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79 campgrounds and RV Parks near South Cle Elum, WA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
79 campgrounds
5397 campsites
74 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near South Cle Elum, WA
Whispering Pines RV Campground
Cle Elum, WA (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(97 sites)
+13
Elk Haven Equestrian Center
Cle Elum, WA (3 miles away)
Sun Country Golf And RV
Cle Elum, WA (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(14 sites)
+4
Teanaway - Department of Natural Resources
Cle Elum, WA (6 miles away)
Free
(55 sites)
Taneum Sno-Park - Department of Natural Resources
Washington (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
Indian Camp - Teanaway Area - Department of Natural Resources
Cle Elum, WA (7 miles away)
Free
(11 sites)
Elk Heights Sno-Park - Department of Natural Resources
Cle Elum, WA (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
29 Pines - Department of Natural Resources
Cle Elum, WA (11 miles away)
Free
(59 sites)
Lake Easton State Park
Washington (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(137 sites)
+6
French Cabin Sno-Park - Department of Natural Resources
Washington (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
Salmon La Sac Sno-Park - Department of Natural Resources
Cle Elum, WA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
Manastash Sno-Park - Department of Natural Resources
Ellensburg, WA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
Most common amenities
Toilets Pet friendly Tables Showers Internet Grills Dump station Playground Laundry Trails
Campgrounds near South Cle Elum, Washington
South Cle Elum sits in Kittitas County on the eastern slope of the Cascades, across the Yakima River from Cle Elum and just off Interstate 90. The area serves as a practical base for RV trips into the Teanaway Community Forest, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and the Cle Elum Lake corridor, with the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail passing through town at the historic South Cle Elum depot.
RV options range from full-hookup private parks to rustic public sites. Whispering Pines RV Campground sits on a wooded 60-acre property along the Yakima River, just off I-90 exit 84, and offers pull-through and back-in sites with water, 30/50-amp electric, and sewer at select sites. Sun Country Golf And RV pairs hookup sites with an on-site golf course a short drive east.
For a more rustic experience, the Teanaway Community Forest, managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, lies north up Highway 970. Indian Camp - Teanaway Area - Department of Natural Resources and Teanaway - Department of Natural Resources offer vault toilets and fire rings without hookups. Elk Haven Equestrian Center caters to riders bringing horses.
Things to do near South Cle Elum
The Yakima River runs along the south side of town and is a well-known trout fishery, with rainbow, cutthroat, and whitefish accessible by wade or float. Cle Elum Lake, a short drive north on Highway 903, offers boating, swimming beaches, and shoreline trails.
The Teanaway Community Forest covers more than 50,000 acres of state-owned land with miles of trails open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Gated forest roads provide easy family walks, while the West Fork Trailhead near the main Teanaway camping area accesses longer routes into the foothills.
In town, the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (formerly the John Wayne Pioneer / Iron Horse) passes the restored South Cle Elum depot and is open to walkers, cyclists, and equestrians. The historic mining town of Roslyn is a short drive away.
Camping spots and RV parks near South Cle Elum, WA
When to visit South Cle Elum
- spring
March - May
54° / 32°F 50 mmSnowmelt swells rivers; higher trails stay muddy
- summer
June - August
79° / 48°F 20 mmWarm and dry; burn bans and wildfire risk peak
- fall
September - November
55° / 34°F 60 mmCool clear days early; first snow by November
- winter
December - February
34° / 19°F 100 mmSnowy and cold; most DNR campgrounds closed
Peak RV season runs from late June through mid-September, when daytime highs in the Cle Elum area sit in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit and overnight lows stay comfortable. July is the driest month of the year, averaging well under half an inch of rain, which makes for reliable camping weather but also raises wildfire risk. Burn bans are common from July through September across Kittitas County and DNR lands, including the Teanaway.
Spring brings rapid changes: snow can linger on higher forest roads into May, rivers run high and cold with snowmelt, and trails in the Teanaway are often muddy. Wildflowers peak from late April through June.
Fall is cool and clear through September, with foliage color in October and the first snows typically arriving in November. Most DNR campgrounds in the Teanaway operate seasonally and close after the snow flies, while Whispering Pines RV Campground stays open year-round.
