Wish Poosh Campground: Your Lakeside Escape in Cle Elum, WA

Wish Poosh Campground Introduce

For Washington locals eager to trade cityscapes for serene lake views and towering trees, Wish Poosh Campground near Cle Elum, WA, offers a genuine and refreshing outdoor escape. Situated on the southeastern shore of the beautiful Cle Elum Lake within the vast Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this campground is a true hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful and nature-filled retreat. Despite its rustic appeal, Wish Poosh provides a comfortable and enjoyable setting for both tent and RV campers, making it a versatile choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to reconnect with the Pacific Northwest's stunning wilderness.

Wish Poosh Campground embodies the tranquil spirit of Washington's natural landscapes, providing a quiet base for exploring the surrounding mountains and waterways. Its well-spaced campsites and wooded environment contribute to a sense of privacy and calm, allowing visitors to truly unwind. Whether you're drawn to the lake for water activities, the surrounding trails for hiking, or simply the desire to relax by a campfire under a canopy of stars, Wish Poosh promises an experience that is both accessible and deeply immersive. This article will explore the various facets of Wish Poosh Campground, detailing its convenient location, the services it offers, its standout features, and why it's perfectly suited for local Washingtonians seeking their next memorable outdoor adventure.

Wish Poosh Campground is strategically located on Salmon La Sac Rd, Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA. This address places it directly on the southeastern shore of Cle Elum Lake, within the picturesque Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Its accessibility is a significant advantage for Washington locals. From Seattle, the drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, involving a scenic journey eastward on I-90 to Exit 80, then heading north on Forest Service Road 903 (Salmon La Sac Road) for approximately 8-10 miles. This straightforward route allows for convenient weekend getaways or longer vacations without the stress of extensive travel.

The campground's proximity to Cle Elum (just about 10 miles away) means that essential services, groceries, and even charming local dining options are within easy reach. While you'll feel pleasantly secluded amidst the trees, you're never too far from modern conveniences. The road leading to the campground is generally well-maintained, accommodating both cars and RVs. This balance of being close to amenities while being nestled in a natural environment makes Wish Poosh Campground an ideal choice for Washingtonians looking for an accessible yet immersive outdoor experience.

Wish Poosh Campground provides a range of essential services and amenities, designed to offer a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience within its beautiful natural setting.

Campsites for Tents and RVs: The campground features 34 campsites, including 29 single-family sites and 5 double-family sites, accommodating both tent campers and RVs. Sites are generally well-spaced, providing privacy from neighbors. Parking spurs typically range from 33 to 45 feet.
Campsite Amenities: Each site is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a campfire ring with a grill, perfect for cooking and enjoying evening fires.
Restrooms (Vault Toilets/Porta Potties): While traditional flush toilets may be out of service at times, well-maintained porta-potties are provided. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities.
Potable Water (Availability Varies): While there are faucets, it's important to note that the water system has been reported as out of service during certain periods, with faucets covered. Campers should be prepared to bring their own potable drinking water, though a solar pump system is sometimes available. Always check current conditions before your visit.
No Hookups: Wish Poosh Campground operates as a primitive campground, meaning there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available at individual sites. This makes it suitable for self-contained RVs and those seeking a more traditional camping experience.
Boat Launch Access: A developed boat ramp is located nearby, providing convenient access to Cle Elum Lake for various water activities. It's important to note that the boat ramp typically closes by mid-July due to fluctuating lake levels, which are managed for irrigation.
First-Come, First-Served / Reservations: Historically, Wish Poosh has operated on a first-come, first-served basis for all sites. However, some sources indicate about 30 sites may be reservable. It's crucial to check Recreation.gov or similar platforms for the most current reservation policy, especially during peak seasons.
Friendly Camp Hosts: Visitors consistently highlight the helpful and friendly nature of the camp hosts, who are often available on-site to assist campers and ensure a positive experience, even offering refunds for accidental overpayments.
Cell Service: While it's a natural setting, some areas within the campground, or nearby, might offer limited cell service, providing a balance for those who wish to stay partially connected.

Wish Poosh Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a cherished outdoor destination for Washingtonians.

Lakeside Setting on Cle Elum Lake: The campground's prime location on the southeastern shore of Cle Elum Lake is its most significant asset. This offers easy access to the lake for a variety of water-based activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing (known for trout and kokanee salmon). While campsites are a short walk from the shore, the lake itself is a stunning backdrop.
Well-Spaced, Wooded Campsites: Reviewers consistently praise the "well spaced" and "pleasantly treed" campsites. This wooded setting, featuring mixed conifer forests, provides a peaceful, natural vibe and a sense of privacy, ensuring campers don't feel "right on top of your neighbors." This is a key advantage for those seeking a tranquil retreat.
Excellent Hiking Opportunities: The surrounding area offers "truly 5-star hiking." Visitors can explore numerous trails nearby, with the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) also accessible. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more challenging trek, the region provides diverse options for all skill levels.
Family-Friendly Environment: The overall atmosphere and amenities, including the easy lake access and opportunities for varied activities, make Wish Poosh an excellent spot for families to enjoy quality time outdoors. The availability of life vests for borrowing near the boat launch is a thoughtful touch for water safety.
Proximity to Cle Elum and Ronald: Despite its natural immersion, the campground is conveniently close to the towns of Cle Elum and Ronald, providing access to groceries, gas, and a selection of dining options. This allows campers to enjoy the wilderness without feeling completely isolated from conveniences.
Wildlife Sightings: While bear warnings are sometimes present (indicating the wild nature of the area and the importance of secure food storage), campers often report seeing deer, adding to the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Winter Recreation Potential: Beyond summer activities, the area around Cle Elum Lake offers excellent snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter months, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts (though the campground itself may be closed for camping during winter).

For inquiries, reservations, or specific information regarding Wish Poosh Campground, the primary contact details are associated with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, under which the campground operates.

Address: Salmon La Sac Rd, Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA

For general inquiries and information:

Phone: (509) 852-1100 (This number typically connects to the Cle Elum Ranger District or a related Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest office.)

Mobile Phone: +1 509-852-1100 (Same as above, often listed for convenience.)

For reservations, it is crucial to check the most current information, as policies can vary. While some sites might be first-come, first-served, the trend is towards reservable sites, especially during peak season. The best resource for checking availability and making reservations is:

Website: Recreation.gov (Search for "Wish Poosh Campground" in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest).

It is always highly recommended to check the official USDA Forest Service website for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Recreation.gov before your trip for the most up-to-date conditions, alerts (such as water system outages or fire restrictions), and any changes in operating procedures. This ensures you are fully prepared for your visit.

Wish Poosh Campground is exceptionally suitable for Washington locals, particularly those residing in the Puget Sound area and Central Washington, for several compelling reasons. Its relatively short and scenic drive from major population centers makes it an ideal choice for both spontaneous weekend getaways and longer, more planned vacations. This accessibility allows Washingtonians to easily tap into the vast recreational opportunities of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

The campground's primary appeal for locals lies in its serene, well-spaced, and wooded campsites that offer a genuine sense of escape and privacy, a welcome contrast to more crowded recreational areas. The close proximity to the beautiful Cle Elum Lake provides a natural playground for a wide array of water activities, from swimming and fishing to kayaking and paddleboarding, ensuring fun for all ages and interests. Furthermore, the surrounding area boasts "5-star hiking," allowing locals to explore breathtaking trails and immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty. While occasional water system outages and the presence of wildlife (including bears) require preparation, these are minor considerations that are common in true wilderness settings. The consistently praised friendly camp hosts, and the overall peaceful ambiance, make Wish Poosh Campground a truly charming and memorable destination, offering Washington locals a perfect blend of natural adventure and tranquil relaxation right in their own backyard.

