How much does camping cost at East Kachess Group Site?

Camping fees at East Kachess Group Site are $65/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is East Kachess Group Site first-come first-served or reservation?

East Kachess 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 East Kachess Group Site before I book?

Yes! East Kachess Group Site has 6 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 East Kachess Group Site?

East Kachess Group Site is open May 22 to September 30. 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 East Kachess Group Site?

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

How many campsites does East Kachess Group Site have?

East Kachess 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 East Kachess Group Site?

Pets are not allowed at East Kachess 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 East Kachess Group Site?

East Kachess Group Site offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at East Kachess Group Site?

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

East Kachess Group Site

4.24

18 reviews

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

Top 23% in WASummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Washington#2 Camping Near Mount Rainier National Park Group Camping Washington +5 more

Quick Facts

2,247 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 18 - Sept 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Cle Elum Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,247 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 18 - Sept 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Cle Elum Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

East Kachess Group Site

$65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $65.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$65.00

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Provider

509-852-1100briandspeeg@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

East Kachess Group Site

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

Nearby places

Cle Elum (~12 miles, ~20 minutes drive)

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.

Weather at East Kachess Group Site

Current alerts(8)

Check-in time is 2 p.m., check-out time is noon
Electric hookups are not available
Forest Service Road 4818 to access the East Kachess Group Site is primitive.
Maximum RV length is 30 feet

Best Time to Camp at East Kachess Group Site

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, sunny weather (daytime highs typically 70–85°F / 21–29°C, nights in the 40s–50s°F / 4–12°C), full lake access and the longest open window for the group site. Boating, swimming, fishing and lakeside group gatherings are at their peak, and trailheads are dry and easy to reach. Expect the busiest weekends in July–August, so reserve early and plan for popular recreation areas to be crowded. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WA

Site lists summer as best season; warm days (70–85°F) and full lake access May–Sept.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 18 - Sept 28, 2025; May 17 - Sept 30, 2026. Closed outside these windows.

About East Kachess Group Site

East Kachess Group Site sits in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest foothills near Cle Elum, operated by the Cle Elum Ranger Station for group tent camping. The site offers access to Kachess Lake for swimming, fishing, and water recreation, with spacious cooking and eating areas suited to large gatherings. Reviewers praise the serene setting and lake proximity, though the path to the water is steep and rocky, and lake levels drop as summer progresses.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, sunny weather (daytime highs typically 70–85°F / 21–29°C, nights in the 40s–50s°F / 4–12°C), full lake access and the longest open window for the group site. Boating, swimming, fishing and lakeside group gatherings are at their peak, and trailheads are dry and easy to reach. Expect the busiest weekends in July–August, so reserve early and plan for popular recreation areas to be crowded. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2247 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense conifer forests surround the campground, giving way to Kachess Lake and the mountain peaks that frame the water. The lake is a reservoir that supplies irrigation water for south-central Washington, so water levels drop noticeably as summer progresses. The shoreline near camp is rocky and steep, making water access more of a scramble than a stroll. Mornings bring mist across the lake, and deer, porcupines, and migratory birds move through the area. Northern spotted owls and gray wolves inhabit the broader ecosystem, though sightings are rare.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not include hotel-style accommodations; it features one large group site for up to 100 people.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per reservation.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 100 people per group site.

Groups

The single group site accommodates up to 100 people and 25 vehicles, making it ideal for large gatherings like family reunions or outdoor events.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov online, via mobile app, through contact center, or in-person at select locations.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the source materials.

Site SizeThe single group site can accommodate up to 100 people and 25 vehicles.

PrivacyUser reviews describe the site as peaceful and private.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup site GS1 accommodates up to 100 people and 25 vehicles; space for tents is limited to flat areas.

Best CampsitesThe campground has only one site, labeled GS1 in reviews. It's the same booking regardless of when you arrive.

Need help booking East Kachess 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

East Kachess Group Campground is equipped with a variety of amenities designed for group camping experiences, including picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and vault toilets. However, the site lacks potable water facilities, and visitors are required to bring their own water. User reviews highlight the spacious group cooking and eating areas but also note some limitations like rocky tent sites and filled garbage bins.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at East Kachess Group Site

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

Several trails within a short drive offer scenic mountain hiking opportunities.

Water Sports3.5/5

Kayaking/canoeing supported on the reservoir; lake is the primary water hub for camp activities.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming possible in Kachess Lake but shoreline is rocky and water levels drop; water shoes advised.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Mountain-framed lake and forested shoreline offer good photo subjects; rocky shore limits beach shots.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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.

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 East Kachess Group Site

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From Booking Sources

4.2

18 reviews

Satisfactory

East Kachess Group Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

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...

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...

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......

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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East Kachess Group Site

$65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $65.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$65.00

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

509-852-1100briandspeeg@fs.fed.us

Go if

You're planning a large group outing and want lake access with room to gather in a forested setting.

Skip if

You need easy, flat lake access or individual campsites instead of a group reservation.

Nearby Campgrounds

8000 Lake Kachess Rd, Easton, WA 98925, USA

Kachess is a U.S. Forest Service campground on the shore of Kachess Lake in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, a short drive from Easton in the Cascade foothills. This large, seasonally operated site offers tent, RV, and group camping with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and a 14-day stay limit. Campers come for lakeside access, hiking and biking trails, and fishing, with spacious sites and long summer days ideal for water-based recreation.

East Kachess Group Site

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about East Kachess Group Site

Campground Map

Weather at East Kachess Group Site

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at East Kachess Group Site

Planning Tips

About East Kachess Group Site

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking East Kachess Group Site?

Amenities available

Things to do at East Kachess Group Site

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about East Kachess Group Site

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at East Kachess Group Site

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking East Kachess Group Site?

Amenities available

Things to do at East Kachess Group Site

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews