American River Guard Station, Naches, WA

American River Guard Station is located in the Naches Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (55 min northwest of Yakima, WA) with an elevation of 2,781 feet. The site is open all year. There is a fee of $90.00 per night.

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Campsite Reviews (26)

3.6 out of 5

5 star		35%
4 star		27%
3 star		19%
2 star		4%
1 star		15%

@LoriE5535C5FD0 · Camped on May 13, 2024 at Campsite #1

This was beautiful. The weather was perfect, and the river right outside the main door of the cabin was refreshing. We were there 2 weeks before the opening of the season for the area, so most grocery stores were closed that were near (Only open Thursday-Sunday during the closed season.) The place was pretty clean considering that no one had been there for months. Our family left some board games, and books for guests to enjoy, and we did a little cleanup of the grounds and house. The only downfall was that the outhouse was horrible. It was so full and the smell so bad we had to drive back to Whistling Jacks to use the port-a-potties. Other than the outhouse everything was great. We will definitely be returning next year. I would even pay more if they added running water and flushing toilets.

@BrianV1669583 · Camped on Apr 17, 2024 at Campsite #1

This cabin used to be maintained and cleaned by a nice couple that lived nearby. Things are continuing to fall apart. Showed up to mouse droppings in the drawers and cupboards and a drowned mouse in the sink bucket. For the price being charged I would expect a better kept up place.

@FeliciaWCA540D · Camped on Nov 26, 2023 at Campsite #1

The location is very convenient and nicely wooded and the cabin is located by the river. There is no running water, but the river water is good for washing dishes, but not so much for drinking (there are some flotsam) unless it is filtered. Although we think there are mice in the cabin, since we can hear screeching noise behind the wall, we did not find any mice droppings in the cabin during our stays. The source of heat during cold weather months are the wood stove and the electric baseboard wall heater, both are in the living room. No heat in the bedroom and the loft. Warm sleeping bag is a must. There are plenty of wood outside and inside the cabin, but they are not as dry as to give much heat. 2 out of 4 dining table legs in the living room are coming loose from the brace. If you plan to move the the table, move it carefully. A couple of the dining chair slip seats are also detached, but functional as long as you don't move them around. One of the lampshades in the living room is broken. If you can bring and donate a lampshade it will appreciated.

@BillA137463C4A · Camped on Sep 20, 2023 at Campsite #1

Our stay, there was excellent, very comfortable, very easy to set up. They sent out reminders and the codes. The staff was very courteous and helpful, this is probably our third stay there its been excellent each time will go back again an extra thank you. to all the staff.

@charlesJ731376 · Camped on Sep 17, 2023 at Campsite #1

I will start by saying my wife and I fully support the USFS and know they are underfunded and understaffed, but we want to warn you...The cabin is in a good location and right on the river, but the rest is not so nice and this is what we found. There is an outhouse, which is fine and we were aware of, but there was vomit on the floor and very little toilet paper left, with no extra rolls available.Inside the cabin we found original floors that appeared t have never been cleaned. it is VERY rustic and not clean. The mattresses are filthy and there is a bucket under the kitchen (hidden behind a curtain) that collects all the drain water and it was putrid. The worst of it was there is obviously an active mouse population inside. We found feces on all the counters and stove. The mice had chewed up the foil under the heating coils to get whatever crumbs they could. The refrigerator was dirty with some old food left inside and just before leaving I had a mouse run in front of me through the bedroom. We chose not to stay as it was obviously a health hazard. I called the local ranger station to let them know of the mouse problem and was told I would receive a call back, but never did. I also filed a claim to get a refund and only received one day of rent in return, despite it being a three night reservation, with no recourse for an appeal.If you don't mind what I outlined above you will have a good time, but I am certain there is no one to clean the cabin except for the previous renter. I've left messages at the ranger station on two occasions and have never received a call back. I do not believe they really care and would not count on any of the problems being fixed in the near future.

@RobertS9225788 · Camped on Aug 25, 2023 at Campsite #1

Had a great time at this quaint, little rustic cabin. The cabin is exactly what you think a cabin in the wilderness would be like in the early 1900s. So if your looking for the amenities of a hotel then this isnt the place for you. First, the cabin is comfortable but cleanliness is afar. There is electricity and plenty of outlets to charge your phone and others devices. When we first walked in the cabin, we were swarmed by dozens of flies. Highly recommend to bring an insect trap of some sort. There is a old fridge and stove that look to be from the 1980s and covered in rust. There is a cute wood fireplace/stove in the living room that we did not use. The floors look to be original and extremely dirty. Definitely wear flips flops or shoes in the cabin would not dare to go barefoot in there.The beds are disgusting so I highly recommend to bring a mattress cover or air mattress to place on the bed. There are no linens or towels provided so bring your own. Also bring at least a 3-5 gallon jug for cooking and hygiene purposes as there is no running water. Also the bathroom is not in the home but a lighted outhouse is located a few feet from the home which smelled like a honey bucket at a homeless encampment. Although my review sounds negative, I was already expecting this as I had read the previous reviews. So nothing came as a surprise. What I love about the cabin was that it was on a pretty good size lot right next to the river. I was able to play catch with the kiddos and have ample space to move around. There is a picnic table and enclose firepit with a metal grate on a hinge. Highly recommend portable outdoor lights as the only lights is from the cable. The firepit and picnic table are is completely dark at night and with the fire an, no campfires which blows. Also stock up on food. The closest market is toward yakima and is a good 30-40 minute drive. Also no wifi or cell phone service (Verizon) there bring lots of games and entertainment.

@LuisHABB3EE787 · Camped on Aug 18, 2023 at Campsite #1

Muy lindo el lugar espectacular

@JasonA1549011 · Camped on Aug 10, 2023 at Campsite #1

It's a rustic cabin situated right on American River. There is a lot to love! The location, nearby hiking and adventure, relative remoteness, starry skies at night... However, there are some deferred maintenance issues that need addressed. The oven does not work; only the broiler element comes on, and even then, not very hot. We made do with the small electric toaster oven. The large burner on the stove does not work and needs replaced/re-wired. Stones and mortar at the kitchen door have failed and it is unsafe. The exterior light on the outhouse never comes on. The light in the outhouse was burned out, but we replaced with a yellow LED bulb we found in the kitchen. User fees are supposed to fund cabin repairs, but I don't see routine maintenance being done year to year (having rented the cabin for a few consecutive years now).

@LaurenB3809936 · Camped on Jul 29, 2023 at Campsite #1

This cabin was so fun for our family. We loved the rustic architecture, the location right on the river, and proximity to other outdoor activities. There are four single beds in the bare bones upstairs room. The main bedroom has a comfy full size bed and the living room has a pretty good queen sized futon. There are no linens provided so bring your own. The kitchen has some well-used basics like pots and pans, cutting boards, dishes and silverware. The lack of water was not an issue for us as we filled a 5 gallon container at home which we used over the sink. The overall vibe of this place is rustic, authentic and historical. It was a real treat and we will be back.

@Katherine94445 · Camped on Jun 16, 2023 at Campsite #1

Had a wonderful time at the cabin, just me and my elderly father! Outhouse is very rustic and no running water was a small challenge but, overall, the cabin is cozy and comfortable. Plenty of cups, utensils, pots/pans, and even had a microwave! The property had lots of firewood too so we cooked over the open flames for most of our meals. Beautiful surroundings and the sound of the rushing river was relaxing- great spot for a fun weekend!

@Chrisj7268313 · Camped on Mar 26, 2023 at Campsite #1

They only change the lockbox code here every few months so dozens of people (likely locals) could have access to the cabin while you're there. When we showed up there wasn't even a key in the lockbox. Beautiful area but cabin is in disrepair. If you don't have the resources to effectively manage and maintain the cabin then you shouldn't rent it.

@AnkitJ8999250 · Camped on Mar 24, 2023 at Campsite #1

The key was not available in the lock box, No network in the area... Drove down 10 miles to call on the number provided for help... left two voice messages.. Got no response. Waited there for few hrs in the hope that some one would come with the keys and finally left the camp ground with a disappointment on my kids face. Extream bad experience!!

@PamelaN9435956 · Camped on Mar 18, 2023 at Campsite #1

The cabin is cute and well stocked with toilet paper & matches. The wood stove burns thru wood really quickly do bring more than you think you'll need. The latch for the hook & eye to lock the latrine is broken so privacy is guarded by whatever heavy item you can find to hold the door shut. The mattress in the main bedroom is stained ( gross! Please get a plastic mattress cover for the bed!) so we covered with blankets. So nice to have electricity in the cabin! Lots of pots, pans, utensils & plates in kitchen. Its adorable and well located. Parking was a sheet of ice so bring microspikes! I left a flannel backed plastic tablecloth to protect the pretty wood table. Overall great place, just needs a little more love.

@EarlG2765431 · Camped on Mar 15, 2023 at Campsite #1

We loved this cabin, the futon made a comfortable bed and they allow pets. We stayed here for my birthday enjoyed building wood fires in the stove and outside. We loved having a river in the cabins back yard. The hike to the old American Ridge ski lodge, was like a blast from the past, if you concentrated hard enough you could hear the murmurings of the past.

@AnourE4027740 · Camped on Nov 25, 2022 at Campsite #1

Really sweet location, cozy cabin, especially the main living room with the stove. Plenty of firewood in the back room. Really awesome spot for a long weekend, nice that it has electricity, and the wood stove is great! Having the river right next to the house is also lovely. Would def come back. I’d recommend bringing a double sized mattress cover if you want to sleep on the double bed in the bedroom.