Wish Poosh Campground Photos

Wish Poosh Campground Location

Wish Poosh Campground

Washington Kittitas County Cle Elum Salmon La Sac Road

Salmon La Sac Rd, Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA

Wish Poosh Campground Reviews

We camped at Wish Poosh from June 26–29, 2025, and were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed it. We didn’t come in with high expectations, but the campground turned out to be a real gem. The campsites are well spaced, so you don’t feel like you're right on top of your neighbors, and the wooded setting adds a peaceful, natural vibe.The water system was out of service during our stay, but it wasn’t a problem—we came prepared and brought our own water. The lake is just a short walk from the campsites, and the surrounding area offers some truly 5-star hiking.We’d definitely come back!
Jul 01, 2025 · Derik Dahlke
Wish Poosh is a lovely campground close to town; I even had cell service at least some of the time. The regular bathrooms are closed, but the porta potties are well-maintained. There are a couple of warnings about bears being seen in the campground, and a couple are even stapled to the tables in certain sites, but all we saw were deer. There are a few faucets here and there, but they were covered with black plastic bags most of the time, so I don’t think they’re functional. The camp host was lovely, he came to find us when we accidentally overpaid, since we thought the extra vehicle fee would apply to the second car at a site, and gave us back the surplus. The campground’s pleasantly treed, with no obvious lane access unless you go down to the boat launch area, and the sites weren’t too close together. There’s also an area on the way down to the boat launch where you can borrow a life vest, which is lovely!
Jun 22, 2023 · Kinbri Sipes
Camped here on August 28-30, 2020 on warm sunny days with my boyfriend. The campground is well-spaced between each other allowing for privacy. Our campsite was number 7 and it can fit about 3-5 tents in it which is pretty big for a campsite. I loved it. There is plenty of mosquitoes so be prepared with your repellents. Also, on our first night, a bear passed by one of our neighbor's site so make sure you clean up after yourselves and don't leave food out at night. There is also a bear cage with a trap since the bear seems to linger and wander around (although it isn't aggressive and seems friendly). There is no water and the toilet is a honey bucket. This campground needs some extra maintenance because the porta potties needed to be serviced as it was getting quite full during our stay. The lake is walking distance and provides plenty of space for everyone to splish and splash around although the water is quite cold but wonderful. There is a day use area too for picknicking and the likes. We went on a first-come first-served basis on a friday morning and there was plenty of spots to choose from, but come night time and the lot was full. There is also about 2-4 two-family campsites that can fit about 4 vehicles in and is ideal for groups and is located along the entrance of the campground. The mini grocery store is located about less than half a mile if you are needing supplies such as ice or firewood. However, be wary if there is a burn ban. Overall, great place with no reception except out on the lake.
Sep 01, 2020 · Kimmy Garcia (Kimmy)
Very pretty area, but it seems that they've kind of given up on maintaining it. Water pumps are off and bathroom facilities are being used as storage, neither are being maintained. There are porta potties on site, but they are pretty gross and not well maintained either. This would be a decent site for a rougher experience, but if you're used to state and national parks having water and bathrooms, find another place to camp. When I pay to camp, I expect some amenities. Running water would bump this to a 4*
Jul 19, 2022 · Jeff Cook
Close to the town and restaurants, still very quiet and clear sky at night. Some sites have dry trees around hence privacy is a question mark, our site was so dry that we brought dust covered utensils, sandals and car when back to home. This year (2020 ) they didn't have any of water taps working, nor their restrooms, however that was replaced by Honey buckets. This site is recently open after being closed for few years for vegetation to grow back. Camp host on site. It is around half mile close to Cle elum lake, hence bring your water activities gear. No cell phone connection.TIP - bring your boat if have one, there is boat launch. There is a general store and restaurant within 1 mile to the site.
Aug 26, 2020 · Kailash M