American River Guard Station

Star3.94
44 reviews
10237 US HWY 12

Quick Facts

2,789 ft

Price

$90/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Opens Naches Ranger District 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
American River Guard Station
$90.00 - $90.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate is $90 for the cabin during peak season, excluding discounts, taxes, or additional charges. Reservation fees are additional and...
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
509-653-1401
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What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 44 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

"Reviews for American River Guard Station range from glowing praise for its scenic location and rustic charm to frustrations over poor maintenance and inadequate supplies. The cabin's proximity to the American River and surrounding wilderness is often highlighted as a major draw."

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Campground Map

10237 US HWY 12

American River Guard Station

10237 US HWY 12

Driving directionsFrom Naches, WA travel west on US Highway 12 for 4.4 miles. Continue straight onto SR 410 W for 27.5 miles. Turn left onto Bumping River Rd / Forest Road 1800. Cross the bridge over American River, then turn left onto the American Forks Campground Road. From Enumclaw, WA 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 onto the American Forks Campground Road. The cabin and access road will be on the left shortly after turning onto the campground road. Up to 4 passenger vehicles may be parked at the guard station site. Additional cars and recreational vehicles may be accommodated in the nearby overflow parking off Bumping Road 1800.
Road access is relatively straightforward and major roads accessing the cabin from Naches are plowed in the winter. Parking at the site and overflow parking at Bumping Road 1800 are available.
Nearby places
Naches: 40 miles. Enumclaw: 66 miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are located towards Yakima, approximately 30-40 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at American River Guard Station

Experience the best of Pacific Northwest seasons in this mountain sanctuary. Summer arrives with golden sunshine and cloudless days, perfect for outdoor adventures without the worry of rain. When winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, crisp blue skies frame the white-capped peaks while fresh powder beckons skiers and snowshoers to explore this winter playground.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers clear days for hiking, fishing and solitude; multiple summer reviews noted positive experiences.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn access to trails and solitude likely strong; fewer explicit fall reviews but scenic mountain setting supports it.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings melting snow and trail access but can be muddy; fewer explicit spring reviews.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 5% in WA

Open year-round with XC skiing and cozy cabin appeal; some complaints about heating supplies lower score slightly.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Peak season pricing applies from January 1 to December 31.

About American River Guard Station

Step back in time at American River Guard Station, where a lovingly preserved Depression-era cabin awaits your escape into the eastern Cascade Mountains. This rustic retreat, warmed by a crackling wood stove and equipped with a full kitchen and charming sleeping loft, serves as your gateway to endless adventure. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear waters, exploring mountain trails, or carving fresh powder on winter slopes, this historic hideaway offers the perfect basecamp for every season's pursuits.
The American River Guard Station provides cabin lodging in a beautiful and rustic setting.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in details are provided with the key combination via the confirmation letter.
Check-out
Check-out by noon.
Stay Limit
Stay up to 14 consecutive nights during any single visit.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Outdoor activities are abundant, including hiking, fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and whitewater paddling in the American River and its tributaries. The cabin's proximity to the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas offers extensive exploration opportunities.
HikingHiking trails extend into the nearby William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas. "Miles of trails close by," stated one review.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in the American River, with cold waters sustaining rainbow and brown trout populations. "The American River, adjacent to the cabin, offers a scenic backdrop for anglers," noted the official description.
BikingNearby trails include biking paths, although detailed descriptions of terrain or difficulty are not available.
BoatingBoating is popular at Bumping Lake, which is accessible near the cabin. The lake accommodates both motorized and non-motorized boats.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to see deer, porcupines, native fish, migratory birds, and even endangered species like the Northern Spotted Owl and gray wolves.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife such as bears and rodents. Mice evidence in the cabin has been reported.
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 River Guard Station

Reviews

3.9
44 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
American River Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for American River Guard Station range from glowing praise for its scenic location and rustic charm to frustrations over poor maintenance and inadequate supplies. The cabin's proximity to the American River and surrounding wilderness is often highlighted as a major draw.
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the cabin's location by the river, the availability of firewood, and its rustic charm. "Wonderful spot, great cabin – we'll be back," noted one user....
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Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poor maintenance of the outhouse, stained or uncomfortable mattresses, lack of adequate heating supplies, and inconsistent communication with the ranger station. "The cabin has not...
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Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations from users include bringing extra firewood, mattress covers, and water. "Bring an axe to chop firewood!" noted one user. Another suggested traps for mice and portable outdoor lights.
Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight distinct seasonal experiences. Winter visitors enjoy the cabin's cozy atmosphere and proximity to cross-country skiing trails, though heating supplies can be a concern. Summer...
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Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Pretty small but cozy, with lots of amenities," said one user. Another noted, "What an outstanding cabin and location!" However, critical reviews included, "Beds are pretty nasty," and "The outhouse...
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Based on 44 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews specifically address the single cabin site and its immediate surroundings. "The cabin is on a pretty good size lot right next to the river," noted one user.
Based on 44 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews about accessibility features.
Based on 44 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviewers often appreciated this feature. "Super cozy cabin. Was nice to have our dog with us," remarked one user.
Based on 44 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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