Clear Lake Group Site
04 reviews10237 US HWY 12, NACHES, WA, 98937, USA
Clear Lake Group Site
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Reservation service fees range from $8 online/app, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in-person. These fees do not include recreation use fees.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of towering pines and firs, Clear Lake Group Campground offers an enchanting retreat along the North Fork of the Tieton River. This secluded haven sits atop a dramatic rocky bluff near Rimrock and Clear Lake, creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable group gatherings. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout adventure, or friends' getaway, this riverside sanctuary combines natural beauty with endless recreational possibilities.
Clear Lake Group Campground is specifically designed for group camping, accommodating up to 40 people. It includes a tent camping area accessible by walking and parking space for vehicles, but is not suitable for trailers or rooftop tents according to user reviews.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you at the doorstep of the legendary Goat Rocks Wilderness, where ancient volcanic peaks still bear witness to the region's fiery past. These craggy summits earned their name from the sure-footed mountain goats that navigate the dramatic terrain with grace. Just a short drive away, the iconic Mount Rainier National Park beckons with fascinating interpretive programs that weave together stories of natural history, indigenous heritage, and ecological wonders that have shaped this remarkable landscape for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Pacific Northwest seasons at Clear Lake, where warm summer days invite outdoor adventures beneath brilliant blue skies, punctuated by refreshing mountain showers. As winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland, crisp, clear days reveal stunning vistas in every direction. The dramatic climate variation across the region—from 140 inches of precipitation near the Cascade Crest to just 10 inches at the eastern edge—creates diverse ecosystems and year-round beauty that captivates visitors in every season.
ElevationImmerse yourself in the breathtaking alpine terrain of the Cascades, where elevations soar to an impressive 9,000 feet, creating a vertical playground of diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas. While the exact campground elevation allows for comfortable camping conditions, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore the full spectrum of mountain environments, from riverside meadows to windswept peaks that touch the sky.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape that reads like nature's greatest hits within the spectacular Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Glaciated peaks pierce the horizon while ancient valleys cradle groves of old-growth giants that have stood sentinel for centuries. The melodic Tieton River provides a constant soundtrack to your stay, while the pristine waters of Clear Lake and expansive Rimrock Lake offer mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks. This rugged tapestry of forests, rivers, and mountains creates endless opportunities for photography, exploration, and moments of pure natural wonder.
Geological RegionWelcome to the geological wonderland of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where nature showcases its most dramatic artistry across an elevation range spanning from 1,000 to over 9,000 feet. This remarkable landscape tells the story of ice and fire—massive glaciers carved deep valleys between volcanic peaks, while time and weather sculpted a diverse terrain that transitions from lush old-growth forests to windswept shrub-steppe country. Each vista reveals another chapter in the Earth's ancient narrative, making every hike an journey through millions of years of natural history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible vault toilets and parking facilities, but accessibility features are limited beyond these amenities.
Sites SizeThe site accommodates up to 40 guests and includes space for about ten cars or five RVs, alongside a tent camping area accessed by walking.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a secluded environment beneath a canopy of towering pine and fir trees. However, user reviews indicate some issues with privacy due to unauthorized use of the site by non-campers.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring own water, secure trash removal, avoid roof-top tents; expect walk-in access to tent areas.
Best CampsitesNot applicable—only one group site available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Guests must check out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
The maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 40 guests allowed at the group site.
Groups
The site accommodates up to 40 guests with parking available for ten cars or five RVs. The camping area is walk-in only, making it suitable primarily for tent campers.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutConsists of a parking area accommodating 10 cars/5 RVs with walk-in access to large tent camping areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with specific reservation requirements (minimum two nights on weekends, three nights on holiday weekends).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, app, contact center, or in person.
Walk-in AvailabilityUnspecified—reservations recommended given locked gate access and popularity issues.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations outside of original dates incur a $10 fee; cancellations refunded minus $10 fee and first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations (within 14 days for group sites).
