American Forks Campground

Star3.96
47 reviews
10237 US HWY 12, Naches, WA, 98937, USA

Quick Facts

2,789 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open from late May (...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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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
American Forks Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard non-electric campsites are $15 per night during the peak season from late May to early September. Off-season fees apply after September,...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(509) 653-1401
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What Campers Say

3.96

Mixed Reviews

Based on 47 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulsites

Some mention

small

"Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty and tranquility. Common praises include the spacious campsites and proximity to the river, while criticisms often center on the lack of water facilities and poor restroom maintenance."

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Campground Map

10237 US HWY 12, Naches, WA, 98937, USA

American Forks Campground

10237 US HWY 12, Naches, WA, 98937, USA

Driving directionsFrom Naches, WA travel west on US Highway 12 for 4.4 miles. Continue straight onto State Route (SR) 410 W for 27.5 miles. Turn left onto Bumping River Rd / Forest Road 1800. Turn left on Bumping River Road, cross the bridge over the American River, then turn left onto the American Forks Campground Road. From Enumclaw depart SR 164/Griffin Ave toward Wells St. After ½ mile turn left onto SR 410/Roosevelt Ave. Follow SR 410 approximately 66 miles east to the intersection with Bumping River Road (FR 1800). Turn right on Bumping River Road, cross the bridge over the American River, then turn left onto the American Forks Campground Road.
The campground is accessed via paved roads, although narrow turns and tree obstacles may pose challenges for larger vehicles. Seasonal access is typically between late May and September, with closures during winter months.
Nearby places
Naches (40 miles, approx. 50 minutes drive), Enumclaw (66 miles, approx. 1.5-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Gas station located approximately 10 miles east of the campground. Limited supplies may also be available near Bumping Lake, 25 minutes away by car.

Best Time to Camp at American Forks Campground

Experience the best of Pacific Northwest seasons at American Forks, where summer unfolds in a tapestry of warm, golden days perfect for riverside adventures and starlit evenings around the campfire. When winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, the campground becomes a launching point for snowshoe expeditions and cross-country skiing adventures beneath crisp, azure skies. The dry summer climate ensures your outdoor plans stay on track, while winter's generous snowfall creates a pristine playground for cold-weather enthusiasts.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open Memorial Day to late Sept; summer praised for warm days, riverside activities and starlit nights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into late September; fall visits noted as quieter and scenic though season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Site opens late May (Memorial Day weekend) so most of spring is closed to visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed during the winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 30, 2025, and May 21, 2026 - September 9, 2026. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from late May (Memorial Day weekend) through late September. Closed during the winter months.

About American Forks Campground

Where the crystalline waters of the American and Bumping Rivers converge in the majestic East Cascade mountains, American Forks Campground awaits as your gateway to pristine wilderness. This intimate campground offers an escape into nature's embrace, where towering old-growth giants stand sentinel and the soundtrack of rushing water mingles with birdsong. Here, tranquility isn't just promised—it's woven into every moss-draped branch and sun-dappled trail.
American Forks Campground caters to a range of camping preferences, with facilities for tent camping and RVs. Primitive camping is available, but group sites and glamping options are not provided.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

American Forks Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and access to winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The nearby American River provides a scenic backdrop for anglers and whitewater enthusiasts.
HikingThe campground provides access to trails leading into the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas. The Pacific Crest Trail and Boulder Cave Trail are nearby attractions. One reviewer said, 'An easy walk to the American Ridge trail.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with rainbow and brown trout available in the American River. However, one reviewer noted poor fishing conditions and expressed disappointment that the river is not stocked.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available within 10 miles of the campground.
BoatingBumping Lake, located 25 minutes away, offers boating opportunities with a marina, boat ramp, and dock.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is a habitat for deer, elk, porcupine, and migratory birds. Endangered species like northern spotted owls and gray wolves are also found in the area.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Boulder Cave Trail offers interpretive signs highlighting the area's geology, plants, animals, and history.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential risks include falling pine cones and chipmunks that may rummage through unattended belongings. Wildlife such as bears, elk, and northern spotted owls are present in the area.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at American Forks Campground

Reviews

4.0
47 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
American Forks Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty and tranquility. Common praises include the spacious campsites and proximity to the river, while criticisms often center on the lack of water facilities and poor restroom maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the 'huge campsites,' 'peaceful environment,' and 'proximity to the river.' Many also appreciated the campground's quiet atmosphere and natural setting.
Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised include the absence of potable water and showers, lack of privacy between sites, and poor maintenance of vault toilets. One user noted, 'Bring water, none (potable) at...
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Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, downloading maps in advance due to lack of cell service, and avoiding site 3, which is described as small and awkward. Another tip was to be cautious of...
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Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visitors noted the campground's quiet environment and the beauty of the surrounding rivers and forests. Winter reviews highlighted opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but...
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Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Been here several times. BRING WATER, none (potable) at campground.' 2. 'Campsites are huge! We fit our 11-person tent just fine and could have fit another smaller tent or two.' 3. 'The sites all...
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Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 2: Praised for its size and proximity to the river. Site 3: Described as small and awkward. Site 5: Difficult to maneuver due to narrow roadways and obstacles. Site 7: Highly praised for its...
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Based on 47 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features like vault toilets and accessible grills are noted, but no specific reviews from users with disabilities were mentioned.
Based on 47 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There is river access, though one review mentioned it is 'not easy for pets though if they’re short like ours.' Pets are allowed, but no other pet-specific features were highlighted.
Based on 47 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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