Cle Elum River Group Site
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Cle Elum River Group Campground is located within the Cle Elum River Campground situated just off its namesake river in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Set in a mixed-conifer forest at an elevation of 2,300 feet and surrounded by high mountains, this campground offers a large site suitable for large family and group camping excursions.
The large reservable group site is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, drinking water and vault toilets.
Notifications and Alerts
For Group Site Reservations: Please understand that in the 2021 season the Federal, State and County Guidelines with regards to COVID 19 will be followed and those decisions may affect your group site reservation. Please keep that in mind while making your reservation. Thank you for your understanding.
Weather conditions may cause a delay in the opening date for 2021. There is snow on the ground at the beginning of May preventing access to the campground. Crews are working to get the sites open as soon as possible.
Need to Know
The combination for entry into the group site will be included in the reservation confirmation letter. If not, call the Cle Elum Ranger Station at (509) 852-1100 - and press 0 - at least 2 business days in advance of your arrival date to obtain the gate combination. Please lock the gate upon departure.
Electric hookups are not available
- If the group site is not reserved, individual sites will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Click here for more information about Okanogan National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Natural Features
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers stunning scenic views, with high, glaciated alpine peaks, valleys of old growth forest and rugged shrub-steppe country making up the diverse landscape. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to more than 9,000 feet. Precipitation varies greatly throughout the area, ranging from approximately 140 inches along the Cascade Crest to only 10 inches along the eastern edge. Visitors can expect many days of warm, sunny weather in the summer, and winters with clear skies and plenty of snow. The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife, including deer, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds.
Nearby Attractions
Speelyi Beach is a great place to spend the day. Featuring a wide sandy beach surrounded by conifer forest on Cle Elum Lake, visitors will have plenty of space to wade, swim and splash around. Those searching for deeper water will enjoy a kayak outing along the shore at sunset. The spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is accessible near the campground. It is one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails and showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery as it winds its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.
Recreation
In addition to being a prime location for hiking, fishing, swimming and birding in summer and early fall, the Cle Elum River area offers excellent skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter months.
The campground is closed during the winter months. The adjacent French Cabin Creek Sno-Park accomodates skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers.
Anglers will find the waters teeming with rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon in the river as well as the nearby reservoir.
Contact Information
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23931 Salmon La Sac Road Ronald WA 98940
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 509-852-1100
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