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Clear Lake Group Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, and rafting. Nearby Rimrock Lake offers fishing for kokanee salmon or trout and kayaking opportunities. The Tieton River provides thrilling whitewater rafting experiences, especially in September when the Bureau of Reclamation floods the valley. Wildlife viewing and birding are also notable activities, as the campground is surrounded by diverse natural landscapes.
Hiking
The campground provides access to hiking trails, including nearby attractions such as the Pacific Crest Trail.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include kokanee salmon and trout in Rimrock Lake, located near the campground.Swimming
Swimming is listed as an activity, but further details about designated areas or safety measures are not provided.Boating
Boating opportunities are available at Rimrock Lake, which includes a boat ramp within 10 miles of the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted as an activity, with diverse species likely observable due to the varied natural landscapes of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as skiing are available in the surrounding area, but specific details related to the campground itself are not provided.Water Sports
Kayaking and rafting are prominent water sports activities available at nearby Rimrock Lake and the Tieton River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted in the group fire ring; no firewood collection from outside areas due to invasive species risks.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include trash accumulation, restroom usability issues, and gate-lock complications as reported by users. Wildlife interactions are possible.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported, but users note issues with gate access and restroom cleanliness.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include ranger stations, though these are unstaffed on weekends. Specific hospitals or police stations in proximity are not identified.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak recreation season likely aligns with summer months (warmer weather) and September (whitewater rafting).
Trash and recyclingNo trash collection is provided at the campground; visitors are required to pack out their garbage.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Clear Lake and Rimrock Lake; the Tieton River flows along the campground providing fishing and rafting opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints include locked/unusable gates, small parking lot, lack of vehicle access to tent site, unusable restrooms, lack of roof tent accommodation, and trash left by previous campers. User reviews also highlight issues with gate access security.
HostRanger stations are unstaffed on weekends—no on-site hosts mentioned.
Campground Map
10237 US HWY 12, NACHES, WA, 98937, USA
Driving directionsFrom Naches, Washington, follow Highway 12 west for approximately 34 miles to County Road 1200/Tieton Reservoir Road at the west end of Rimrock Lake. Turn south/left on County Road 1200 and follow for about 0.3 miles to Road 740. Continue for a half-mile, and the reservation site is the second campsite on the left along the North Fork Tieton River. From Packwood follow Highway 12 east approximately 27 miles to County Road 1200/Tieton Reservoir Road. Turn south/right on County Road 1200 and follow for about 0.3 miles to Road 740. Continue for half a mile, and the reservation site is the second campsite on the left along the North Fork Tieton River.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, with detailed directions provided from both Naches and Packwood. Seasonal closures of nearby roads are not mentioned specifically.Nearby places
Naches – 34 miles (approximately 40 minutes) to the east
Packwood – 27 miles (approximately 30 minutes) to the west.
Nearby supplies
Specific supply locations are not mentioned, but nearby towns like Naches and Packwood are likely to have grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Clear Lake Group Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews, with notable concerns about cleanliness, usability for trailers, and issues with locked gates. Positive feedback highlights the site's scenic features and suitability for tent camping and group gatherings.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the scenic beauty of the site and its suitability for tent camping and group gatherings. "The site is nice. I would return for sure," according to Nicholas S.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include issues with locked gates, lack of contact information for resolving site access problems, unsanitary vault toilets, and unauthorized use of the site by non-campers. "Since...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing your own water and supplies due to the lack of potable water and trash collection. Additionally, campers should be prepared for potential issues with site access or...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is especially popular during September due to whitewater rafting opportunities on the Tieton River. However, cleanliness issues and unauthorized use of the site appear to be ongoing...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Sadly, as with most sites, we cleaned up a ton of trash left by previous campers," - Nicholas S. "There was no contact information for the Forest Service at the site," - Karen J. "The bathroom was...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 in the AREA CLEAR LAKE GROUP SITE loop receives particularly mixed reviews, with complaints about locked gates and unsanitary conditions.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
The site offers accessible vault toilets and parking, but reviews do not provide detailed feedback on the experiences of users with disabilities.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific feedback on pet policies or experiences related to pets is available.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025