How much does camping cost at Swauk Campground?

Camping fees at Swauk Campground range from $18-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Swauk Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Swauk Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not available; sites are first-come, first-served throughout the open season.

Can I see photos of campsites at Swauk Campground before I book?

Yes! Swauk Campground has 1 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 Swauk Campground?

Swauk Campground is open Open seasonally from mid-May to late September, corresponding to the weekend before Memorial Day through the Tuesday after Labor Day.. 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 Swauk Campground?

Swauk Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Swauk Campground have?

Swauk Campground has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Swauk Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Swauk Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Swauk Campground?

Swauk Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Swauk Campground?

Popular activities at Swauk Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Swauk Campground

4.19

20 reviews

33400 State Route 97, Cle Elum WA

Featured in:Hiking Camping Washington

Quick Facts

3,100 ft

Price

$18 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,100 ft

Price

$18 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Swauk Campground

$18.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $24 per night Double Site: $40 per night

Standard Site Fee$24.00

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USFS

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

33400 State Route 97, Cle Elum WA

Swauk Campground

33400 State Route 97, Cle Elum WA

Nearby places

Cle Elum (20.4 miles, approximately 25-30 minutes driving time)

Weather at Swauk Campground

Best Time to Camp at Swauk Campground

Summer brings the best conditions: daytime highs between 75-85°F, nights cooling to 45-55°F, and all facilities open including the historic shelter. Mid-May through late September is the typical season. July and August weekends see moderate crowds. The elevation keeps things cooler than lower forests, which helps on hot afternoons but means you'll want a warm layer after sunset. Summer also means wildfire risk and occasional fire restrictions.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Western larches turn golden in fall; site remains open into September offering strong fall color window.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open seasonally from mid-May to late September, corresponding to the weekend before Memorial Day through the Tuesday after Labor Day.

About Swauk Campground

Swauk Campground sits along Swauk Creek in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest at 3,100 feet, offering 19 single sites and 2 double sites beneath towering ponderosa pines and western larches. The $18-40/night campground features a Depression-era CCC picnic shelter with a stone fireplace, though campers should know US Route 97 runs close enough to generate noticeable traffic noise. It's first-come, first-served with vault toilets and no potable water on-site.

Swauk Campground supports tent camping with 9 dedicated tent-only sites and a mix of single and double combined-use sites. There are no RV-specific sites or facilities such as dump stations or hookups.

Historical Significance

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the picnic shelter and stone ovens here in the 1930s, and they're still standing. The shelter's stone fireplace gets used regularly. These structures aren't just decorative. Campers actually cook in the ovens and gather around the fireplace, which makes the CCC craftsmanship feel less like history and more like functional infrastructure that outlasted its builders.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions: daytime highs between 75-85°F, nights cooling to 45-55°F, and all facilities open including the historic shelter. Mid-May through late September is the typical season. July and August weekends see moderate crowds. The elevation keeps things cooler than lower forests, which helps on hot afternoons but means you'll want a warm layer after sunset. Summer also means wildfire risk and occasional fire restrictions.

ElevationAt 3,100 feet above sea level, Swauk Campground occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain air meets forest tranquility. This elevation gifts campers with refreshingly cool evenings that provide welcome relief from summer heat, while days remain pleasantly warm for hiking and exploring. The altitude creates an ideal microclimate where morning mist dances through the trees and afternoon breezes carry the scent of pine and fir.

Natural Features and SceneryMassive ponderosa pines and golden western larches dominate the canopy, joined by Douglas fir and white fir in a grove that feels older than it probably is. Swauk Creek runs through the property, cold and clear over smooth volcanic stones. The understory stays fairly open, so don't expect thick vegetation screening between sites. What shade exists comes from the big conifers overhead. The creek-carved valley sits in the eastern Cascades, where volcanic soils feed these conifers and the landscape shifts between forest pockets and drier slopes.

Geological RegionSwauk Campground rests in a remarkable grove where massive Ponderosa pines and golden western larches reign supreme within the greater Wenatchee National Forest ecosystem. Carved by ancient forces and nourished by Swauk Creek's perpetual flow, this pocket of wilderness showcases the diverse beauty of the eastern Cascades. Here, the geological story unfolds in layers—from the creek-carved valley floor to the volcanic soils that feed these magnificent conifers, creating a landscape that feels both timeless and alive with possibility.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers scenic views of its lush forest setting and the nearby creek. Notable is the short (0.75-mile) trail leading to Sculpture Rock, a distinctive natural feature.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is available about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights maximum.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this location.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutOne main loop with two tent-only spurs. Parking aprons are paved. Vegetation between sites is sparse, so you'll see your neighbors. The layout is straightforward enough that navigation isn't an issue.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not available; sites are first-come, first-served throughout the open season.

AccessibilityThere is limited information about accessibility features. Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.

Site SizeThe campground includes 19 single sites and 2 double sites. Parking aprons are paved.

PrivacyVegetation provides limited privacy between campsites, as noted in the authoritative description.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site. Restrooms Vault toilet(s)

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Swauk Campground offers picnicking, hiking, and opportunities for viewing scenery. A short 3/4-mile trail leads to Sculpture Rock, a notable viewpoint.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome user reviews mention that traffic noise from the adjacent US Route 97 can be distracting, and the lack of potable water at the site necessitates campers to bring their own.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided instead.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

20 reviews

Satisfactory

Swauk Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Swauk Campground is generally appreciated for its retro camping vibe and serene environment. However, it is close to the highway, leading to some noise concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the scenic hiking trails, the refreshing creek, and the historical CCC-built picnic shelter. Many users also enjoyed the natural setting with ample shade from trees.

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints were about the campground's proximity to the highway, which creates noise issues, and the need for more frequent bathroom maintenance.

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers were highlighted in the reviews.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, as there is no potable water on-site. Download the recreation.gov app for digital payments before arrival. Explore the trail to Sculpture Rock for great views.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are generally positive during the summer months, though complaints about noise and bathroom cleanliness persist throughout the season. Visitors find it easier to secure a site in August.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great retro camping experience. Make sure you cross the creek and take the trail south to the lookout point!" - John Watson; "Nice campground but close to road, so a bit noisy." - Anna Beeh;...

Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

User reviews do not specifically address accessibility concerns.

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention experiences with pets.

Based on 20 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Car campers who want a classic no-frills forest base camp near Cle Elum: the creek is cold and clear, the Sculpture Rock trail is a quick 0.75-mile leg-stretch, and summer nights cool down nicely. First-come, first-served means an early Friday arrival secures your site.

Skip if

Highway noise is real and persistent here, US 97 runs close enough that light sleepers will notice it all night. No potable water means packing in everything you need to drink, and the sparse vegetation between sites means you're camping in view of your neighbors.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.5

(29)

Mineral Springs Group

27481 State Route 97, Cle Elum, WA, 98922, USA

Mineral Springs Group sits in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest foothills near Cle Elum, offering a single large group site for gatherings of family or friends. Operated by a private concessionaire, the campground provides vault toilets, potable water, and standard amenities in a forested setting with access to nearby hiking trails. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive camp hosts and spacious layout, though highway noise carries into the site.

Swauk Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Swauk Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Swauk Campground

Best Time to Camp at Swauk Campground

Planning Tips

About Swauk Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Swauk Campground

Best Time to Camp at Swauk Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews