About North Fork Bear Group Camp
Overview Shaded by a dense canopy of pine, fir and cedar trees, North Fork Bear Group sits alongside the Cispus River in the North Fork Campground. Typically open from mid-May to late September, North Fork Bear Group is one of three popular group sites within the campground. North Fork is situated between three of Washington's most impressive mountains; Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier. The variety of recreational activities and the diverse natural beauty draws many visitors to this area. Recreation North Fork Bear Group makes a great base camp for a variety of activities. Hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle riders can access the nearby multi-use Valley Trail. From this trail, riders can enjoy a network of over 50 miles of additional off-road vehicle trails. The North Fork Loop trail is open to foot traffic and can also be accessed in this area. Anglers can fish the Cispus River for brook trout, steelhead and salmon.Facilities The group site will accommodate up to 25 people with tents and RVs. It's secluded with gated access. Picnic tables, grills and drinking water are provided. There is a host on-site and firewood is available for sale.Natural Features Located in southwest Washington state, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, established by Congress in 1982. North Fork is part of the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, which is located in the northernmost portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This Ranger District manages four Wilderness Areas including the Goat Rocks, Glacier View, Tatoosh and William O. Douglass Wilderness. Nearby rivers include the Cowlitz River, Clear Fork of the Cowlitz and the Cispus River. A variety of wildlife may be spotted in this area, including elk, deer and bears. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (360) 686-3008. Nearby Attractions R
How to Get There
From I-5, take Highway 12 east to Randle, and from there go south on Road 25 and continue until you reach a fork in the road. Take the left fork onto Road 23 and travel for about 10 miles to North Fork Campground & Group Camps.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to North Fork Bear Group Camp
Heading to North Fork Bear Group Camp? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for North Fork Bear Group Camp?
No central reservation system listed for North Fork Bear Group Camp. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232896) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to North Fork Bear Group Camp?
From I-5, take Highway 12 east to Randle, and from there go south on Road 25 and continue until you reach a fork in the road. Take the left fork onto Road 23 and travel for about 10 miles to North Fork Campground & Group Camps.
How do I contact North Fork Bear Group Camp?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-338-7869 .
References & Official Resources
