North Fork Elk Group Camp
04 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$130/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Open mid-May through...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$130/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Open mid-May through...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
North Fork Elk Group Camp
$130.00 - $130.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $130 per night for group tents during peak season. Rates do not include taxes, fees, or discounts.
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$130.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$130.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider360-686-3008
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 4 reviews
4 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanlocationwater
"Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's tranquil setting, multi-level tent layout for privacy, clean vault toilets, and proximity to the Cispus River for recreational activities. Some drawbacks include the odor from the nearby dumpster, particularly in warm weather."
Fees & Passes at North Fork Elk Group Camp
$130/night
Campsite fees
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum of 14 nights per visit.
Cancellation: Reservations can be cancelled with a $10 fee. Cancellations less than 14 days prior to arrival incur...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Gifford Pinchot National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at North Fork Elk Group Camp
Summer transforms this woodland retreat into a warm and inviting escape, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 90°F during peak season. The campground awakens in mid-May as wildflowers dot the forest floor, and remains open through September's golden days. Unlike many riverside locations, visitors here enjoy remarkably mosquito-free evenings, allowing for peaceful stargazing and extended conversations around the fire pit without the usual buzzing interruptions.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 16 through September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open mid-May through mid-September.
About North Fork Elk Group Camp
Tucked away in the heart of the forest, North Fork Elk Group Camp offers an authentic wilderness retreat where groups can gather beneath towering evergreens and fall asleep to the gentle murmur of the Cispus River. This tent-only sanctuary combines the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest with thoughtfully placed amenities, creating the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventures. From mid-May through September, families and friends find themselves drawn to this secluded haven where the only sounds are birdsong, rustling branches, and shared laughter around the campfire.
North Fork Elk Group Camp is a tent-only group campsite with a secluded setting and gated access. It includes six designated tent pads and accommodates up to 30 people.
Historical SignificanceSet within the storied Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this campground rests on land that has witnessed centuries of natural and human history. Named after America's first Chief Forester, the surrounding wilderness represents a living testament to conservation efforts and the delicate balance between preservation and recreation. The forest's ecological tapestry and geological wonders continue to inspire visitors, researchers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this woodland retreat into a warm and inviting escape, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 90°F during peak season. The campground awakens in mid-May as wildflowers dot the forest floor, and remains open through September's golden days. Unlike many riverside locations, visitors here enjoy remarkably mosquito-free evenings, allowing for peaceful stargazing and extended conversations around the fire pit without the usual buzzing interruptions.
ElevationNestled at an elevation that provides the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere, the campground offers a refreshing escape from valley heat while remaining comfortably below the snow line during its operating season.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient giants of pine, fir, and cedar create a living cathedral overhead, their interwoven branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The Cispus River flows alongside the camp, its crystal-clear waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and opportunities for exploration. This verdant sanctuary showcases the Pacific Northwest at its finest, where moss-draped trees, fern-carpeted undergrowth, and the occasional wildlife sighting remind visitors they've entered a world far removed from urban life.
Geological RegionPositioned within the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the campground sits at the crossroads of geological wonder. The dramatic volcanic trilogy of Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Mount Adams forms a spectacular backdrop, each peak telling its own story of fire and ice. The Cispus River, carving its path through this landscape, connects visitors to the greater watershed system that has shaped these valleys and ridges over millennia. This unique location offers campers front-row seats to the ongoing geological drama of the Cascade Range.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe site includes six tent pads and accommodates up to 30 people. Tent pads are multi-level, providing privacy. Parking fits up to six cars, though user reviews mention accommodating up to eight vehicles.
Sites PrivacyThe multi-level layout of the tent pads offers enhanced privacy compared to other group campsites.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent pads are uphill from the cooking area, providing privacy. Bring bear-proof containers for food storage.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The site accommodates up to 30 guests.
Groups
The site accommodates up to 30 people with six tent pads and parking for up to six vehicles (expandable based on user reviews).
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe site is multi-level, with tent pads uphill from the picnic and cooking area.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through mid-September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information about walk-up availability was provided.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be cancelled with a $10 fee. Cancellations less than 14 days prior to arrival incur a $10 fee plus the first night's use fee. No-shows are charged $20 and forfeit the first night's rate.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
North Fork Elk Group Camp provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, OHV riding, and fishing. The nearby North Fork Loop Trail and Valley Trail offer access to over 50 miles of multi-use trails for hikers and OHV riders. The Cispus River offers fishing opportunities for brook trout, steelhead, and salmon. Wildlife viewing is also a notable feature, with elk, deer, and bears frequenting the area.
Hiking
The North Fork Loop Trail is accessible for foot traffic, and the nearby Valley Trail connects to over 50 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking.Fishing
Fishing is available in the Cispus River, where anglers can catch brook trout, steelhead, and salmon.Biking
Mountain biking is supported on the Valley Trail and its connected multi-use trail network.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as elk, deer, and bears may be spotted in the area.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described in the source materials.Water Sports
No water sports are explicitly mentioned, but fishing and limited river access are available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, and firewood is available for purchase on-site.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are present in the area, and proper precautions with food storage are advised.
Weather at North Fork Elk Group Camp
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 87%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Randle, WA.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 through September 20.
Trash and recyclingA centralized dumpster is available for trash disposal, although its proximity to the campsite has been noted as a drawback due to occasional unpleasant odors, especially during warm weather.
Proximity to water featuresLocated alongside the Cispus River.
Common complaintsProximity to dumpsters can cause unpleasant odors during warm weather.
HostA campground host is on-site to assist visitors and sells firewood.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom I-5, take Highway 12 east to Randle, and from there go south on Road 25 and continue until you reach a fork in the road. Take the left fork onto Road 23 and travel for about 10 miles to North Fork Campground and Group Camps.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, though there may be challenges such as navigating forks and relying on signage. From the description, the entrance to the group sites is marked clearly.Nearby places
Randle, WA is the nearest city.
Nearby supplies
Closest camping supplies, groceries, and essentials are available in Randle, WA.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
4 reviews
North Fork Elk Group Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's tranquil setting, multi-level tent layout for privacy, clean vault toilets, and proximity to the Cispus River for recreational activities. Some drawbacks include the odor from the nearby dumpster, particularly in warm weather.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Key positives include the secluded and scenic location, the sound of the river adding to the ambiance, clean and stocked vault toilets, potable water availability, and ample space for group...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The primary complaint is the dumpster's proximity to the site, which can emit odors, especially in warm weather. Other mentions include the lack of flush toilets and some tents not fitting on...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend keeping food in bear-proof containers or vehicles, making use of the potable water spigot near the picnic tables, and exploring the nearby trails for hiking and OHV activities. They...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visits are well-reviewed due to warm weather and opportunities to enjoy the river, though the heat can exacerbate the dumpster odor. Cooler seasons may provide a more comfortable experience...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The sound of the nearby river was ever-present." - Janet Barnes. "The toilet was a vault toilet but was clean and well maintained." - Jennifer Thrower. "Super fun group campsite with a lot of...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site is secluded with a gated entrance. Some tent pads are uphill, providing better privacy. Vault toilets are clean and in close proximity to the parking area.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not addressed in user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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