How to book a site near South Cle Elum
Private parks accept direct online bookings. Whispering Pines RV Campground takes reservations through its website and third-party platforms, and it operates year-round; weekends and holidays in summer often sell out weeks ahead. Sun Country Golf And RV and Elk Haven Equestrian Center book directly through their operators.
DNR campgrounds in the Teanaway Community Forest, including Indian Camp and the main Teanaway camping area, operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no online reservation system. A Washington Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to DNR recreation lands and can be purchased annually or as a day pass.
Arrive early on Fridays during summer for the best chance at a riverside site.
What to expect on arrival
Whispering Pines RV Campground is set just off Interstate 90 exit 84, with a gate code provided after booking and a check-in office on site. Expect level pads, shaded sites under ponderosa pine, clean restrooms and showers, a laundry room, a river-fed pond, and a playground. Some highway noise carries through the property.
DNR sites in the Teanaway are basic: vault toilets, fire rings in designated campgrounds, no potable water, no hookups, and no garbage service. Pack out all trash and bring drinking water. Cell service is spotty once past the Highway 970 junction.
Wildlife in the area includes deer, elk, and black bear. Secure food in hard-sided containers or inside the RV overnight, leash pets at all times, and check current burn ban status before lighting a campfire.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near South Cle Elum, WA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in South Cle Elum?
RV rental in South Cle Elum is more affordable than you might expect, especially compared to renting in Seattle. Travel trailers typically start around $95 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes run about $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A rigs land between $250 and $400 nightly. Booking midweek or during the shoulder seasons of late April through early June or September into October can shave 15 to 25 percent off peak summer rates. Pro tip: Cle Elum sits right off Interstate 90, so many Seattle-area hosts will deliver here, giving you more inventory and often better pricing than booking directly in the city.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=South%20Cle%20Elum%2C%20WashingtonWhat license do I need to rent an RV in South Cle Elum, Washington?
Good news: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in South Cle Elum. Washington State does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special RV endorsement for the motorhomes and trailers available on RVezy, even the larger Class A rigs. Approved drivers on RVezy generally need to be 25 or older, and ID verification happens right in the platform during checkout, so there is no extra paperwork at pickup. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home country license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you are set.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs RV rental insurance and roadside assistance included for my Cle Elum trip?
Yes, every RV rental in South Cle Elum booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance. The protection plan covers physical damage to the vehicle during your trip, and you choose your coverage level at checkout so you can match the peace of mind to your budget. If you have a flat tire on Snoqualmie Pass or a battery issue at a campground, one call gets help dispatched, which is especially reassuring when you are heading into the Cascades. Coverage details and limits are spelled out clearly before you confirm your booking.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my South Cle Elum RV rental?
Booking is lower-risk than you might think. RVezy uses a platform-wide cancellation policy (hosts do not set their own), and it includes a money-back grace period right after booking so you can lock in your dates with confidence. The refund amount after that grace period depends on how far out you cancel from your trip start date. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or helps you rebook so your Cle Elum RV trip still happens. Full details are on the RVezy Help Center, but the short version is: you are not stuck.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a South Cle Elum RV rental?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in South Cle Elum is easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when you search and you'll see hosts who welcome dogs (and sometimes cats) in their rigs. Some hosts charge a small pet cleaning fee, which you'll see clearly on the listing before you book. Cle Elum is a dream destination for dogs: the Coal Mines Trail runs right through town and is leash-friendly, the Yakima River is perfect for water-loving pups, and most campgrounds in the Wenatchee National Forest welcome leashed pets. Pro tip: pack a tick check routine, since the dry pine forests here have ticks from May through August.
fs.usda.gov/okawenCan the RV be delivered to my campground near Cle Elum?
Yes, RV delivery in South Cle Elum is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it's a game-changer if you're new to RVing. Many local hosts will drive the rig to your campsite at places like Wish Poosh Campground on Cle Elum Lake, the KOA in Ellensburg, or a private property you've arranged, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. Filter by Delivery when you search to see who offers it and what they charge (usually a per-mile rate from their home base). Delivery is the secret weapon for a first time renting an RV: you skip the towing learning curve entirely.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=59185How far can I drive from South Cle Elum and what about mileage limits?
