Camp Roganunda

For Washington locals seeking a unique and enriching outdoor experience, Camp Roganunda in Naches offers a compelling option that goes beyond a typical public campground. Nestled within the picturesque Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this private, non-profit facility has a rich history as a youth camp, but it also opens its doors for various group rentals, including family camps, church retreats, and organizational gatherings. It's a "Super pretty place," as one visitor described, blending rustic charm with thoughtful amenities designed to foster connection and recreation in a serene natural environment.

Camp Roganunda operates with a mission to provide a natural setting that supports spiritual awareness, character growth, and strong relationships. This underlying purpose contributes to the positive and welcoming atmosphere often noted by visitors. As a local, you'll appreciate that this is a place designed with community in mind, whether you're attending a specific event or fortunate enough to rent one of their "nice little cabins." The sense of peace and the beautiful surroundings make it an ideal escape from the daily grind, right here in our own backyard.

Reviews consistently highlight the quality of the facilities and the dedication of the staff. One family fondly recounted their "amazing and beautiful time" at a "family camp for The Church of God churches," specifically praising that "Bathrooms were super nice and staff was Amazing." This feedback is crucial for locals planning group events, as it assures a comfortable and well-supported experience. While the individual cabins "look really fun to stay in," it's noted that "it's super hard to get on the schedule," suggesting high demand and the need for early planning for rentals. This speaks to the popularity and desirability of Camp Roganunda as a premier retreat destination in Washington.

What sets Camp Roganunda apart for locals is its unique blend of accessibility to natural wonders and its well-maintained private facilities. Unlike public campgrounds which often offer only basic services, Camp Roganunda provides a comprehensive experience, from a swimming pool to diverse recreational activities. Its setting along the clear waters of the American River adds to its allure, providing opportunities for splashing, fishing, and simply enjoying the soothing sounds of the river. This balance of natural immersion and supportive infrastructure makes it an ideal choice for group outings, allowing everyone to focus on their shared experience without sacrificing comfort.

From the historical Kiwanis Lodge, a log structure dating back to 1937, to its modern amenities, Camp Roganunda offers a unique glimpse into the region's heritage while providing contemporary comforts. It truly stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Washington's wilderness for both reflection and lively community gatherings.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Roganunda is beautifully situated at 3200 Old River Rd, Naches, WA 98937, USA. This location places it firmly within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, a vast and stunning natural area in Central Washington. The camp itself is nestled on 16 acres of Forest Service land, leased and maintained by volunteers from the Church of God of Prophecy of Washington State, giving it a private yet integrated feel within the public forest.

The camp's proximity to Naches provides a convenient balance between wilderness seclusion and accessibility to basic services. Old River Road, while rural, is generally well-maintained, allowing for relatively easy access for various types of vehicles, including buses for larger groups. This is a significant advantage for organizing events, as participants can reach the camp without needing specialized off-road vehicles.

The setting along the clear waters of the American River is a key geographical highlight, offering immediate access to a natural water source for recreation. Furthermore, Camp Roganunda is strategically located within a short distance of popular natural attractions. For instance, Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail, a unique geological formation, is "only a short distance away just waiting to be explored," as noted by the camp's own description. This offers an excellent opportunity for day excursions and adds to the overall recreational value of staying at Camp Roganunda.

For locals, its location means it's a manageable drive from many parts of Western and Eastern Washington, especially areas like Yakima. While providing a deep sense of being "tucked in the Wenatchee National Forest," it remains within a practical travel distance, making it ideal for weekend retreats or longer summer programs without requiring an arduous journey. The combination of its serene forest setting and relatively straightforward accessibility makes it a prime choice for group events seeking both natural beauty and logistical ease in Washington.

Services Offered

• Rustic Sites and Group Areas: Camp Roganunda provides a range of accommodation options, including rustic camping sites for a more traditional outdoor experience and dedicated group areas designed for larger gatherings.
• Sleeping Cabins: The facility boasts a significant number of sleeping cabins. During summer months, there are 16 sleeping cabins (plus director's and staff cabins), offering up to 140 usable beds. In winter, 7 sleeping cabins are available, providing 100 usable beds. These cabins offer a comfortable, indoor option, particularly appreciated for group camps.
• Fully Equipped Commercial Kitchen: The camp features a commercial kitchen with a separate dishwashing room, making it fully equipped for preparing meals for large groups.
• Dining Room / Chapel Area: A dedicated dining room, which also serves as a chapel area, provides a communal space for meals, meetings, and gatherings.
• Swimming Pool: A large L-shaped 79,000-gallon swimming pool is a major amenity, perfect for recreation during warmer months.
• Remodeled Shower Houses: The camp has "3 newly remodeled shower houses," ensuring clean and comfortable bathing facilities for all guests, a detail positively highlighted by customer reviews.
• Restrooms: In addition to shower houses, restrooms are available across the facility.
• Outdoor Stage: An outdoor stage provides a venue for performances, presentations, or group activities.
• Fire Pits: Designated fire pits are available, allowing for traditional campfire experiences, subject to local fire restrictions.
• Play Fields: On-site play fields offer space for various sports and games, catering to active groups.
• River Access: The camp provides direct access to the American River for "splashing and fishing."
• Year-Round Caretaker & Staff: A year-round caretaker lives on the grounds, with other camp staff working on-site as needed, ensuring ongoing maintenance and support.

