Swauk Campground

Star4.64
20 reviews
33400 State Route 97, Cle Elum WA

Quick Facts

3,100 ft

Price

$18 - $40/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Swauk Campground
$18.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single sites are $24 per night, and double sites are $40 per night. A 50% discount is available for holders of Interagency Senior, Interagency...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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

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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadehiking

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

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)

Best Time to Camp at Swauk Campground

From mid-May through late September, Swauk welcomes visitors with delightfully warm days that gradually give way to crisp, star-filled nights. Perched at 3,100 feet, the campground enjoys a natural air conditioning effect that keeps summer temperatures comfortable, while evenings call for cozy campfires and warm layers. This elevation creates the perfect balance—warm enough for daytime adventures, cool enough for restful sleep under the stars.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid‑May to late Sept; reviewers praise warm days, starry nights and hiking in summer.

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

Nestled in the heart of Wenatchee National Forest, Swauk Campground beckons with 19 intimate single campsites and 2 spacious double sites, where history and nature intertwine beneath towering evergreens. The crown jewel of this woodland retreat is its authentic Civilian Conservation Corps-era picnic shelter, complete with a magnificent stone fireplace that has warmed countless gatherings since the 1930s. Stone ovens scattered throughout the grounds whisper tales of simpler times, inviting modern adventurers to create their own lasting memories in this timeless setting.
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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights maximum.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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
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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.

Weather at Swauk Campground

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Reviews

From Booking Sources
4.6
20 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Swauk Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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
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Last updated March 8, 2026
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