@Christina41928 · Camped on Oct 23, 2022 at Campsite #1

Enjoyed a nice warm wood stove. Buried who we named Whiskers. That decided to pass behind the cabin. Wasn't there the month before. Hopefully no one brought up a cat and lost it. Did our best to clean up hanging snags around the cabin. Trees do make noise when they fall. Especially feet in front of you 😳😳. Heard min 21 fall on trail 999 on the hike.

@JimC3359791 · Camped on Sep 20, 2022 at Campsite #1

Just back from 3 nights at American River Ranger Station, our first time there. Wonderful spot, great cabin – we'll be back. Great setting, great wood stove, nice lounge, OK bed, big fridge, kitchen works. Easy to cart buckets from the river for washing up. Managed to break the paint seal on the bedroom window, which now opens with effort. Suggest bringing mattress cover as well as sheets, as mattress a little grotty. This a an old, rustic cabin in the woods. Of course there might be mice! We were surprised not to see or hear any, but fully expected to, 'cos mouses got to mouse. And of course it's a little drafty. Heats up very well, though. A big thank you to the regulars who have showered this cabin with love – putting up new curtains, fixing things, and leaving equipment for others to enjoy. Much appreciated!

@RebekahG392590 · Camped on Aug 2, 2022 at Campsite #1

We will start with the highlights. The setting of the cabin is beautiful. It is right off the highway and easy to get to. Check in was simple. Road noise wasn’t bad at all. After reading the most current reviews, we were a little bit worried about the outhouse and the broken bed, but UPDATE- both have been fixed! The outhouse was stocked with toilet paper and had a light. Fridge was in good working order. The cabin was mostly clean (see below). Plenty of games and movies to keep you entertained while off the grid! Now, the low points. The cabin had a pretty bad odor. I have two teens and neither one wanted to sleep upstairs – the mattresses were stained and stinky. They said it felt like a mental hospital! We found evidence of mice or rats in a drawer in downstairs bedside table. We decided that my daughter could have the bed, my son could have the futon, and I would sleep on the living room floor with a camping mattress we brought. We got home from an evening hike, and there was a mouse scurrying about in the living room! That was enough for us and we left without even staying the night. Yes, I know that we were in a cabin in the woods. Wildlife is expected. But we had no way to escape the mouse. Advice to future guests- bring mouse traps!

@kendylc2816103 · Camped on Jun 8, 2022 at Campsite #1

love this cabin! Another wonderful trip. The bed is maybe still broken though and the out house is in desperate need of being emptied. With the price hike, those things should be addressed ASAP

@ErnestoS629230 · Camped on May 10, 2022 at Campsite #1

Best choice if you are looking for a time out of the routine, without mobile signal and internet, enjoying the nature in a cozy rustic house :)

@KristinB504 · Camped on May 15, 2021 at Campsite #1

What an outstanding cabin and location! The gift of electricity and a well-outfitted cabin, all the essentials in the kitchen, plenty of fire wood for the wood stove and outside fire ring, and even baseboard heat to get the chill off while the wood stove heats up (which it does quickly!). The master bed is super comfy (bring a sheet to cover the mattress but your own bedding stuff like your sleeping bag/blankets to be extra comfy!), Lots of games and puzzles if you want, plenty of great light and the location just cannot be beat! Right on the American River, scoop up water to heat for doing the dishes and it minimizes the water you need to carry in. Plus there is water available at the nearby campground. So much to explore close-by or jump in a car and head to the Little Naches River area for miles of trails. 410 was still closed at Mt. Ranier so we'll have to hit that next time we go. Really loved this treasure. So well stocked with cleaning supplies to which made it super easy to clean up after the pups running in and out all day with wet paws. Just grabbed the mop and/or broom for a quick sweep-up! This is really a great treasure to enjoy. The outhouse is clean and there was a good stock of TP supplied. The outhouse even has a light! I think this is a first for me!!! And the extra key available in the event one was lost is such a great idea too. So thankful for these cabins and for the respect that guests show them when staying and then cleaning up when leaving. Thank you everyone for keeping our shared resources amazing!

@AngelaS612 · Camped on Apr 3, 2021 at Campsite #1

The cabin was great, clean, comfortable. The wood was very wet, hard to keep the fire going.

@BenS724 · Camped on Mar 17, 2021 at Campsite #1

Great place to relax!! Accommodations for 2 are perfect! Lack of privacy inside would make it challenging for more adults, but looks great for kids. From the main road, the area surrounding the cabin was very icy! Be prepared to park at the kiosk along Bumping River Road. Looking forward to coming back again in the summer! Remember to bring an axe to chop firewood!

@MaryH728 · Camped on Oct 1, 2019 at Campsite #1

Super cozy cabin. Was nice to have our dog with us. We plan to come back again. Thank you for the pleasant stay.

@DouglasA930 · Camped on Aug 4, 2019 at Campsite #1

This well worn cabin is in a beautiful setting with the river right outside. And, the area has a multitude of other rivers to fish and trails to hike. If you want to eat out, you can do so only a few miles down the road. Very nice time.

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