Features / Highlights

• Historic Kiwanis Lodge: The camp features the Kiwanis Lodge, a rustic log structure built in 1937. It's recognized as one of the oldest organization camps in the country, adding a rich historical dimension to the site.
• Youth & Group Focused: With its origins and ongoing mission as a youth camp (established 1923), Camp Roganunda is ideally set up for youth groups, church retreats, family reunions, and other large gatherings, offering facilities tailored to these needs.
• Variety of Activities: The camp offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, hiking (with access to Boulder Cave nearby), volleyball, basketball, fishing in Bumping Lake or the Naches River, inner-tubing, stargazing, and a Gaga Ball pit. Future plans include a zip line, archery, and a shooting range.
• Secluded Mountain Setting: Situated within the Wenatchee National Forest and along the American River, the camp provides a peaceful mountain setting beneath towering pines, fostering a sense of natural immersion.
• Faith-Inspired Environment: Operated by the Church of God of Prophecy, the camp's mission fosters spiritual awareness and character growth, appealing to faith-based groups seeking a supportive environment.
• Family-Friendly: With diverse activities and group accommodations, it is designed to be a family-friendly getaway suitable for all ages.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Customer reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the quality of the staff, indicating a well-managed and cared-for facility.

Contact Information

Address: 3200 Old River Rd, Naches, WA 98937, USA

Phone: (206) 910-0466

Mobile Phone: +1 206-910-0466

For more specific inquiries regarding availability, scheduling cabin rentals, or booking group events, it is highly recommended to contact Camp Roganunda directly via the provided phone numbers or through their official website. Given the high demand for their facilities, especially the cabins, early communication is advisable.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Washington locals, Camp Roganunda offers a truly distinctive and highly suitable option for outdoor gatherings, retreats, and family experiences that extend beyond what traditional public campgrounds provide. Its inherent suitability for residents stems from its unique blend of well-maintained private facilities, a rich historical context, and its prime location within the accessible yet wild landscapes of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Firstly, Camp Roganunda fills a vital niche for group-oriented recreation. While many public campgrounds cater to individual or small family units, Roganunda is specifically designed and equipped to host larger gatherings – be it "Girl Scout camp," "family camp for The Church of God churches," or other organizational events. The availability of multiple sleeping cabins, a commercial kitchen, a large dining hall, and newly remodeled shower houses makes it incredibly convenient for planning and executing large-scale events that require more infrastructure than typical camping. This infrastructure, coupled with "Amazing" staff, ensures a smoother and more comfortable experience for organizers and attendees alike.

Secondly, its setting is quintessentially Washingtonian. Nestled amidst towering pines along the clear waters of the American River, it offers the serene beauty and access to nature that locals cherish. The opportunity for activities like swimming in their large pool, hiking to nearby Boulder Cave, fishing, or simply enjoying the play fields makes it a versatile destination that caters to diverse interests and age groups. This means families and groups can immerse themselves in the natural environment without sacrificing recreational opportunities or basic comforts.

Furthermore, the camp's deep roots and history, recognized as one of the oldest organization camps in the country with its Kiwanis Lodge dating back to 1937, add a unique layer of local heritage. For Washingtonians, visiting Camp Roganunda is not just a recreational outing; it's an opportunity to connect with a piece of the state's outdoor and community history. Its mission to foster character and relationships aligns well with values many residents hold, contributing to a positive and meaningful experience.

Finally, its accessible location in Naches ensures that this remarkable facility is within reach for many across the state, making it a feasible option for weekend or week-long retreats. While popular and requiring advance booking, the demand itself speaks to its high quality and desirability among those who know it. For Washington locals seeking a comprehensive, well-supported, and beautiful setting for their next group outdoor adventure or retreat, Camp Roganunda stands as an outstanding choice.

Camp Roganunda

3200 Old River Rd, Naches, WA 98937, USA