Pine Needle Group Site
02 reviews10237 US HWY 12, NACHES, WA, 98937, USA
Pine Needle Group Site
$50.00 - $50.00 / 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$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The fee for reserving the group campsite is $50 per night during peak season (May 20 - Sep 30). Additional fees may apply for cancellations or changes.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the American River, Pine Needle Group Campground beckons adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike. This spacious group site serves as your basecamp for unforgettable gatherings, where the sound of rushing water mingles with laughter around the campfire. Whether you're casting a line into the river's crystal-clear pools or setting off on scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, Pine Needle offers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness escape for groups seeking their next outdoor adventure.
Pine Needle Group Site is designed for group camping, with one large site accommodating up to 60 guests.
Historical SignificanceYour journey at Pine Needle places you within the vast tapestry of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, a landscape that has captivated explorers and outdoor enthusiasts for generations. Just beyond your campsite, the legendary Pacific Crest Trail winds its way through ancient forests, carrying the footsteps of thousands of through-hikers chasing their dreams. The majestic silhouette of Mt. Rainier National Park looms on the horizon, a volcanic sentinel that has watched over these lands for millennia and continues to inspire all who venture into its shadow.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Cascades, where sun-drenched summer days invite endless exploration and winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland. As Pacific storms sweep across the Cascade Crest, they paint the western slopes with generous precipitation before giving way to the rain shadow effect that creates the drier, crystalline conditions found on the eastern edge. Clear winter skies reveal star-studded nights, while summer brings reliably warm weather perfect for river swimming and alpine hiking.
ElevationPine Needle Group Campground sits within one of the most dramatically varied elevation ranges in the Pacific Northwest, where the landscape plunges from windswept peaks soaring above 9,000 feet to river valleys nestled below 1,000 feet. This incredible vertical diversity creates a mosaic of ecosystems and microclimates, offering visitors the rare opportunity to experience multiple life zones within a single adventure. While the campground's specific elevation provides a comfortable base for exploration, the surrounding terrain invites you to climb higher or descend deeper into this vertical wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering evergreens create natural cathedrals and wildflower meadows burst with seasonal color. The American River flows alongside the campground, its cold, clear waters offering refreshing swimming holes and prime fishing spots teeming with native trout. For those seeking grand vistas, the spectacular American Ridge Trail stretches for 26 miles through untouched wilderness, revealing panoramic views of alpine lakes that mirror the sky and ancient forests that have stood sentinel for centuries. This is nature's amphitheater, where every sunrise paints the peaks in alpenglow and every sunset transforms the forest into a golden sanctuary.
Geological RegionPine Needle Group Campground rests within the geological wonderland of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where ice age glaciers carved dramatic peaks and valleys that tell the story of our planet's powerful forces. From the snow-capped alpine summits that pierce the clouds to the shrub-steppe country that stretches toward the Columbia Basin, this region showcases nature's incredible diversity. Ancient old-growth forests stand as living monuments to centuries past, while the American River continues its timeless work of sculpting the landscape. This extraordinary elevation range—from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet—creates a vertical journey through distinct ecosystems, each with its own character and charm.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for disabled campers were not mentioned.
Sites SizeThere is one large site designed to accommodate up to 60 guests.
Sites PrivacyThe site is close to the highway, which may impact privacy levels. User RAUL A mentioned it is "close to the road and you get road noise."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome reviewers recommend visiting nearby attractions like Bumping Lake and hiking trails.
Best CampsitesThe campground comprises only one group site accommodating up to 60 guests.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in guidelines not explicitly provided.
Check-out
Check-out guidelines not explicitly provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per visit, applicable year-round.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group campsite accommodates up to 60 guests.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 60 guests, making it suitable for large gatherings.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of one large group site equipped with picnic tables, group campfire ring, and vault toilets.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 20 to Sep 30. Reservations resume May 20, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot specified; site is reservable online.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made at least 14 days before the check-in date to avoid a late cancellation fee ($10 plus forfeiture of first night's fee). Changes to reservations may incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations and no-shows result in forfeiture of fees.
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
Pine Needle Group Site offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year, including hiking, fishing, swimming, rafting, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
The nearby American Ridge Trail offers hikers, overnight backpackers, and horseback riders over 26 miles of trails featuring meadows, alpine lakes, and ridge views. The Pacific Crest Trail is accessible near the campground, as well as the Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the adjacent American River, which hosts populations of rainbow and brown trout. User reviews do not provide additional details regarding fishing quality or specific conditions.Swimming
Swimming is possible in the American River; however, its waters are described as cold and refreshing, which may limit accessibility for some campers.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant due to the campground's location within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Goat Rocks Wilderness nearby is known for its mountain goats.Cultural and Educational Programs
Mt. Rainer National Park and Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail offer interpretive programs and educational exhibits about geology, wildlife, and fire history.Winter Activities
Winter activities include skiing, and opportunities may exist due to the snowy conditions in the surrounding region.Water Sports
Water sports such as rafting may be possible in the adjacent American River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within the group campfire ring. Specific firewood restrictions are emphasized to prevent invasive species.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include cold river water, wildlife like mountain goats, and proximity to a major highway leading to road noise.
Active alertsNo explicit current alerts provided.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Drinking water available at Hell's Crossing Campground, 2.5 miles west; nearest hospital or emergency services not specified.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 20 - September 30
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is not available on-site. Campers are required to pack out all garbage.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the American River; also near Bumping River and Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Common complaints"The campsite is very overgrown, the benches are old and rotted. The toilets are old and didn't have toilet paper. The toilet service sign said last serviced July 2021 and by the looks it was accurate. It's close to road and you get road noise."
HostNo host information explicitly mentioned.
Campground Map
10237 US HWY 12, NACHES, WA, 98937, USA
Driving directionsFrom Naches, WA travel west on US Highway 12 W for 4.4 miles. Continue straight onto State Route (SR) 410 W for 30 miles. Site is on the south side of the highway. From Enumclaw, WA depart SR 164/Griffin Ave toward Wells St. After ½ mile turn left onto SR 410/Roosevelt Ave. Follow SR 410 approximately 61 miles east. The campground is on the south side of the highway.
The campground is accessible from paved highways (US Highway 12 and State Route 410). There are no seasonal closures explicitly mentioned, but road noise is noted in user reviews.Nearby places
Naches, WA - 34.4 miles (approximately 40 minutes) Enumclaw, WA - 61 miles (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Drinking water at Hell's Crossing Campground, 2.5 miles west. No trash collection or fuel points explicitly detailed.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Pine Needle Group Site has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The Pine Needle Group Site has mixed reviews. The overall sentiment is rated at 3.17, with one user praising the proximity to Bumping Lake and another criticizing maintenance and road noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
User JED R stated, "Great camp site. Would recommend visiting Bumping Lake when there." The site is praised for its natural surroundings and access to nearby attractions.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
User RAUL A mentioned, "The campsite is very overgrown, the benches are old and rotted. The toilets are old and didn't have toilet paper." Complaints also included road noise and leftover garbage.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations include visiting nearby Bumping Lake and being prepared for potential maintenance issues with facilities.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No comprehensive analysis of seasonal trends was available in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "The campsite is very overgrown, the benches are old and rotted." - RAUL A
2. "Great camp site. Would recommend visiting Bumping Lake when there." - JED R
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are limited to the single group site (001). Positive feedback highlights natural attractions, while complaints focus on lack of maintenance.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews specifically addressing disabled camping experiences are not available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025