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A white Tacoma with a camper shell parked on a rise above a broad, empty basin under building cloud.

Forest Service campground

Hells Crossing Campground

Forest Service campground in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Yakima County, Washington. 3,261 feet. 21.2 miles from South Cle Elum.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Managed by
Forest Service Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Elevation
3,261 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Sites
18 12 standard non-electric, 6 tent only non-electric
Longest rig
40 ft The longest vehicle any site is listed for
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
Yakima County

Overview

Hells Crossing Campground is located along the American River in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington's Cascade Range. Warm summer days and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities make the campground a perfect setting for individual and group camping excursions.

Recreation

Hells Crossing Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, fish, ski, raft and enjoy a multitude of recreational activities throughout the year.

The American River, which can be accessed from within the campground, offers a scenic backdrop for swimmers braving its cold, refreshing waters. Whitewater enthusiasts may enjoy a rafting trip on the American or on one of many scenic rivers in the area.

Facilities

Hells Crossing Campground offers standard and tent-only sites. Picnic tables, vault toilets and drinking water are available; however, there are no electrical hookups.

There are two sections in the campground, each with its own entrance; sites 1-10 are in the eastern section (just over the American River), while sites 11-18 are in the western section.

Natural Features

The Okanogan-Wenatchee is a unique National Forest, where high, glaciated alpine peaks tower along the Cascade Crest. Lush valleys of old-growth forest define its western boundary, and at its eastern edge, rugged shrub-steppe country comprises a more arid region. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet. Visitors to the area can expect many days of warm, sunny weather in the summer and plenty of snow in the winter.

Nearby Attractions

Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail is one of the most popular places in the Naches District. Visitors can walk the accessible trail along the river or explore Boulder Cave. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the geology, plants, animals and fire history of the area.

Hikers may want to traverse a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails. This trail showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery as it winds its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • swimming site
  • water sports

The land around Hells Crossing Campground

The ringed pin is this campground; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Nearest campgrounds

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated February 25, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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