North Fork Elk Group Camp

Star4.57
7 reviews

Quick Facts

1,575 ft

Price

$130/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Gifford Pinchot National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
360-686-3008
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 7 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

North Fork Elk Group Camp

46.4525, -121.7889

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and well‑reviewed in summer; warm temps and river use common (some dumpster odor in heat).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into mid‑September; cooler, comfortable conditions but largely closes after that.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid‑May; late spring wildflowers and pleasant conditions but limited early‑spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (open mid‑May through mid‑September).

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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingFishing is available in the Cispus River, where anglers can catch brook trout, steelhead, and salmon.
BikingMountain biking is supported on the Valley Trail and its connected multi-use trail network.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as elk, deer, and bears may be spotted in the area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are present in the area, and proper precautions with food storage are advised.

Weather at North Fork Elk Group Camp

Reviews

4.6
7 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
North Fork Elk Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 7 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...
Show more
Based on 7 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 7 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 7 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 7 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 7 reviews

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 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not addressed in user reviews.
Based on 7 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to North Fork Elk Group Camp? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Washington

Campgrounds
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
North Fork Elk Group Camp