South Cle Elum is one of the best basecamps in Washington for an RV road trip. Mount Rainier National Park's Sunrise entrance is about 75 miles south, Leavenworth's Bavarian village is 60 miles north, Lake Chelan is 100 miles northeast, and Seattle sits 85 miles west over Snoqualmie Pass. Spokane is roughly 175 miles east on I-90 if you want a longer haul. Hosts set their own mileage policies, and you'll see the daily allowance clearly on each listing. Some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is gold if you're planning a multi-stop loop. Pro tip: ask about unlimited mileage upfront if your route tops 150 miles per day.
nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/sunrise.htmWhere are the best campgrounds near South Cle Elum?
You're spoiled for choice. Wish Poosh Campground on Cle Elum Lake (about 8 miles north) has 34 sites with lake access and is a local favorite. Salmon La Sac Campground sits deeper in the Wenatchee National Forest along the Cle Elum River with 69 sites and great hiking nearby. Lake Easton State Park, just 15 minutes west off I-90, has full hookups and is one of the best campgrounds near South Cle Elum for families. For a more developed stay, the Ellensburg KOA Journey is 30 minutes east with full amenities. Reserve early: Washington State Parks sites open nine months ahead on Washington.GoingToCamp.com, and Forest Service sites book through Recreation.gov six months out.
parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/lake-easton-state-parkWhen is the best time for an RV trip from South Cle Elum?
South Cle Elum has four real seasons, so timing matters. Late June through mid-September is the sweet spot: daytime highs sit in the 75 to 88°F range, nights cool to the 40s and 50s, and Cascade trails are snow-free. May and early June are gorgeous and quieter, though high-elevation roads like Forest Road 4330 to Salmon La Sac may still have lingering snow. September and early October bring golden larches and crisp air, the local insider's favorite window. Winter (December to March) drops to the 20s and 30s with regular snow, but it's spectacular for snowshoeing if your RV is winterized. Avoid mid-July weekends if you want quiet campgrounds.
weather.gov/otx/I've never rented an RV before. Will I actually be okay driving one here?
You'll be more than okay, and Cle Elum is actually a great place to start. Every RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup covering driving, hookups, slide-outs, tanks, and propane, and you can ask as many questions as you want. The roads around South Cle Elum are wide, well-paved, and mostly straight, with I-90 running flat through town. If you're nervous about Snoqualmie Pass or Blewett Pass, request delivery and skip the highway driving entirely. Pro tip for first time renting an RV: do your first night at Lake Easton State Park, only 9 miles from town, so you can settle in close to home before tackling longer drives.
wsdot.wa.gov/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/snoqualmieWhat happens if something goes wrong with the RV on my trip?
You are never on your own. Every RV rental in South Cle Elum includes 24/7 roadside assistance through the RVezy protection plan, so a flat tire on Highway 970, a dead battery at Salmon La Sac, or a propane issue at your campsite is one phone call away from help. Your host is also a direct line for quirks specific to their rig, like how the awning retracts or where the inverter switch lives. RVezy support is reachable before, during, and after your trip. Save both numbers in your phone before pickup, and screenshot them too since cell service can get spotty past Roslyn.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my RV rental into Canada or Oregon from South Cle Elum?
Interstate travel into Oregon, Idaho, and beyond is generally welcomed on RVezy, and South Cle Elum is well-positioned for it: the Columbia River Gorge is roughly a 3-hour drive south, and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is about 4 hours east on I-90. Cross-border travel into Canada depends on the host's insurance and approval, so message the host directly from the listing before booking if British Columbia is on your itinerary. Travel into Mexico is not permitted because RVezy insurance coverage does not extend there. Popular RV road trip from South Cle Elum routes include the North Cascades loop and the Olympic Peninsula via Seattle.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much will fuel cost for my Cle Elum RV trip?
Fuel is usually the biggest variable in your budget, so plan ahead. Class B campervans get 18 to 22 mpg, Class C motorhomes average 8 to 12 mpg, and Class A rigs land around 6 to 10 mpg. Travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle but expect a 25 to 40 percent drop in mpg while towing. Washington gas prices typically run a bit above the national average, and the last reliable stations before heading deep into Wenatchee National Forest are in Cle Elum and Roslyn, so fill up there. Pro tip: the Pilot at Exit 84 on I-90 usually has the best diesel prices in the area, and it's an easy in-and-out with a big rig.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Cle Elum?
For peak summer weekends (July and August), book your campground the day reservations open, which is six months ahead for Forest Service sites on Recreation.gov and nine months ahead for Washington State Parks like Lake Easton through their reservation portal. Wish Poosh and Salmon La Sac fill within minutes for July 4 and Labor Day. Midweek or shoulder season? You can often snag a spot two to four weeks out. If everything's booked, private parks like the Ellensburg KOA and Whispering Pines RV Park usually have last-minute openings. Pro tip: book your RV camping in South Cle Elum first, then your rental, since campgrounds sell out faster than rigs.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2725What are the driving conditions like around South Cle Elum?
Driving here is mostly straightforward, but the mountain context matters. I-90 through town is flat and wide, but Snoqualmie Pass to the west (3,022 ft) and Blewett Pass to the north on US-97 (4,102 ft) can see snow from November through April. Washington requires chains in your RV during posted chain-up periods between November 1 and March 31, even if you don't end up using them. Summer brings occasional wildfire smoke, so check WSDOT's real-time map before long drives. Wildlife crossings (deer, elk) are common at dawn and dusk on Highway 970 and Highway 903 toward Roslyn. Take it slow on those routes and you'll be fine.
wsdot.wa.gov/travel/real-time/mountainpassesWhat amenities will I find at campgrounds near South Cle Elum?
Expect a mix. Lake Easton State Park has full hookups (water, electric, sewer), flush toilets, and showers, making it ideal if you want a plug-and-play stay. Forest Service campgrounds like Wish Poosh and Salmon La Sac are more rustic with vault toilets, potable water spigots, and no hookups, so you'll rely on your RV's freshwater tank and generator (where allowed). For dump stations, the most convenient options are at Lake Easton State Park, the Ellensburg KOA, and the dump station at Indian John Hill rest area on I-90. Fill up your freshwater tank in Cle Elum or Roslyn before heading into the forest, since potable water past Salmon La Sac can be limited late in the season.
parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/lake-easton-state-parkWhat's actually inside the RVs available in South Cle Elum?
More than you'd think. Most motorhome rental South Cle Elum options include a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), a bathroom with toilet and shower, sleeping for 4 to 8 people, climate control (furnace and AC), and seatbelts for every traveling passenger. Many rigs also include a generator for off-grid power, an outdoor awning, a TV, and some hosts add solar panels or Starlink-style WiFi (great for the dead zones past Roslyn). Campervan rental South Cle Elum options are more compact but cozy, perfect for couples doing a Cascades loop. Check the amenities list on each listing carefully so you know exactly what's coming, and message the host if anything specific (like a Blackstone griddle) matters to you.
fcc.gov/consumers/guides/rural-broadbandWhat add-ons can I get with my Cle Elum RV rental?
Hosts in South Cle Elum offer some genuinely useful extras. Common add-ons include camping chairs and tables, bedding and linen packages, kitchen kits with pots and utensils, bike and kayak racks, generators, and pre-stocked propane or freshwater tanks (a nice way to skip the prep stop). Pickup and dropoff usually happen at the host's home in Cle Elum, Roslyn, or Ellensburg, and many hosts offer delivery to your campground for a per-mile fee. Mileage policies vary by listing, with daily allowances and any overage charges shown clearly on each listing, and some hosts offer RV rental with unlimited mileage.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=South%20Cle%20Elum%2C%20WashingtonHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through RVezy at the time of booking with a credit or debit card, and the booking total is processed separately from your security deposit. Hosts in South Cle Elum set a refundable security deposit (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig), which is pre-authorized on your card a few days before pickup rather than charged outright. Return the RV in the same condition you received it (clean, undamaged, tanks handled per the listing, fuel topped off) and the hold is released after the trip. Pro tip: take time-stamped photos and a short video of the interior and exterior at pickup and dropoff to keep your full deposit.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksAre there cheap RV rentals in South Cle Elum that still feel like a good experience?
Yes, cheap RV rental in South Cle Elum is very doable if you are flexible. Older travel trailers and smaller Class C motorhomes often list for $90 to $140 per night and come from hosts who take great care of their rigs. Booking Sunday through Thursday saves serious money, and many hosts offer weekly discounts of 10 to 20 percent. Pair a budget rig with a dispersed camping spot in the Wenatchee National Forest and you have a family RV trip South Cle Elum adventure for well under $150 a day all-in. Use the price filter, sort low-to-high, and check reviews. Highly-rated affordable hosts are the best value in the area.
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