109 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping options surrounding South Cle Elum, Washington include both established sites and dispersed areas within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Owhi Campground offers walk-in tent sites along Cooper Lake, while White River and Kachess Lake provide free dispersed camping opportunities. Several campgrounds, including Taneum Junction and Lost Meadow, cater specifically to tent campers seeking more remote experiences away from RV traffic.
Most tent-only sites in the South Cle Elum region require self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal. The majority of established campgrounds offer fire rings and pit toilets, though drinking water is rarely available. Campers should pack in their own water or bring filtration systems for lake and stream sources. At Owhi Campground, tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas down to the lakeside campsites. One camper noted, "It's a long drive up a dusty road, with a surprising amount of traffic, to find this campground." Forest service roads accessing dispersed camping areas may require higher clearance vehicles, particularly after spring snowmelt when conditions can be muddy or washed out.
Walk-in tent sites at Cooper Lake provide a more secluded camping experience compared to drive-up options. Sites are situated among trees providing shade and some privacy between campsites. A review mentioned that "Owhi Campground gets packed" despite its more remote location, suggesting early arrival for weekend camping. The Kachess Lake dispersed camping area offers primitive tent sites along logging roads with creek access and mountain views. Many sites in the region serve as basecamp for hiking into alpine lakes like Thorp Lake, which requires a 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead. For more adventurous backcountry tent camping, permit-required sites at Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake Zone offer pristine alpine settings but require advance planning and substantial hiking with overnight packs.
"You can float the river down to Cle Elum lake. Once the weather warms up the river lowers and slows down. Lots of area for kids to create their little pools to swim in."
"Lots of space for big groups, but it does get crowded on the weekend. Lots of little secluded spots which are more quite at night. Easy river access from all camp spots."
"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."
"Cooper Lake is absolutely stunning and admittedly the campsites are situated pretty well for views and privacy but there are definitely Pros and Cons to this campground."
"Ranger Review: OOFOS OOMG Low Shoe at Owhi Campground on Cooper Lake, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington State Campground Review: [Owhi Campground](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea"
from $14 / night
Check Availability"No porta potty, no water, no electricity. Could accommodate a group. No picnic table. Not an actual metal fire pit but someone made a rock ring. The downside is the shooting pit right below the site."
"Nov 2025- basic rock fire ring, very quiet and private in the evening. We were only campers."
"We had a hard time finding an open spot so we could set up camp. We almost made it to the end of the dirt road before we found a lot with a fire pit that could fit our group of 4."
"Lots of dispersed camping opportunities leading up to the Rachel Lake Trailhead and the Box Canyon Creek Site on NF-4930. Also many spots on the NF-118 spur, which is where we stayed."
"Right outside the entrance to Mt."
"If you come here you must leave no trace."
"This campsite is hike-in only. It is located near Leavenworth, WA. It is a popular location, so permits are hard to come by."
"I would suggest 6 to 8 hours to hike in, sight see around the lake and hike out. Moderate to heavy traffic. Get to the parking lot early or no parking."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability"This lake is a fairly easy hike in from the end of Forest Service Road 4312, my hiking guidebook says to park at the Thorp Lake trailhead but the path is pretty overgrown and if you want to just camp park"
ScoutIt was fairly easy to get to this area however despite our best efforts we only found one established campsite with a fire ring. Road getting here was mostly paved with some debris on the roadway. We lost GPS signal just before arriving and passed NF200. I gave 3 stars because we were unable to locate other sites. Maybe it was just me but we drove quite a while on NF200 and only found the one right at the entrance.
TravelerCute spot! Spots are tight. Water, electricity, showers and bathroom. Cute lil' dog park that is also a wedding venue. Great stop right before Mt. Rainier. We stayed in spot #10 a little tight for a 27ft camper, but we made it work!
TravelerNice, clean, & beautiful overnight stop. There were plenty of sites to choose between, we stayed in site 11 since we were departing early. Like other reviews stated, no water or cell service but that’s to be expected.
TravelerThe heated bathrooms with showers were definitely comfort on our cross country road trip. We arrived after hours but because we already had made reservations that morning we were able to use the slider and enter the campground. Star gazing is always top priority. We headed down to the lake’s beach to snap some shots with my iPhone 14 Pro night, setting on a tripod and remote.
RangerIt was MAGICAL- mushrooms, fall leaves, and moss everywhere. Keep in mind that there’s no signal, Starlink nor cell.. we also were freezing at night (35 degrees) in early October and the spots were tricky for our bigger rig. But if you have a smaller rig there’s tons of places off of road 73 for dispersed camping. Bumpy road to get there but keep on driving and you’ll find places with even firepits.
LegendWe spent a pleasant evening in this beautiful park. Facilities are clean and well kept. Sites are spread out with plenty of grassy area between each site.
ScoutDriving here from Graham washington, I passed so many camp spots I was shook lol. Amazing camp site for free, I believe u need discover pass. the water is beautiful not many people here so many spots by the water Amazing, where i am u definitely need high clearance to even be close to water, Unless u tent camp away from your vehicle which is not far there are a lot of spots everywhere. The water moves fast and your up high bring your hammocks.
ScoutMy wife and I came to this campground recently (9/26 - 9/29) and overall it was a great trip. The staff (Rangers) were so friendly and helpful. The site we had for our 20 ft trailer was a pull-through site which was quite level. It was pretty shady and use of our solar panel was minimal. The proximity to Paradise was great. It was incredibly crowded at Paradise despite being so late in September. The campground filled up to full within a couple of hours of our arrival around 2:30 pm. Bathrooms are very basic (flush toilets and only cold water sinks). There was a water bottle filler right outside the bathroom and tasted great. There is no option to fill trailer tanks with water. Their water filler and dump station has been out of order for a couple of years per the ranger, so I don't expect it to be fixed anytime soon. We were told that there was a water filling station in Alder Lake Park but it is a ways from this campground. We brought our own water so didn't need it. Our site itself was great but there is a reasonable amount of debris around other sites. Overall, we would come again.
