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Established Camping

Cle Elum River Campground

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ALERT: All USFS Campgrounds in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are now under a STAGE TWO FIRE BAN as of July 2, 2025. The dates on the official order are from July 2nd to 10/15/2025 unless rescinded earlier.** No camp fires or open flame cooking with wood, charcoal, or wood pellet! The exception is that propane gas can be used as long as it has an on/off switch. No smoking out in the open, must be done either in your vehicle or within a building! Still no smoking in the restrooms! Fireworks are prohibited! Please use caution due to the dryness of our forests. Thank you!**

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cle Elum River Campground, near Ronald, Washington, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some outdoor fun. With its scenic surroundings and access to hiking trails, it’s a popular choice for campers who appreciate a good adventure.

This campground is known for its clean facilities and friendly atmosphere. Visitors have highlighted the nearby hiking opportunities, especially the Lake Ingalls trail, which offers stunning views and vibrant fall foliage. As one camper noted, “The hikes nearby are fantastic in the fall because the foliage is vibrant and changing.”

You can expect a laid-back vibe here, with amenities like drinking water and fire rings for cozy evenings under the stars. While there’s no picnic table at each site, the spaciousness allows for a comfortable setup. Some campers mentioned that the campground can get a bit noisy due to its proximity to the road, but many found it easy to overlook given the beautiful surroundings.

For those who enjoy winter sports, the area is also great for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing during the colder months. With a little store nearby for snacks and drinks, you’ll have everything you need for a fun-filled stay. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer retreat, Cle Elum River Campground offers a solid base for exploring the great outdoors.

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Location

Cle Elum River Campground is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Cle Elum, Washington, take State Highway 903 north for 15 miles. Turn left at the campground sign. At the T in the road turn right into the group site.

Address

23931 Salmon La Sac Road
Ronald, WA 98940

Coordinates

47.351055 N
121.104394 W

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2019

Great campground!

Great campground. Tons of great hiking, swimming, and fun around. There’s a little store not too far for beer and snacks, and jet ski rentals across from the store. Toilets were clean and it wasn’t too noisy, thanks to camp hosts. The campground doesn’t offer a lot of privacy between most sites, and there is noise from the road, but if you can handle that, it’s a great place to camp! Nice trail next to site 1 takes you to the creek and then to the lake.

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2018

Best ever for hiking

This is a favorite campground. The hikes nearby are fantastic in the fall because the foliage is vibrant and changing. Must go on the Lake Ingalls hike. Campground is clean and space is good for sure. Really enjoyed it.

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2018

Best hike nearby!

Really loved this campground mainly because there is an awesome hike nearby! Stayed at this campground on a Friday night- got into the campsite around 6:30pm. We found our site easily, and set up our tent for the night. There was actually more people than I thought, but it was because it was also hunting season during this time. The hunters were super friendly! We woke up that Saturday morning and did Lake Ingalls for the fall hike. This hike is hands down my favorite in Washington, especially this time of year. The fall colors are perfect. We even saw some mountain goats which was super cool. The hike to the lake does require some path finding, so make sure you know your way. The campground was great, although we didn’t stay long. Just that one night. Would definitely come back again!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Cle Elum River Campground by Drew W., October 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Cle Elum River Campground by Drew W., October 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Cle Elum River Campground by Drew W., October 31, 2018
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Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at Cle Elum River Campground?

Cle Elum River Campground offers basic but well-maintained facilities. The campground features clean toilets maintained by attentive camp hosts. While the sites don't provide a lot of privacy between them, they offer adequate space for comfortable camping. The campground serves as an excellent base for outdoor recreation with numerous hiking trails nearby. There are no hookups or showers mentioned, so come prepared for a more rustic camping experience. A small store is located not too far away where you can purchase beer, snacks, and other supplies.

Can you swim in Cle Elum Lake near the campground?

Yes, swimming is available in Cle Elum Lake near the campground. The lake provides a popular spot for water recreation during summer months. In addition to swimming, visitors can rent jet skis from a rental facility across from the local store. Note that the lake typically isn't completely frozen during winter months, though winter swimming would not be advisable due to cold temperatures. The proximity to water recreation is one of the campground's attractions during the warm season.

Where is Cle Elum River Campground located and how do I get there?

Cle Elum River Campground is located in the Cle Elum area of Washington state, near Cle Elum Lake. The roads to the campground are generally well-maintained and accessible, though they may end at the upper stream confluence. During winter months, the area remains accessible with dry, easy roads, making it popular for winter recreation like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. For specific directions, it's best to check with the local ranger district or forest service office before your trip.

Is free camping available at or near Cle Elum River?

Free camping options aren't specifically mentioned for Cle Elum River Campground itself. The campground appears to be a developed site that likely requires payment of standard camping fees. For free dispersed camping options, you might explore other areas of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Cle Elum, as national forests often permit dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds. Check with the local ranger district for current regulations regarding dispersed camping in the area, including any fire restrictions or permit requirements.

Is there a group site at Cle Elum River Campground?

Specific information about a designated group site at Cle Elum River Campground isn't clearly indicated. The campground does have multiple sites, but they don't offer much privacy between them, which could be beneficial for groups camping together in adjacent sites. For official information about group camping options, capacity limits, and any special reservation procedures, contact the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest office that manages this campground. Group camping policies and availability may vary by season.