How much does camping cost at Wish Poosh Campground?

Camping fees at Wish Poosh Campground are $22 - $43/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Wish Poosh Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Wish Poosh Campground 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 Wish Poosh Campground before I book?

Yes! Wish Poosh Campground 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 Wish Poosh Campground?

Wish Poosh Campground 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 Wish Poosh Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Wish Poosh Campground?

Cell phone service at Wish Poosh Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Wish Poosh Campground have?

Wish Poosh Campground has 34 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Wish Poosh Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Wish Poosh Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Wish Poosh Campground?

Wish Poosh Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Wish Poosh Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Wish Poosh Campground?

Fire policies at Wish Poosh Campground: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.78

96 reviews

15311 SALMON LA SAC ROAD

C-Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

$22 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Season Opens May 23,...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

$22 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Season Opens May 23,...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Wish Poosh Campground

$22.00 - $43.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $22.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $43.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

509-852-1100jveulman@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

15311 SALMON LA SAC ROAD

Wish Poosh Campground

15311 SALMON LA SAC ROAD

Nearby places

Ronald: Less than 1 mile. Cle Elum: Approximately 8 miles. Ellensburg: About 30 miles.

Weather at Wish Poosh Campground

Current alerts(7)

Check in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon)
Click here for more information about Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Extra vehicle fee: $10.00 (2nd vehicle for single sites, 3rd and 4th vehicles for double sites) will be collected at the campground. Extra vehicle is defined as any vehicle (motorhome, trailer, or passenger vehicle) that is not towed in with the first vehicle.
Firewood is available for sale at host site for $10.00/bundle

Best Time to Camp at Wish Poosh Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, sunny weather and full access to Cle Elum Lake — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. Water-based activities (swimming, boating, paddleboarding) and warm-weather hikes and mountain biking are at their peak, and all campground facilities are open from late May through mid-September. Expect moderate to busy weekends and holiday crowds, so reservations are recommended; be aware that late summer can bring elevated Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer—warm weather, full lake access, peak visitor praise for swimming and hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season Opens May 23, 2025; Closes September 20, 2025.

About Wish Poosh Campground

Wish Poosh Campground sits on the shores of Cle Elum Lake in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, offering direct water access for swimming, boating, and fishing. Managed by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground operates seasonally with tent sites, RV spots, and group camping options. Reviewers consistently praise the spacious layout and lake proximity, though facilities are basic with no potable water on-site.

Wish Poosh Campground caters to tent and RV camping, with first-come, first-served sites. "There are 34 sites for both tent and RV camping."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, sunny weather and full access to Cle Elum Lake — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. Water-based activities (swimming, boating, paddleboarding) and warm-weather hikes and mountain biking are at their peak, and all campground facilities are open from late May through mid-September. Expect moderate to busy weekends and holiday crowds, so reservations are recommended; be aware that late summer can bring elevated Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies glacially carved terrain at 2,300 feet elevation, where coniferous forests meet the waters of Cle Elum Lake. The surrounding landscape transitions from dense forest canopy to open shrub-steppe ecosystems, a result of the region's varied climate zones and volcanic-then-glacial geological history. Deer appear at dawn, porcupines move through the brush, and coyotes vocalize at dusk. The lake itself provides the main scenic draw, with mountain peaks visible in the distance.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges at Wish Poosh Campground. Camping is limited to tents and RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground does not explicitly offer cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay for 14 days during one visit.

Groups

The campground includes 2-4 large campsites ideal for two-family groups, located near the entrance and accommodating up to four vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground offers spacious campsites with varying degrees of privacy. Some sites are large enough to accommodate multiple tents or RVs, and access to the lake is convenient. However, accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly described in the official information.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some able to accommodate up to 10 people comfortably. "Campsite number 7 can fit about 3-5 tents in it, which is pretty big for a campsite.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary between sites, with some sites being closer together and less private. "Campsites are super close together so there is very little privacy—could hear other campers' entire conversations," while others are more secluded.

Total Campsites34 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid Site 9 due to ant infestations. Sites 2-4 recommended for families due to space and location near entrance.

Best CampsitesSite 7 offers enough space for three to five tents and can handle groups comfortably. Site 21 provides easy lake access. Site 5 works well for larger groups. Securing any preferred site requires early arrival or advance reservations, as popular spots fill quickly on summer weekends.

Need help booking Wish Poosh Campground?

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

No water or electric hookups are available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Wish Poosh Campground

The campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling are available during winter.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails within 5 miles including access to the Pacific Crest Trail; good trail options nearby.

Fishing4.0/5

Anglers enjoy abundant fishing on Cle Elum Lake; boat launch and WDFW regs mentioned.

Swimming4.0/5Top 18% in Washington

Swimming available at Cle Elum Lake and sandy Speelyi Beach within walking distance.

Boating4.0/5

Beach activities4.0/5

Speelyi Beach is sandy and described as ideal for swimming and kayaking.

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking mentioned explicitly and beach/launch make lake paddling easy.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Lake, sandy beach and forested shorelines provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, but reviews highlight issues with payment boxes being tampered with and portable restroom servicing being inconsistent: 'The payment box was not secure.'

Cell Coverage"Wish Poosh is a lovely campground close to town; I even had cell service at least some of the time." However, others note poor cell reception overall, with service generally limited to the lake area.

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

3.8

96 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Wish Poosh Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Wish Poosh Campground receives mixed reviews, averaging 3.5238 stars for campground-specific sentiment. Positive highlights include its proximity to Cle Elum Lake, spacious sites, and helpful hosts. Complaints often center on poorly maintained facilities, lack of potable water, and limited privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 96 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful lake access, spacious campsites, friendly camp hosts, and ample recreational opportunities are frequently praised. "Beautiful campground with lots of space between sites, easy walking...

Based on 96 reviews

Common Concerns

Portable toilets are often full and poorly maintained, potable water is unavailable, and privacy between sites can be limited. "The porta potties were full and pretty gnarly."

Based on 96 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

"Campsite number 7 can fit about 3-5 tents in it." "Campsite 005 is large and can easily hold 10 people comfortably." "Site 21 offers easy access to the lake."

Based on 96 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water and repellent for mosquitoes. Early arrival is recommended to secure a spot. "Bring your boat if you have one; there is a boat launch."

Based on 96 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight warm, sunny conditions ideal for swimming and hiking. Winter reviews praise snowshoeing and snowmobiling but note the lack of functional water and restrooms. Late summer may...

Based on 96 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wish Poosh is a lovely campground close to town; I even had cell service at least some of the time." "Saw a few kids stealing money from the payment box." "Camp host was lovely, he came to find us...

Based on 96 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in reviews, but spacious sites and proximity to the lake may be beneficial for some users.

Based on 96 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

"Random dogs with no owner in sight would run into our campsite, stressing out our dog who was leashed." Pets are allowed but must be leashed, per campground rules.

Based on 96 reviews

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Wish Poosh Campground

$22.00 - $43.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $22.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $43.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

No campsite fee categories listed.