Cle Elum River Campground

For Washington locals eager to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Central Cascades, Cle Elum River Campground offers an authentic and accessible outdoor experience. Nestled within the expansive Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, just off its namesake river and near the head of Cle Elum Lake, this campground provides a tranquil retreat surrounded by high mountains and mixed-conifer forests. It's a place where simplicity reigns, allowing you to truly disconnect and appreciate the stunning natural views that Washington State is renowned for.

Cle Elum River Campground is particularly appealing for those who appreciate a more rustic and less developed camping environment. While it may not boast elaborate amenities, its charm lies in its untouched beauty and the generous spacing of its sites. Visitors have raved about the "amazing" views from waterside lots, highlighting the vastness and peacefulness of the setting. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most sites, offering spontaneity for weekend adventurers, with a dedicated group site available for reservations. This flexibility, coupled with affordable rates, makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious explorers.

Beyond the campground itself, the surrounding area is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts. From getting an early start on challenging hiking trails to enjoying diverse water activities on Cle Elum Lake and the river, or even exploring off-road trails, the opportunities for adventure are abundant. While phone coverage can be spotty and data limited, this only enhances the appeal for those looking to truly unplug and embrace the wilderness that defines so much of Washington's majestic landscape.

Cle Elum River Campground is located in Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA, specifically situated at the head of Lake Cle Elum, just off the Cle Elum River, within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The more precise location is often referenced near Ronald, WA, on Salmon La Sac Road. This places it in a prime position for accessing the vast recreational opportunities of the Central Cascade Mountains.

For Washington residents, particularly those traveling from the greater Seattle area or other points west, the campground is easily accessible via I-90. From I-90, travelers would typically take an exit for Cle Elum (such as Exit 85 for WA-970 W or Exit 84 for Cle Elum via WA-903 N/SW 3rd St), then follow WA-903 north towards Lake Cle Elum and Ronald. The campground itself is located off Salmon La Sac Road, which extends further into the National Forest.

The campground is at an elevation of approximately 2,300 feet, surrounded by high mountains and a mixed-conifer forest, providing a picturesque backdrop. While it's noted to be "right next to the road," traffic is generally not heavy, contributing to a relatively peaceful environment. It's crucial for visitors to note that while phone coverage might exist, data coverage often ceases near the town of Ronald, emphasizing the need to research the area and mark maps in advance, especially for trail information. Access may be seasonal, as the campground is closed during winter months due to snow.

Cle Elum River Campground offers a range of basic, rustic services, focusing on providing essential amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience within the National Forest.

• Campsites: The campground features 14 trailer/tent sites. These are typically "first come, first served" for single sites, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips. There is also one large reservable group site suitable for large family and group camping excursions, with a capacity of up to 100 people.
• Vault Toilets: "Latrines (vault toilets - no water)" are available and generally maintained in "decent shape," providing essential restroom facilities.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
• Campfire Rings with Grills: Sites come with campfire rings and grills, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires and cook over an open flame (subject to burn bans).
• Potable Drinking Water: Drinking water is available, typically from hand pumps, within the campground.
• Affordable Rates: Single sites are priced affordably at $20/night, with the double site at $40/night. Discounts are available for Senior or Access pass holders ($10/night).
• On-Site Staff (Limited): While specific details on a continuous camp host presence are not always highlighted, there is limited staffing, and campers might contact the Cle Elum Ranger Station for information or gate access for the group site.

Cle Elum River Campground distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for Washington's outdoor enthusiasts.

• Stunning Waterside Views: A significant highlight for many campers are the "amazing" views, particularly from the waterside lots, which offer scenic vistas of Cle Elum Lake and the surrounding mixed-conifer forest and high mountains.
• Proximity to Cle Elum Lake: While there is "no direct water access from this campground," there are "some beaches just a few minutes south." This provides opportunities for swimming, wading, and kayaking on the glacial-fed lake, especially at Speelyi Beach, which features a wide sandy area.
• Gateway to Extensive Trail Systems: The campground serves as a "good base to get an early start on the trails at the end of the road." It offers easy access to numerous hiking trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including sections of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which showcases diverse and "fantastic scenery." Popular trails like Lake Ingalls also offer stunning views.
• Prime for Fishing: The adjacent Cle Elum River and nearby reservoir are "teeming with fish," offering excellent opportunities for anglers seeking rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon.
• Winter Recreation Hub: During the winter months when the campground is closed, the Cle Elum River area transforms into a prime location for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, with the adjacent French Cabin Creek Sno-Park accommodating these activities.
• First-Come, First-Served Availability: For many single sites, the "no reservations, just first come first served" policy offers flexibility for last-minute trips, appealing to spontaneous adventurers.
• Natural Wilderness Immersion: Set at 2,300 feet amidst "high, glaciated alpine peaks, valleys of old growth forest and rugged shrub-steppe country," the campground provides a genuine wilderness experience. The abundant wildlife, including deer, porcupine, native fish, and migratory birds, further enhances the natural appeal.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to a road, reviewers often note that "not a ton of traffic" leads to a relatively "not too noisy" and peaceful environment.

For inquiries or information about Cle Elum River Campground within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, you can use the following contact details:

Phone (Cle Elum Ranger Station): (509) 852-1100 – option 1

Mobile Phone: +1 509-852-1100

General Information (limited staffing): (661) 702-1420

Address: Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA (often specified as 23931 Salmon La Sac Road, Ronald, WA 98940 for GPS purposes, within the Cle Elum Ranger District).

It is recommended to call the Cle Elum Ranger Station at least two business days in advance for group site reservations to obtain the gate combination, as office hours are typically 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:15 PM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Always check for current conditions, including fire bans, before your visit.

Cle Elum River Campground is an excellent and highly suitable destination for Washington locals seeking an authentic and unpretentious camping experience. Its location within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, near Cle Elum Lake and the Cle Elum River, positions it perfectly for a wide array of outdoor activities that Washingtonians cherish. For residents across the state, particularly those in the Puget Sound area, it offers an accessible escape into the mountains without requiring excessively long travel times.

The campground's affordability and its first-come, first-served policy for most sites provide a welcome flexibility, making spontaneous weekend trips feasible. While it's acknowledged as "nothing fancy," the stunning views from waterside lots, the clean vault toilets, and the provided picnic tables and fire rings offer the essential comforts for a true wilderness immersion. This appeals to locals who prioritize natural beauty and direct access to outdoor pursuits over elaborate amenities.

Cle Elum River Campground serves as an ideal basecamp for some of Washington's most beloved activities. Hikers can easily access trails leading to breathtaking vistas, including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail. Anglers will find abundant fishing opportunities in the river and nearby lake, while those interested in off-roading or simply exploring forest roads will find plenty to discover. Even with limited data coverage, this encourages a genuine disconnect, allowing locals to fully embrace the peace and quiet of the forest. For Washingtonians looking for a natural, unembellished, and activity-rich outdoor retreat in their own backyard, Cle Elum River Campground offers a truly rewarding and memorable experience.