North Fork Bear Group Camp

For those in Washington State planning a group outdoor adventure, whether it's a large family gathering, a friends' reunion, or a scout troop excursion, finding a campground that perfectly balances seclusion, space, and essential amenities can be a challenge. Look no further than North Fork Bear Group Camp, a hidden gem nestled within the vast and beautiful Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Randle, Washington. This dedicated group campsite offers a fantastic opportunity to gather your loved ones and immerse yourselves in the stunning natural landscapes that define the Pacific Northwest.

North Fork Bear Group Camp is part of the larger North Fork Campground, but its designated group sites provide a level of privacy and space that is highly sought after. Shaded by a dense canopy of old-growth Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar trees, and located along the serene North Fork of the Cispus River, it provides a truly refreshing escape. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of North Fork Bear Group Camp, detailing its location, the services it offers, its standout features, and ultimately, why it stands out as an ideal choice for Washington locals looking to create lasting memories with their groups in the heart of the state's magnificent outdoors.

North Fork Bear Group Camp is situated at NF-23, Randle, WA 98377, USA, deep within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This puts it in a prime location amidst some of Washington's most impressive mountains: Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier, offering a diverse range of recreational activities nearby.

To reach the campground from Randle, Washington, travelers typically head south on Forest Road 25. After about a mile, there's a Y intersection with Forest Road 23. Veer left onto Forest Road 23 and continue for approximately 10 miles. The North Fork Campground, which encompasses the group sites, will be on your left. The group sites themselves are "gated for privacy" within the main campground area, making them feel even more secluded. While the drive involves forest service roads, they are generally well-maintained to allow access for vehicles, including RVs and trailers. This accessibility, combined with the feeling of being truly immersed in the forest, makes it a convenient yet wild escape for locals coming from various parts of Washington, including the Puget Sound area or Eastern Washington. Its position allows relatively easy access to the numerous hiking trails and natural attractions that the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and surrounding volcanic monuments offer.

North Fork Bear Group Camp, being a designated group site, provides a solid set of amenities to accommodate larger parties, enhancing comfort while maintaining a rustic outdoor experience. The services typically include:

• Dedicated Group Site: As one of three distinct group sites (Bear, Beaver, and Elk) within the North Fork Campground, it offers a large, private area specifically designed for groups. The Bear site can accommodate up to 35 people and has room for 8 cars or 6 RVs depending on length.
• Spacious Layout: Reviewers note "Room for 3-4 tents and 3-4 trailers depending on length," along with "Plenty of turnaround space," indicating ample room for vehicles and camping setups.
• Picnic Tables: The site is equipped with multiple large picnic tables (e.g., "3 large picnic tables" for the Bear site), providing convenient surfaces for group meals and activities.
• Fire Ring: Each group site typically includes at least "1 firering," allowing for communal campfires (subject to local fire restrictions and burn bans).
• Potable Water: Potable water is available within the North Fork Campground. While one review mentioned water being at a "different group campsite area," official information confirms potable water access within the larger campground.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets (restrooms) are provided within the main North Fork Campground area, accessible to group campers. These are generally well-maintained and stocked with toilet paper.
• Dumpsters: Waste disposal is convenient with dumpsters located within the campground.
• Secluded Setting: The group sites are described as "secluded" and "well taken care of," often with "gated access," ensuring a private experience for your group.
• River Proximity: A "creek was nearby," referring to the North Fork of the Cispus River, offering opportunities for enjoyment and exploration of the water.
• No Hookups: It's important to note that electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs are not available, maintaining the traditional camping atmosphere.
• On-Site Host (often): A host is often on-site in the North Fork Campground, contributing to the upkeep and potentially offering firewood for sale.

North Fork Bear Group Camp boasts several key features and highlights that make it an attractive choice for group camping in Washington:

• Ideal for Group Gatherings: The primary highlight is its design specifically for groups, offering ample space for multiple tents and RVs, along with dedicated picnic tables and a fire ring. This makes it perfect for family reunions, scout groups, or friend getaways.
• Seclusion and Privacy: Despite being part of a larger campground, the individual group sites are "secluded" and often "gated," providing a private environment for your party away from other campers.
• Picturesque Forest Setting: Nestled within an "old growth stand of Douglas fir, hemlock and cedar" along the "North Fork of the Cispus River," the campground offers a beautiful and tranquil natural backdrop for your stay.
• Proximity to Cispus River: The "creek was nearby" and the sites are "along the North Fork of the Cispus River," offering opportunities for playing in the water, fishing for brook trout, steelhead, and salmon, or simply enjoying the river sounds.
• Access to Diverse Trails: The campground provides direct access to nearby hiking and multi-use trails, including the River Trail #131 (a relatively flat 0.6-mile trail) and the North Fork Trail #122 (a 1.6-mile trail that climbs to a bluff with river views). This caters to various activity levels. Visitors can also access a network of over 50 miles of OHV trails from the nearby multi-use Valley Trail.
• Central Location to Major Mountains: Being "situated between three of Washington's most impressive mountains: Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier" means the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring these iconic areas and their associated recreational opportunities.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Reviewers noted that "Grandkids had fun playing in the wide open area or going hiking," emphasizing its suitability for families with children.

For reservations and inquiries about North Fork Bear Group Camp, including current availability and any alerts or restrictions, please use the following contact details:

Address: NF-23, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Phone: (541) 338-7869 (This number is associated with the concessionaire for reservations and inquiries for several campgrounds, including North Fork).

Mobile Phone: +1 541-338-7869

Reservations for North Fork Bear Group Camp are primarily made through Recreation.gov or by calling the toll-free reservation line: 1 (877) 444-6777. For specific operational questions or local conditions, it is advisable to contact the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District Office of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest at (360) 497-1100. Always check official sources like Recreation.gov or the USDA Forest Service website for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

North Fork Bear Group Camp is exceptionally suitable for locals across Washington State, particularly those seeking a dedicated space for group outings in a beautiful natural setting. For families, friends, or organizations residing in the Puget Sound area, Yakima, or other regions of Washington, its location near Randle in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers an accessible yet profound escape into the wilderness. This convenience means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the outdoors with your group.

The key suitability for locals lies in its specialized group camping format. With "room for 3-4 tents and 3-4 trailers" and "3 large picnic tables," it caters perfectly to larger gatherings, providing the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable and communal experience that regular campsites often cannot. The "secluded, well taken care of" nature of the group site, often with gated access, ensures privacy and a sense of exclusive retreat, highly valued when camping with a larger party. The proximity to the Cispus River ("creek was nearby") offers a natural playground for all ages, from wading in the water to fishing, adding an extra layer of recreational opportunity right at your doorstep.

Furthermore, North Fork Bear Group Camp serves as an excellent base for exploring some of Washington's most iconic natural landmarks. Being situated between "Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier" means locals have a plethora of hiking, mountain biking, and even OHV trail riding opportunities within easy reach. The combination of ample space, essential amenities like potable water and vault toilets, and its prime location for accessing diverse outdoor activities makes North Fork Bear Group Camp an ideal choice for Washington residents looking to foster community, create lasting memories, and truly immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of their home state's national forests. As one reviewer aptly put it, "We will return here," underscoring its enduring appeal for local groups.

North Fork Bear Group Camp

NF-23, Randle, WA 98377, USA