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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 group campground

Pine Needle Group Site

Forest Service group campground in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Yakima County, Washington. 3,010 feet. 19.3 miles from South Cle Elum.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Managed by
Forest Service Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Elevation
3,010 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Sites
1 1 group standard area non-electric
Longest rig
30 ft The longest vehicle any site is listed for
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
Yakima County

Overview

Set on the shores of the scenic American River, Pine Needle Group Campground in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers an ideal setting for groups and large gatherings.

Recreation

Pine Needle Group Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, fish, ski, raft and enjoy a multitude of other recreational activities throughout the year.

The American River, adjacent to the campground, offers a scenic backdrop for swimmers braving its cold, refreshing waters. Anglers may also want to cast a line into the deep pools lining the shore, as populations of rainbow and brown trout prevail in this waterway.

The nearby American Ridge Trail offers hikers, overnight backpackers and horseback riders fantastic opportunities. Extending from Bumping River to the notable Pacific Crest Trail, the American Ridge Trail offers over 26 miles of towering forests, stretches of meadows, alpine lakes and ridge line views.

Facilities

The campground offers one large site that can accommodate up to 60 guests. The site is equipped with picnic tables, a group campfire ring and vault toilets.

Natural Features

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers stunning scenic views, with high, glaciated alpine peaks, valleys of old growth forest and rugged shrub-steppe country making up the diverse landscape. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to more than 9,000 feet.

Precipitation varies greatly throughout the area, ranging from approximately 140 inches along the Cascade Crest to only 10 inches along the eastern edge. Visitors can expect warm, sunny weather in the summer and winters with clear skies and plenty of snow.

Nearby Goat Rocks Wilderness offers excellent hiking. Peaks within the area are remnants of an extinct volcano, taking the name "Goat Rocks" in honor of the numerous mountain goats traversing this isolated region. Gilbert Peak is the highest summit in this area, at an elevation of 8,184 feet.

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. Visitors also enjoy Mt. Rainer National Park, where interpretive programs and exhibits offer education about the diverse landscape and history of the area. The spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails, showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery, winding its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington, is accessible near the campground. Visitors will also enjoy traversing the Chinook Scenic Byway, considered one of Washington's premier driving excursions. Spectacular views of Mount Rainier, old-growth forests, alpine peaks, jagged ridges and river canyons dominate this 92-mile journey. Additional hiking trails, along with mountain bike trails are with in 5 miles of the campsite, and hunting opportunities are within 10 miles.

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

What people do here

  • fishing
  • wildlife viewing

The land around Pine Needle Group Site

The ringed pin is this group 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 March 11, 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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