Red Mountain Campground
4.119 reviews25641 Salmon la Sac Road, Ronald WA
Red Mountain Campground
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
A user review stated that the nightly cost is $14, which includes access to a campsite with a firepit and picnic table.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Red Mountain Campground offers an intimate escape where the gentle murmur of the Cle Elum River provides nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem features just 10 carefully spaced single campsites, creating an atmosphere of tranquility that larger campgrounds simply can't match. Here, you'll discover what camping was meant to be—a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythms of the forest.
Red Mountain Campground provides a basic camping experience with 10 standard campsites along the river.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific site remains unwritten, the land speaks its own ancient story through towering trees and the ever-flowing river that has carved its path through these mountains for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsThe magic of Red Mountain Campground transforms with each season, though savvy campers know that late spring through early summer unveils the area at its finest. During these golden months, moderate temperatures and crystal-clear skies create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. While winter wraps the campground in a blanket of snow and solitude, bringing freezing temperatures and shorter days, the brave souls who venture here find a pristine wonderland. Plan your visit between May and July to experience the sweet spot where comfortable weather meets smaller crowds.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable elevation that balances accessibility with mountain charm, Red Mountain Campground provides that perfect 'just right' feeling—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet low enough to avoid the thin air of alpine camping.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where dense forest canopy filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The star attraction, the crystalline Cle Elum River, flows just steps from your campsite, its gentle rapids and quiet pools inviting exploration. Campers rave about the network of small trails that wind from the campground to hidden spots along the water's edge—perfect for morning coffee contemplation or afternoon fishing. The surrounding old-growth forest creates a natural amphitheater of tranquility, where the only sounds are birdsong, rustling leaves, and the river's eternal conversation with the rocks.
Geological RegionRed Mountain Campground sits in a remarkable geological crossroads where the Cle Elum River has spent countless centuries carving its signature through the Cascade foothills. The surrounding Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest showcases the dramatic interplay between ancient volcanic activity and glacial sculpting, resulting in a landscape where water and stone create endless opportunities for discovery. This forested river corridor represents one of Washington's most accessible yet authentic wilderness experiences.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the sources.
Sites SizeSites are described as roomy by users. One camper stated, "So clean and what a site! Roomy."
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy varies. One reviewer mentioned that the last site was wonderfully secluded, while general reviews hinted at close proximity to the road and occasional car noise.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and easy access to the lake, choose the last campsite. However, proximity to the bathroom may require longer walks.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest the last site is particularly secluded and peaceful, offering a balance of privacy and access to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe layout includes 10 single campsites situated within a forested environment adjacent to the river. Specific reviews noted variations in seclusion and access to trails.
Open and Closed SeasonNull
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates fully on a walk-up basis, which is confirmed by both authoritative sources and user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made; the campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can enjoy several outdoor activities due to the scenic location near the Cle Elum River. Activities include swimming, enjoying river access, and hiking to nearby areas.
Swimming
Swimming in the river is a popular activity. A user review noted, "River is good for swimming. Clean water."Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities like skiing or snowshoeing were mentioned.Water Sports
Swimming is the primary water activity discussed. Other non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Null
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention proximity to the road as a minor hazard, leading to occasional car noise. Wildlife precautions are essential as indicated by the presence of bear warnings in official imagery.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities was provided.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Cle Elum River; a small trail leads to the lake, as mentioned in user reviews.
Common complaintsSeveral users noted road noise due to the campground's proximity to Salmon La Sac Road. One remarked, 'Kind of a bit noisey due to the proximity to the road,' while another said car noise was 'not too bad.'
HostNull
Campground Map
25641 Salmon la Sac Road, Ronald WA
Driving directionsFrom Cle Elum, WA head north on Highway 903 / Salmon La Sac Road for 16 miles. Campground is on the left after Cle Elum Lake.
The entrance to the campground is reportedly 'extremely easy to miss,' according to one user review. The sign for the campground is on the left, but the little road leading to the campground is on the right.Nearby places
Cle Elum (16 miles, approximately 20 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Null
Camper Reviews
4.1
9 reviews
Red Mountain Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the natural beauty, cleanliness, and peaceful environment of Red Mountain Campground. Some highlight its simplicity and limited amenities, which may appeal to those seeking a more rustic experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained vault toilets, peaceful setting, river access for swimming, and roomy campsites were commonly praised.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users noted the lack of drinking water and showers. Proximity to the road was mentioned as a source of occasional noise.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend being cautious of the campground entrance, which is easy to miss. One review suggested taking advantage of the secluded last campsite for more privacy. Another noted that there is a...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Campers found the area peaceful during the weekdays in late July; however, one camper reported noise from the nearby road during their stay.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Clean and good smelling toilet. River is good for swimming. Clean water. Peaceful environment." 2. "A night was $14 and you get a camping spot with a great view, if you are lucky, with a fire pit...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The last campsite is noted for being secluded with easy access to the river.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mentioned pets.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025