RangerDecent little camp ground, designated spots at the top an you can drive down to the lake. Walking around you did see a fair amount of trash N no cell signals.
Dispersed camping options near South Cle Elum, Washington extend across the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest at elevations ranging from 2,100 to 5,000 feet. Tent campers can find sites within dense forest stands of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine with high summer temperatures often exceeding 85°F during July and August. Forest roads accessing these areas typically open by mid-May, though higher elevation access may remain snow-covered until late June.
River activities along Salmon la Sac: At Salmon la Sac Road Dispersed Camping, campers can float the river down to Cle Elum Lake. "We've been coming here for years now. Spots fill up fast! Once the weather warms up the river lowers and slows down. Lots of area for kids to create their little pools to swim in," notes Jen T.
Hiking to alpine lakes: From sites near Cooper Lake, the Pete Lake trail offers a 4.5-mile moderately difficult hike from the trailhead. "If playing on the lake isn't enough activity for you, there are a few hiking trails located close by. You can hike to Pete Lake by either driving or hiking the remaining mile down the road to the trailhead from Owhi Campground," reports a visitor.
Off-road vehicle trails: Forest roads near Taneum Junction provide access to off-road recreation. "It's mostly used by off road ATVs crowd and motos. On the small river. Not bad," says Denny G. The established campground costs $20 per night and serves as a basecamp for trail access.
Mountain fishing: Rainbow trout are available in Cooper Lake and several alpine lakes. Fishing permits are required, and the non-motorized restrictions on Cooper Lake create a peaceful environment. Bring filtration systems if using stream water as a water source for camping needs.
Privacy at dispersed sites: Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites offer secluded options away from crowds. "We almost made it to the end of the dirt road before we found a lot with a fire pit that could fit our group of 4. AMAZING views of the mountains and it was about 7min (drive) from the beach access point," shares Jada P.
River sound and views: Many tent campers appreciate the natural white noise at riverside sites. "The campsites are absolutely beautiful—tucked among the trees with stunning views and the soothing, constant sound of the roaring White River nearby. The river noise also does a great job of masking any sounds from the nearby road," explains Mary B.
Non-motorized lakes: Cooper Lake's motorized boat restriction creates a quieter camping experience. "A boat launch is available but motors are not allowed on the lake," notes Donald C., adding that the "pristine waters" of Cooper Lake provide excellent fishing in a more peaceful setting than motorized lakes in the region.
Abundant site options: The forest road system offers numerous tent sites. "There are truly endless amounts of sites along this road- most along the river. They are super fun and each one is pleasantly different," reports Emma C. about Salmon la Sac dispersed camping.
High clearance vehicles recommended: Most dispersed camping areas have rough access roads. "Would not recommend a low clearance vehicle; big rocks and roots on most roads," warns Savannah S. about Salmon la Sac sites. Another camper notes that "the road gets rougher the farther you go" at White River Dispersed Camping.
Weekend congestion: Popular areas fill quickly, especially in summer. "It gets pretty packed on the weekend but opens up during the week. Lots of people floating down the river. Beware of burn bans," cautions Joe S. Arriving mid-week is recommended for securing preferred sites.
Limited services: Most tent sites have no amenities. "Outhouses are sparse so bring tp," advises Jen T. about Salmon la Sac. No drinking water is available at most sites, so bring adequate supplies or filtration.
Permit requirements: Many areas require a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass for parking. Some backcountry sites require additional permits that may be hard to obtain during peak season.
River play areas: Sites along Salmon la Sac provide natural water features for children. "Lots of area for kids to create their little pools to swim in," mentions Jen T., making these riverside spots ideal for families with children who enjoy water play.
Private beach access: Some campsites at FS Road 7601 Dispersed offer protected water areas. "We camped right along the river, and there was even a little access point for kayaks and canoes and calm water for the kids," reports Anna Marie C.B., highlighting areas with slower water flow that are safer for younger children.
Amenities vs. privacy balance: For families requiring toilet facilities, established campgrounds provide more services. Owhi Campground offers vault toilets and trash service but requires walking gear from parking areas to campsites, which can be challenging with small children and extensive gear.
Temperature considerations: Mid-summer temperatures can reach above 90°F at lower elevations, while higher elevation sites remain cooler. Forest cover at most tent sites provides needed shade, though sites next to water may have fewer trees.
Limited RV access: Most dispersed camping areas are best suited for tents or small camper vans. "There are only one or two sites on this logging road that are available for RVs our size (ours is a Class A 35') about a mile up the compacted gravel road from the lake," reports Susan and Dorin D. about Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites.
Road conditions for large vehicles: Forest roads may be too rough for larger RVs. "Road is packed well, washboard in some sections. Great for vans," notes a camper about Kachess Lake logging roads, indicating smaller RVs and camper vans will have better access options.
Camp setup area requirements: When RV camping is possible, finding level sites can be challenging. Most areas lack designated parking pads or established RV sites, requiring careful positioning and leveling before setup.
Alternative RV camping: Designated RV campgrounds are available farther from South Cle Elum. Riders Camp Campground accommodates RVs and costs only $5 per night. "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," notes Bruce S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Cle Elum, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Cle Elum, WA is Salmon la Sac Road Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 109 tent camping locations near South Cle Elum, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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