River Bend Campground

About

River Bend Campground is a primitive, forested campground situated along the West Fork Methow River in Washington's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. With 8 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, this lightly used campground offers a peaceful retreat for hikers and wilderness enthusiasts. The campground provides direct access to several trails entering the Pasayten Wilderness, including Robinson Creek Trail 478, Monument Creek Trail 484, and West Fork Methow Trail 480, which is also open to mountain biking. The campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables, but campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. Sites are $10 per night with an additional $5 per night for a second vehicle (two vehicle limit per site). Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single site fees. Access to River Bend is via gravel road, and trailers are prohibited on Harts Pass Road from the junction with Road 5400060 onward. The road is completely closed to motorized vehicles from December 1 through March 31. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.

Directions

From Winthrop, drive 14 miles west on Highway 20, turn right onto Lost River Road (County Road 9140). Follow Lost River Road through Mazama to the end of the paved road at 7.5 miles. The road becomes gravel on Harts Pass Forest Service Road 5400. Travel about 1.75 miles, stay left at the switchback rather than following the main Harts Pass Road uphill to the right. Continue to River Bend Campground on the left, about 0.10 mile.