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American Forks Campground is located about 40 miles west of Naches, Washington, near the American River and Bumping River in the East Cascade mountains. 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. 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 available between Memorial Day and the end of September. There is no water available at the campground, however, vault toilets are provided. 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, gray wolves, and grizzly bears 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. Nearby Attractions Hikers may want to traverse a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails. Enjoy some of North America's most fantastic scenery, as the trail winds from Mexico to Canada through Washington state. Boulder Cave Trail is one of the most popular places in the Naches District. Visitors can walk the accessible trail along the river or explore Boulder Cave. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the geology, plants, animals and history of the area. In addition to hiking, there are a plethora of outdoor activities available within 10 miles of this campground. The list includes lake access with a marina, boat ramp, and dock, mountain biking, off highway vehicle trails,historic sites, horseback riding trails, scenic driving, hunting and fishing. ADA Access: N
From 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.
We stayed in site #1, it was very peaceful and along the river. The bathrooms were dirty, and rarely seen US FS. Be aware if you reserve here, the reservation system doesn't seem to be kept up to date. Best part, NO bugs and low population!
What a beautiful, small campground! The sites are large, though the posts can make some sites difficult to maneuver. Most sites are suitable for rv's under 30 feet, but take care as to site choice. Site 2 was certainly long & wide enough for us (28' travel trailer), but the stump and tree across the road made it extremely difficult to back up. We came home with a few new scratches & sap :) Some narrow, tight turns in the campground but there seemed adequate space to turn around regardless. The sites all essentially back up to a river (or a short jaunt from a river) & water is all you hear. Though here on Labor Day weekend, the park was quiet & clean! Bees & Wasps will attack your dinner, but it seems as though the forest service is trying to deal with them via wasp traps. We would LOVE to come back here. Such a beautiful camp!
A very nice and quiet campsite that is about an hour away from paradise at Mt Rainier! The campsite only has a vault toilet and there is no running water, but there is a stream that runs next to the campsites. There is no service so be ready for that. There is also a gas station like 10 miles east of the campsite.
The day use area is at the start of the canpground, with a nice set of picnic tables and a covered group area with a large stone fire pit. Multiple pit toilets throughout the camp. Seems like all the campsites are situated directly on the American River. Not much privacy between campsites, but very convenient access.
Nothing to complain about! If you come here, avoid site 3. It’s the smallest one and it’s super awkward. Which is probably why it was available for us. Download any Google maps before coming out. There’s a gas station 15 minutes away for ice if needed. 25 minutes away from bumping lake. You have to turn towards the bumping lake signs and it’s on the left, Immediately. No water, need to go to next camp site. So no showers or sinks. The bathroom next to campsite 1 was closed so had to walk to the loop or back towards day use area. The bathroom in the loop has two and it smells better. River access was there, not easy for pets though if they’re short like ours. Campsites are huge! Ranger only drove by once a day. There are trash dumps near entrance of campsite. Beware of falling pine cones and chipmunks. They’re not scared of people and will continue to climb in your bags. Overall, nice and quiet. Takes a moment to get dark.
