two person tent. Everyone around us was respectful of one another and wasn't too loud late at night. There are trails behind the campsite that lead down to the river, or just a short drive away is the 'beach' and bridge overlooking the lake. It is peaceful and although the highway is close by, seeing the beauty of the area makes you think and feel you are deeper in nature. I would definitely stay here again for a longer period of time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near South Cle Elum, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near South Cle Elum, WA is Lake Easton State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near South Cle Elum, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 glamping camping locations near South Cle Elum, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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