American Forks Campground

The numbers that decide it

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov

American Forks Campground

OPEN FOR SEASON. Closing for 2024 season on October 15th. American Forks Campground is located about 40 miles west of Naches, Washington, near the American River and Bumping River in the eastern Cascade Mountains. Natural Features: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is defined by its diverse landscapes, boasting high glaciated alpine peaks, lush valleys of old growth forest, and rugged shrub-steppe country. The American Forks Campground is nestled in an old-growth forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and a cedar under story with grassy areas, ferns, and mosses. With the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas nearby, the location is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, porcupine, native fish, and migratory birds. Endangered and threatened species, including the northern spotted owl, and pine martins, also find havens in local ecosystems. Summer temperatures are generally sunny and warm with little precipitation, and winters boast mostly clear skies, but plenty of snow. Recreation: The campground setting provides ready access to Bumping Lake, where boating and fishing are popular. Hiking and horseback riding trails extend into the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas, and off-road vehicle and snowmobile access draws visitors to the Little Naches drainage. In winter, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing are popular in the American River area. The cabin is also conveniently located 30 minutes below the summit of Chinook Pass and Mt. Rainer National Park. A trip along the scenic Mather Parkway is a fantastic outing. The American River, adjacent to the campground, offers a scenic backdrop for anglers. Its cold, clear waters sustain populations of rainbow and brown trout. Whitewater enthusiasts may enjoy a paddle on the river or one of the many other tributaries draining into the Cascade region. Facilities: The campground has 8 reservable sites and 4 first-come, first-served sites between Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. There is no water available at the campground, however, vault toilets are provided. After mid-September, sites will be on a first-come, first-served basis with toilets and water available at nearby Cedar Springs Campground

Before you go

Scenic drives that pass close

• Chinook Scenic BywayPasses it
• JCT MUD MTN RD VIC ENUMCLAW TO JCT SR 12 VIC NACHESPasses it
• JCT SCATTER CREEK CROSSING TO JCT SR 12 VIC NACHESPasses it
• Mountains to Sound Greenway - I-9015 mi
• JCT EAST SUNSET WAY VIC ISSAQUAH TO VIC THORP15 mi
• JCT WEST LAKE SAMMAMISH PKWY VIC ISSAQUAH TO JCT SR 970 VIC CLE ELUM15 mi