How much does camping cost at American Forks Campground?

Camping fees at American Forks Campground are $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is American Forks Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

American Forks Campground 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 American Forks Campground before I book?

Yes! American Forks Campground has 3 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 American Forks Campground?

American Forks Campground is open May 21 to September 08. 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 American Forks Campground?

American Forks Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does American Forks Campground have?

American Forks Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at American Forks Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at American Forks Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at American Forks Campground?

American Forks Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

American Forks Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at American Forks Campground?

Fire policies at American Forks Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Please protect local 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 more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.79

47 reviews

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

CReport Card

Featured in:RV Camping Washington

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

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

American Forks Campground

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(509) 653-1401

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Naches (40 miles, approx. 50 minutes drive), Enumclaw (66 miles, approx. 1.5-hour drive)

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.

Weather at American Forks Campground

Current alerts(2)

Off-road vehicle use is prohibited in the campground.
Single site fees include 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle. Additional vehicles are subject to an extra vehicle fee, space permitting. Extra vehicle fees are half the single site price.

Best Time to Camp at American Forks Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest weather for riverside camping and day trips in the East Cascades — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights dropping to the low 40s–50s. Trails, boat launches, and fishing access are all in peak condition, making hiking, boating, mountain biking, and trout fishing the activities of choice. Crowds are moderate with the busiest periods on holiday weekends, so reserve early and plan for occasional fire restrictions or smoke from wild Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer; reliable access, warm days (70–85°F) and peak season May–Sep.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to September 08. 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

American Forks Campground sits along the American River in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, near Naches in the East Cascades foothills. This U.S. Forest Service site offers tent, RV, and primitive camping on spacious sites surrounded by ponderosa pine and riverside access. Campers use it as a base for fishing, hiking, and exploring the Bumping River drainage.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest weather for riverside camping and day trips in the East Cascades — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights dropping to the low 40s–50s. Trails, boat launches, and fishing access are all in peak condition, making hiking, boating, mountain biking, and trout fishing the activities of choice. Crowds are moderate with the busiest periods on holiday weekends, so reserve early and plan for occasional fire restrictions or smoke from wild Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2789 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas fir, western hemlock, and cedar forest surrounds the campground, with undergrowth of ferns and moss covering the forest floor. The American and Bumping Rivers meet here, both running clear over rocky beds. Trout inhabit the rivers. The elevation keeps temperatures moderate even in summer. Ancient glaciers and volcanic activity shaped the surrounding East Cascade terrain into the peaks and valleys visible from camp.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings or similar accommodations within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Boulder Cave Trail offers interpretive signs highlighting the area's geology, plants, animals, and history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are processed via Recreation.gov. Campsites use a Scan & Pay system for on-site booking.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible vault toilets and accessible grills. However, no specific information about accessibility for campers with disabilities was noted in the source materials.

Site SizeCampsites are described as generally large. One user mentioned, 'Campsites are huge! We fit our 11-person tent just fine and could have fit another smaller tent or two.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is limited. A reviewer noted, 'Not much privacy between campsites, but very convenient access.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site #3 due to its small size and awkward layout. Sites #5 and #9 may have accessibility challenges due to narrow roads or proximity to restrooms. Site #2 is spacious and shaded, suitable for larger tents.

Best CampsitesSites 1, 2, 6, and 7 get the most praise for river proximity and views. Site 7 is especially quiet and secluded. Avoid site 3, which reviewers describe as small and awkwardly shaped. The largest sites can fit an 11-person tent plus additional smaller tents.

Need help booking American Forks Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no water available at the campground, however, vault toilets are provided.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at American Forks Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to William O. Douglas & Norse Peak Wilderness and Pacific Crest Trail noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Habitat for deer, elk, porcupine, migratory birds and listed/endangered species mentioned.

Water Sports2.0/5

River and nearby lake could support small craft but no kayak-specific facilities cited.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Scenic river, forest, wildlife and wide-open sites provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Vault toilets are the only restroom facilities.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Please protect local 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 more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumps are available near the entrance of the campsite. Reviewers appreciated the cleanliness of the area, though one noted that dumpsters at nearby Bumping Lake were overflowing.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

47 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 47 reviews.

Site 2Loved
Site 2: Praised for its size and proximity to the river.
Site 7Loved
Site 7: Highly praised for its solitude and proximity to the restroom.
Site 3Mentioned
Site 3: Described as small and awkward.
Site 5Issues noted
Site 5: Difficult to maneuver due to narrow roadways and obstacles.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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American Forks Campground

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.