How much does camping cost at Cle Elum River Group Site?

Camping fees at Cle Elum River Group Site are $158/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cle Elum River Group Site first-come first-served or reservation?

Cle Elum River Group Site accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cle Elum River Group Site before I book?

Yes! Cle Elum River Group Site has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cle Elum River Group Site?

Cle Elum River Group Site is open May 22 to September 18. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cle Elum River Group Site?

Cle Elum River Group Site does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cle Elum River Group Site have?

Cle Elum River Group Site has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cle Elum River Group Site?

Pets are not allowed at Cle Elum River Group Site. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cle Elum River Group Site?

Cle Elum River Group Site offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cle Elum River Group Site?

Popular activities at Cle Elum River Group Site include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cle Elum River Group Site

4.08

23 reviews

23931 Salmon La Sac Road, Ronald, WA 98940, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Washington

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

$158/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

$158/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Cle Elum River Group Site

$158.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $158.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$158.00

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Provider

509-852-1100jveulman@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

23931 Salmon La Sac Road, Ronald, WA 98940, USA

Cle Elum River Group Site

23931 Salmon La Sac Road, Ronald, WA 98940, USA

Nearby places

Cle Elum (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Ronald (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Weather at Cle Elum River Group Site

Best Time to Camp at Cle Elum River Group Site

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to the Cle Elum River Group Site—expect warm, dry days (typical highs about 70–85°F) and cool nights (40–55°F) at 2,300 ft. River swimming, boating, day-hikes into the Cascades, and group cookouts are at their peak, with fishing also productive as water levels stabilize. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest (this is a reservable group site), and mid- to late-summer wildfire smoke and fire restrictions are possible—plan and check local r Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer — reliable warm, dry weather and full access to river activities and trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025 to September 26, 2026. Closed during winter months.

About Cle Elum River Group Site

Cle Elum River Group Site sits in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest foothills near Ronald, Washington, at 2,300 feet elevation. Managed by the Forest Service, this single-group campground accommodates large parties seeking river access for swimming, boating, and fishing alongside trailheads into the Cascades. The site includes vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with reviewers praising its spaciousness and host communication, though road noise and occasional disturbances from neighboring properties can intrude during busy weekends.

Cle Elum River Group Site is a large group camping site within the Cle Elum River Campground, offering a group standard nonelectric site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to the Cle Elum River Group Site—expect warm, dry days (typical highs about 70–85°F) and cool nights (40–55°F) at 2,300 ft. River swimming, boating, day-hikes into the Cascades, and group cookouts are at their peak, with fishing also productive as water levels stabilize. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest (this is a reservable group site), and mid- to late-summer wildfire smoke and fire restrictions are possible—plan and check local r Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMixed-conifer forest surrounds the site, with Douglas fir and western hemlock providing moderate shade over the camping area. The Cle Elum River runs along the eastern edge of the property, cold and clear through summer with accessible banks for wading and swimming. The terrain is relatively flat with scattered understory vegetation. Higher Cascade peaks are visible through the canopy to the west, though dense forest limits long-range views from most of the site. A natural spring sits within hiking distance, mentioned by campers as worth seeking out.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are noted. This site exclusively provides a group camping experience.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests are limited to the capacity of the group campsite. Exact number of guests is unspecified.

Groups

The group site is large and suitable for family or group gatherings. User Jake C describes it as 'Very large group site with plenty of individual sites.'

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the provided information.

Site SizeThe group site is noted as 'very large', with plenty of individual sites according to Jake C.

PrivacySome reviews indicate privacy limitations due to road noise. For example, Angela B noted, 'The road noise was a bit of a problem but fades in the evening.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesSites close to the river provide easy access to fishing and swimming.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. It's very large with multiple individual camping spots scattered across the property, so groups can spread out or cluster depending on preference. The vault toilets and potable water are centrally located.

Need help booking Cle Elum River Group Site?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Electric hookups are not available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Cle Elum River Group Site

Cle Elum River Group Site offers a mix of summer and winter recreational activities. In summer and early fall, campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and birding, while winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The nearby French Cabin Creek Sno-Park accommodates winter activities, and Speelyi Beach is another popular nearby attraction for beach-related activities.

Hiking4.0/5

Trailheads into the Cascades and Pacific Crest Trail access provide substantial hiking opportunities.

Fishing4.0/5

Anglers can fish for rainbow, cutthroat and kokanee in the Cle Elum River and nearby reservoir.

Swimming4.0/5Top 18% in Washington

Cle Elum River has accessible banks for wading; nearby Speelyi Beach offers wading and swimming.

Beach activities4.0/5

Speelyi Beach nearby is described as a wide sandy beach with swimming and kayaking opportunities.

Boating3.0/5

Speelyi Beach supports kayaking/shore boating but no large-boat infrastructure noted.

Winter Activities3.0/5

Site closed for camping in winter but nearby areas support skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Clear river, sandy beach, forest and alpine peak views provide varied photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned; the campground utilizes vault toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Cle Elum River Group Site

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From Booking Sources

4.1

23 reviews

Satisfactory

Cle Elum River Group Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the spaciousness of the group site, its proximity to the river, and the helpfulness of the campsite host. Noise from nearby roads and occasional disturbances from local residences are noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include the spaciousness of the group site, clean toilets, potable water availability, and the great communication with hosts. Several users praised the site's suitability for...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include road noise and disturbances from nearby residences playing loud music. For example, Kevin M reported loud music and screaming 'kept most all of our tent campers awake till about...

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 is frequently mentioned in reviews, noted for its spaciousness and suitability for group gatherings. Positive reviews include Allison W stating the site was 'Very nice spot.' Negative notes...

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommended tips include arriving with water jugs/buckets for potable water and discussing disturbances with the host or police if necessary. Angela B suggests exploring hikes and a fresh spring...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews generally indicate favorable conditions for swimming, fishing, and hiking. Winter months are closed for camping but support skiing and snowshoeing at nearby Sno-Park. Late summer...

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Camping host was great help! Close to river. I would visit again.' - Kim Del Torto 2. 'Very large group site with plenty of individual sites.' - Jake C 3. 'Nice spacious site with lots of room...

Based on 23 reviews

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Cle Elum River Group Site

$158.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $158.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$158.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

509-852-1100jveulman@goexplorus.com

Go if

You're organizing a large group outing and want river recreation with Forest Service amenities in the Cascades foothills.

Skip if

You need quiet isolation or want to avoid road noise and potential disturbances from adjacent properties.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.4

(54)

Red Mountain Campground

25641 Salmon la Sac Road, Ronald WA

Red Mountain Campground sits along the Cle Elum River in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest foothills, a short drive from Cle Elum. This very small campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a peaceful riverside setting. Visitors come for summer river swimming, Cascade foothill hiking, and roomy tent sites, though road noise from nearby Salmon La Sac Road is noticeable.

Cle Elum River Group Site

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Cle Elum River Group Site

Campground Map

Weather at Cle Elum River Group Site

Best Time to Camp at Cle Elum River Group Site

Planning Tips

About Cle Elum River Group Site

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cle Elum River Group Site?

Amenities available

Things to do at Cle Elum River Group Site

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Cle Elum River Group Site

Best Time to Camp at Cle Elum River Group Site

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cle Elum River Group Site?

Amenities available

Things to do at Cle Elum River Group Site

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews