East Kachess Group Site

Star4.79
18 reviews
803 W. 2ND STREET, CLE ELUM, WA 98922
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,247 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 18 - Sept 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Cle Elum Ranger Station site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
East Kachess Group Site
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for the East Kachess Group Campground group standard nonelectric site is $65 during peak season (May 18 - Sept 28, 2025; May 17 -...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$65.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
509-852-1100briandspeeg@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.79

Top-Rated

Based on 18 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslake

"Reviews are largely positive, with users appreciating the peaceful, secluded setting and spacious group camping facilities. Some critiques focus on the rocky terrain and limited garbage capacity."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

803 W. 2ND STREET, CLE ELUM, WA 98922

East Kachess Group Site

803 W. 2ND STREET, CLE ELUM, WA 98922

Driving directionsFrom points west, take I-90 to exit 70. Turn left over freeway, then left again onto West Sparks Road. Follow West Sparks Road 0.5 mile and turn right onto Kachess Dam Road/ Forest Road #4818. Travel approximately 5 miles to the campground on left. From points east, take I-90 to exit 70. Turn right, then left onto West Sparks Road. Follow West Sparks Road 0.5 mile and turn right onto Kachess Dam Road/ Forest Road #4818. Travel approximately 5 miles to the campground on left.
Primitive road access leading to the campground. Visitors report sparse traffic on the road, but it is dusty when cars pass by. Ensure you check seasonal road conditions, as water levels and road quality may vary.
Nearby places
Cle Elum (~12 miles, ~20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Cle Elum (~12 miles) offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Visitors should bring their own water as there is no drinking water available onsite.

Best Time to Camp at East Kachess Group Site

From late spring through early fall, East Kachess transforms into an outdoor paradise where warm sunshine filters through the forest canopy and perfect temperatures invite endless adventures. Summer days are made for swimming, hiking, and lakeside gatherings, though savvy visitors should note that Kachess Lake's water levels can fluctuate throughout the season. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes with color before winter claims the landscape, blanketing everything in deep snow and rendering the area a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid winter adventurers.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in WA

Summer is peak season: warm weather, hiking, fishing, swimming and boating available.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall remains excellent for activities; season recommended in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring (after mid-May opening) can be pleasant; early spring is closed and snowy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–Sept; heavy snow likely makes winter use impractical.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 18 - Sept 28, 2025; May 17 - Sept 30, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 18 - Sept 28, 2025; May 17 - Sept 30, 2026. Closed outside these windows.
  • Current Alerts: No drinking water available onsite; visitors must bring their own supply. Verify fire restrictions with the Cle Elum Ranger Station before arrival.

About East Kachess Group Site

Nestled along the pristine eastern shores of Kachess Lake, East Kachess Group Site offers an enchanting retreat where towering old-growth forests meet crystal-clear mountain waters. This hidden gem within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable group gatherings, where the only sounds breaking the peaceful silence are the gentle lapping of waves and the whisper of wind through ancient conifers. Here, your group can disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature and each other in a setting that feels wonderfully removed from the modern world.
East Kachess Group Campground is designed for group camping with accommodations for up to 100 people and 25 vehicles. It doesn't support individual site reservations, RV hookups, or glamping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2p.m.
Check-out
12 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per reservation.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

East Kachess Group Campground offers a range of recreational activities, making it a suitable base for hiking, fishing, swimming, and mountain biking during the summer and early fall. The adjacent Kachess Lake serves as a hub for aquatic activities such as fishing and kayaking.
HikingSeveral trails are described as being within a short drive from the campground, offering opportunities for hiking in a scenic mountainous backdrop.
FishingThe lake provides opportunities for fishing rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon either from the boat or shoreline. User reviews emphasize the rocky nature of the beach and steep incline to water access.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Kachess Lake, although reviewers suggest using water shoes due to rocky access points.
BikingMountain biking is a recommended activity, particularly during the summer and early fall.
BoatingThe lake supports boating activities like kayaking and canoeing, although specific docking facilities are not mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife species such as deer, porcupines, native fish, and migratory birds are said to inhabit the area. Endangered species like the northern spotted owl and gray wolves can be found in nearby ecosystems.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep rocky access to the lake and variable water levels are hazards noted by visitors. Wildlife precautions such as using bear lockers for food storage are recommended.
Active AlertsNo drinking water available onsite; visitors must bring their own supply. Verify fire restrictions with the Cle Elum Ranger Station before arrival.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available onsite though keys may not always be provided as noted in user reviews.

Weather at East Kachess Group Site

Reviews

4.8
18 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
East Kachess Group Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are largely positive, with users appreciating the peaceful, secluded setting and spacious group camping facilities. Some critiques focus on the rocky terrain and limited garbage capacity.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the campground's serene environment, proximity to recreational activities on Kachess Lake, and spacious group cooking/eating areas.
Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include rocky tent sites that limit flat camping areas and filled garbage bins during extended stays.
Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing water shoes for navigating the rocky beach and planning group garbage management for longer stays. It is also advised to arrive prepared with drinking water due to the lack...
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Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall are noted as the best times for camping, with activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming being popular. No specific reviews address winter camping, though heavy snow...
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Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Short hike to the lake. Bring water shoes as the 'beach' is all rocks. Access to the water is a tricky steep incline." (John M, July 13, 2023) "Loved the site! There was 26 of us in 9 tents......
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Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site GS1 is the only group site and is described as accommodating up to 100 people and 25 vehicles. User reviews praise its spaciousness but criticize the rocky terrain.
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features and user experiences with disabilities are not mentioned.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences for pet owners are not addressed in the source materials.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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