South Fork Group Site - Wenatchee Nf (Wa)
4.317 reviews10237 US HWY 12, NACHES, WA 98937, USA
South Fork Group Site - Wenatchee Nf (Wa)
$60.00 - $60.00 / 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$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The group site has a nightly rate of $60 during peak season (May 20 - September 30). Additional fees may apply for reservations, changes, or cancellations.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the South Fork Tieton River, this secluded group campground offers the perfect basecamp for large gatherings in the heart of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. With nine thoughtfully arranged camping spurs radiating from a central gathering area, families and friends can spread out while staying connected. The campground's centerpiece—a spacious group campfire ring—beckons for evening storytelling sessions under starlit skies. Modern vault toilets and sturdy picnic tables at each site ensure comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience.
South Fork Group Campground is specifically designed for group camping and does not accommodate individual or primitive sites. "South Fork Group Campground offers nine designated spurs and can accommodate up to 80 people and 20 vehicles."
Historical SignificanceYour camping experience unfolds in the shadow of the legendary Goat Rocks Wilderness, where ancient volcanic forces once thundered across the landscape. Today, these weathered peaks stand as silent sentinels—the eroded bones of an extinct volcano that once rivaled Mount Rainier in grandeur. The wilderness takes its name from the sure-footed mountain goats that navigate these craggy heights with remarkable grace, their white forms appearing like ghosts against the dark volcanic rock. This is a landscape that tells the story of fire and ice, where geological drama has created one of Washington's most spectacular alpine environments.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this mountain retreat into an outdoor paradise, where golden sunshine filters through towering evergreens and warm afternoons invite endless adventures along the river. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, creating perfect conditions for hiking, fishing, and exploration. As winter approaches, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation—heavy snows blanket the forest in pristine white, creating a wonderland that's beautiful but challenging to access. Clear winter skies offer spectacular star-gazing opportunities for those hardy enough to brave the cold.
ElevationThe campground sits within a dramatic vertical world where elevations sweep from verdant river valleys below 1,000 feet to ice-sculpted summits soaring above 9,000 feet. This incredible elevation range creates distinct life zones, each with its own character—from lush riverside forests to stark alpine tundra where only the hardiest plants survive. The varying elevations offer visitors a chance to experience multiple ecosystems within a single trip, watching the landscape transform with each gain in altitude.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle murmur of the Tieton River as morning mist rises from its crystal-clear waters, revealing a landscape that seems lifted from a fairytale. The campground sits cradled between ancient forests and dramatic peaks, where Douglas firs and western hemlocks stretch skyward in cathedral-like groves. Above the treeline, glaciated peaks pierce the sky, their snow-covered flanks gleaming in the alpenglow. This is a land sculpted by ice and time, where glacial valleys carve deep corridors through the mountains and meadows burst with wildflowers each spring. To the east, the landscape transitions to rugged shrub-steppe country, creating a fascinating mosaic of ecosystems that supports an incredible diversity of wildlife.
Geological RegionWelcome to the eastern Cascade Mountains, where geological forces have crafted a landscape of extraordinary contrasts and beauty. Here, the raw power of ancient volcanoes meets the patient artistry of glacial ice, creating a terrain that ranges from gentle forested valleys to dramatic alpine amphitheaters. The eastern Cascades tell a story written in stone and ice—massive peaks ground down by glaciers, valleys carved by torrential meltwaters, and ancient lava flows now clothed in virgin forest. This unique position creates a fascinating transition zone where the wet, maritime-influenced western slopes give way to the drier, more continental climate of the east, resulting in an incredibly diverse tapestry of habitats from lush old-growth forests to sun-baked shrub-steppe hillsides.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit mention of accessibility features is available. The information does not describe whether the campground accommodates campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground includes nine spurs, accommodating up to 80 people and 20 vehicles. No specific details are provided about the size of individual campsites.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest that the campground is spacious. "Lots of space well-kept campground sites," but privacy levels are not explicitly outlined.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the river for better access and views. Bring mosquito repellent and prepare for potential unauthorized visitor issues.
Best CampsitesGroup site 001 has been noted positively in reviews for spaciousness and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Variable, depends on reservation.
