Pine Needle Group Site

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Reopens Memorial Day weekend 2025. Reservations required via Recreation.gov.

About

Set along the scenic American River in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Pine Needle Group Campground provides an ideal setting for large gatherings and group camping experiences. The campground accommodates up to 60 people and 8 vehicles, making it perfect for family reunions, scout groups, or other organized gatherings. The site is situated at 3,000 feet elevation in the eastern Cascade Mountains, surrounded by towering forests and with direct access to the cold, clear waters of the American River. The campground offers basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and two vault toilets. While no potable water is available on-site, pitcher pump water can be accessed at Hell's Crossing Campground located 2.5 miles west. The adjacent American River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout in its deep pools, as well as braving its refreshing waters for swimming. Outdoor enthusiasts will find abundant recreation opportunities in the surrounding area. The nearby American Ridge Trail offers over 26 miles of hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding through diverse terrain including towering forests, alpine meadows, and ridge lines with expansive views, eventually connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. The Goat Rocks Wilderness, featuring peaks of an extinct volcano and roaming mountain goats, is also accessible from the area. The campground sits along the Chinook Scenic Byway, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier and old-growth forests. Additional attractions include Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail and Mount Rainier National Park.

Directions

From Naches, travel west on Highway 12 W for 4.4 miles. Continue straight onto Highway 410 W for 30 miles. The campground is on the left (south side) of the highway.