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American Forks Campground
Closed for the season on September 28, 2023. Will reopen in spring 2024.
American Forks Campground is located about 40 miles west of Naches, Washington, near the American River and Bumping River in the eastern Cascade Mountains.
Natural Features: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is defined by its diverse landscapes, boasting high glaciated alpine peaks, lush valleys of old growth forest, and rugged shrub-steppe country. The American Forks Campground is nestled in an old-growth forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and a cedar under story with grassy areas, ferns, and mosses. With the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas nearby, the location is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, porcupine, native fish, and migratory birds. Endangered and threatened species, including the northern spotted owl, and pine martins, also find havens in local ecosystems. Summer temperatures are generally sunny and warm with little precipitation, and winters boast mostly clear skies, but plenty of snow.
Recreation: The campground setting provides ready access to Bumping Lake, where boating and fishing are popular. Hiking and horseback riding trails extend into the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas, and off-road vehicle and snowmobile access draws visitors to the Little Naches drainage. In winter, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing are popular in the American River area. The cabin is also conveniently located 30 minutes below the summit of Chinook Pass and Mt. Rainer National Park. A trip along the scenic Mather Parkway is a fantastic outing. The American River, adjacent to the campground, offers a scenic backdrop for anglers. Its cold, clear waters sustain populations of rainbow and brown trout. Whitewater enthusiasts may enjoy a paddle on the river or one of the many other tributaries draining into the Cascade region.
Facilities: The campground has 8 reservable sites and 4 first-come, first-served sites between Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. There is no water available at the campground, however, vault toilets are provided.
After mid-September, sites will be on a first-come, first-served basis with toilets and water available at nearby Cedar Springs Campground
At a Glance
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov. Reservations must be made one day ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Tent camping, Camping trailer, Fee charged for some activities, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | $15/Night for single unit plus $5 per additional vehicle (2 vehicle per site max.). |
| Open Season: | May |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | Maximum vehicle length is 30'. |
| Closest Towns: | Naches, WA |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | VaultToilet (8) |
| Passes: | Interagency Senior/Access and Golden Age/Access Passes Accepted |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Hikers may want to traverse a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails. Enjoy some of North America's most fantastic scenery, as the trail winds from Mexico to Canada through Washington state. Boulder Cave Trail is one of the most popular places in the Naches District. Visitors can walk the accessible trail along the river or explore Boulder Cave. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the geology, plants, animals and history of the area. |
General Information
Directions:GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
46.97734, -121.16243
46°58'38"N, 121°9'45"W
From Naches, Washington, follow Highway 410 for approximately 35 miles west to the intersection with Bumping River Road (FR 1800). Turn left on Bumping River Road, cross the bridge over the American River, then turn left onto the American Forks Campground Road.
Accessibility:
Accessible grills, picnic areas, picnic shelters and vault toilets are provided. There is also paved parking and roads. Within 10 miles of this facility, there are accessible boat ramps, campties, drinking water, and trails.
General Notes:
The camping fee includes entry for one vehicle and one legally towed vehicle; any extra vehicles will be subject to an extra vehicle fee at the campground.
Off-road vehicles not permitted.
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information
Activities
Campground Camping
| No. of Sites | 16 single site(s) |
| Reservation Info | Not reservable |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
RV Camping
| No. of Sites | 16 single site(s) |
| Pavement Type for Parking | Native Material |
| Reservation Info | Not reservable |
| Hookup - Water | No |
| Hookup - Sewer | No |
| Dump Stations | No |
| Hookups - Electric | No |
| No. of Accessible sites | None |
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | |
| Tent camping: | |
| Parking: | |
| Toilets: | |
| Fee charged for some activities: |
Location