Check-out
Variable, depends on reservation.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 80 people per group site.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 80 people and 20 vehicles, with nine designated spurs. A locked gate provides security, and access is granted via a combination included in confirmation letters.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has nine designated spurs for group camping, allowing up to 20 vehicles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 20 - September 30; closed season: October 1 - May 19.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly stated; reservations are strongly recommended due to the locked gate requiring a combination.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations (less than 14 days before check-in) will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
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
South Fork Group Campground offers a broad range of outdoor activities. "Outdoor enthusiasts [can] hike, fish, ski, raft and enjoy... activities throughout the year." Hiking trails are nearby, and Rimrock Lake, less than a mile away, provides fishing and water-based recreation. Exciting seasonal opportunities include whitewater rafting on the Tieton River in September during peak flow. Wildlife viewing, birding, and swimming are additional activities available.
Hiking
The campground connects visitors to numerous hiking trails. "Other hiking trails are within 5 miles of the campsite," and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is accessible nearby, showcasing extraordinary scenery.Fishing
Fishing is available at Rimrock Lake, located less than a mile from the campground. Visitors can fish for kokanee salmon and trout. The natural environment enhances the experience.Swimming
Swimming is mentioned as an activity, but specific details about designated swimming areas or facilities are not provided.Boating
Boating opportunities exist at Rimrock Lake, less than a mile from the campground. Kayaking and paddling are popular activities mentioned in the authoritative source.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. "These peaks are remnants of an extinct volcano, taking the name 'Goat Rocks' in honor of the fantastic mountain goats traversing this isolated region." Birding is also noted as an activity.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as skiing are available. "South Fork Group Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to... ski... throughout the year."Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and rafting are supported. "Whether casting a line out for kokanee salmon or trout or paddling a kayak along the shore, visitors will enjoy the mountainous terrain as a backdrop."Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed, but restrictions apply during September due to fire risks.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include mosquitos (seasonal), mice infestations, and unauthorized visitors entering reserved areas.
Active alertsSecurity is maintained through a locked gate requiring a combination for access. No drinking water is available.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.2 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
Naches Ranger Station (contacted via phone at 509-653-1401 for emergencies)
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 20 - September 30
Trash and recyclingNo trash collection is provided at this campground. Visitors are required to pack out all garbage, as noted in the authoritative source.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Tieton River and less than a mile from Rimrock Lake.
Common complaintsIssues include cleanliness of vault toilets, lack of drinking water, mice infestations, and unauthorized vehicles causing access problems.
HostNo explicit mention of campground hosts; management is overseen by the Naches Ranger Station.
Campground Map
10237 US HWY 12, NACHES, WA 98937, USA
Driving directionsFrom Naches, Washington, follow US Highway 12 west for approximately 23 miles to paved Forest Road 1200. Turn left and follow FR 1200 for approximately 3 miles, then turn left and take FR 1203 for 3/4 mile. Finally, turn right and follow FR 517 for 0.2 miles into the campground.
Access is via paved Forest Roads. Clear instructions are provided, but rugged terrain may make navigation challenging for less experienced drivers.Nearby places
Naches (23 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Naches, approximately 23 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
7 reviews
South Fork Group Site - Wenatchee Nf (Wa) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback indicates mixed experiences at South Fork Group Campground. Positive aspects include spacious sites and enjoyable family gatherings, while complaints focus on restroom maintenance and issues with parking and trespassing.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the spaciousness and privacy. "Lots of space well-kept campground sites," stated one reviewer. Another remarked, "No obnoxious neighbors!" Access to outdoor activities like hiking...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints highlight poor restroom maintenance, as described in a user review: "Restrooms were nasty and no toilet paper." Another user commented on trespassing issues: "Had to tell several groups of...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent for summer visits and confirm gate access codes well in advance. "Never was contacted about the gate combination so one day before arrival I contacted the Naches Ranger...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visits are favored due to warm weather and fewer mosquitoes, depending on timing. "I was scared there was a lot of mosquitoes but not even one," stated a reviewer. September rafting is popular...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"We love camping here!"
"Lots of space well-kept campground sites."
"Restrooms were nasty and no toilet paper."
"The site was overrun with hundreds of mice at sundown."
Based on 7 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight varying experiences. One reviewer rented the site for a September visit and noted, "No one else around to bother us. We had 22 people there and it was great!"...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features, leaving this field null.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly discuss pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025