How much does camping cost at North Fork Elk Group Camp?

Camping fees at North Fork Elk Group Camp range from $130/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is North Fork Elk Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

North Fork Elk Group Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at North Fork Elk Group Camp before I book?

Yes! North Fork Elk Group Camp has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit North Fork Elk Group Camp?

North Fork Elk Group Camp is open June 05 to September 19. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at North Fork Elk Group Camp?

North Fork Elk Group Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does North Fork Elk Group Camp have?

North Fork Elk Group Camp has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at North Fork Elk Group Camp?

Pets are not allowed at North Fork Elk Group Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at North Fork Elk Group Camp?

North Fork Elk Group Camp offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at North Fork Elk Group Camp?

Popular activities at North Fork Elk Group Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

North Fork Elk Group Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at North Fork Elk Group Camp?

Fire policies at North Fork Elk Group Camp: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.33

7 reviews

Featured in:Group Camping Washington

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,575 ft

Price

$130/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,575 ft

Price

$130/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

North Fork Elk Group Camp

$130.00 - $130.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $130.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$130.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-338-7869

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to North Fork Elk Group Camp

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Campground Map

North Fork Elk Group Camp

46.4525, -121.7889

Nearby places

Randle, WA is the nearest city.

Weather at North Fork Elk Group Camp

Current alerts(7)

Click here for more information about Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Complete rules are available at the campground office or on bulletin boards in the campground
Firewood is available for sale at host site for $10.00/bundle.
No ATVs or OHVs in campground

Best Time to Camp at North Fork Elk Group Camp

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry weather (daytime highs commonly in the mid-70s to low-90s °F, nights dropping into the mid-40s to mid-50s) and full access to the site and trails. This is peak season for hiking, river fishing on the Cispus, mountain biking, and group camping—wildflowers and big views of Mount St. Helens, Rainier, and Adams are at their best. Expect higher use on summer weekends and holiday weeks, but weekdays remain peaceful for groups seeking a true forest basecamp. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and popular in summer; warm weather and river activities well-reviewed (dumpster odor can worsen).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 05 to September 19. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-May through mid-September.

About North Fork Elk Group Camp

North Fork Elk Group Camp sits in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest foothills near Randle, managed by the Forest Service for seasonal group reservations. The site offers primitive group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings alongside the Cispus River, with access to hiking, fishing, and mountain biking trails. Summer brings warm, dry weather and views of Mount St. Helens, Rainier, and Adams.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, dry weather (daytime highs commonly in the mid-70s to low-90s °F, nights dropping into the mid-40s to mid-50s) and full access to the site and trails. This is peak season for hiking, river fishing on the Cispus, mountain biking, and group camping—wildflowers and big views of Mount St. Helens, Rainier, and Adams are at their best. Expect higher use on summer weekends and holiday weeks, but weekdays remain peaceful for groups seeking a true forest basecamp. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1575 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground lies beneath a canopy of Douglas fir and western red cedar, with the Cispus River flowing close enough to provide constant background noise. On clear days, three Cascade volcanoes frame the horizon: Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Mount Adams. The forest floor shows typical Pacific Northwest undergrowth. Ferns, moss, and seasonal wildflowers. Though the site itself has been cleared for tent pads and group gathering space. The multi-level terrain creates natural separation between sleeping and cooking areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; this is a tent-only group campsite.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

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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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the source materials.

Site 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.

PrivacyThe multi-level layout of the tent pads offers enhanced privacy compared to other group campsites.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesTent pads are uphill from the cooking area, providing privacy. Bring bear-proof containers for food storage.

Best CampsitesThe multi-level tent pad layout provides better privacy than typical group camps, with sleeping areas uphill from the shared picnic and fire zone. Parking officially fits six vehicles, though reviews report squeezing in up to eight. No specific pad numbers or area names appear in the available data.

Need help booking North Fork Elk Group Camp?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

North Fork Elk Group Camp offers a range of essential amenities for group camping. The site includes six tent pads accommodating up to 30 people, picnic tables, grills, and potable water from a spigot near the tables. A fire pit and BBQ facilities are available for cooking and gatherings. A camp host is on-site, and firewood can be purchased for $10 per bundle. However, the site does not have electricity, sewer, or water hookups.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

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

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are the only restroom facility.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & 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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

North Fork Elk Group Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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...

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...

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

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 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...

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...

Based on 7 reviews