Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and a Campylobacter-like organism were isolated from a number of natural water sources in central Washington including ponds, lakes, and small mountain streams ranging in elevation from 1460 to 5400 feet above sea level. At the two sites where extensive sampling was done, the bacterium was recovered throughout the year. Generally, the highest recovery rates were in the fall and winter months and the lowest during the spring and summer months. Campylobacter density did not show significant correlation with microbiological (fecal coliform, total coliform, fecal streptococcus, and heterotrophic plate count densities) or physical (water temperature, pH, and conductivity) parameters. (Copyright (c) 1987, American Society for Microbiology.)