Pine Flats Group Campground is located next to the Mad River within the Pine Flats Campground, in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Entiat Ranger District. Visitors have easy access to nearby multiple-use trails. Birding and wildlife viewing are popular activities.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Birding
Year-round
Fishing
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Year-round
Birding
Nearby
Fishing
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
The reviewer faced a frustrating situation at Pine Flats Group Campground, arriving to find tents already set up in their reserved area with no one present to address the mix-up. Despite attempts to contact the ranger station, they were unable to resolve the issue and ultimately had to leave, labeling the experience as the worst they had encountered.
I had the group campground reserved. When we arrived, there were tents set up in our area. Not one person in site we could talk to and explain the mix up. We waited a few hours and still no one showed up. I tried getting a hold of the ranger station on the phone but they were closed. The other camp sites are first-come first-serve so maybe the people that took out spot were confused. We were forced to leave. Worst experience I’ve had since we had 6 cars full.
I had the group campground reserved. When we arrived, there were tents set up in our area. Not one person in site we could talk to and explain the mix up. We waited a few hours and still no one showed up. I tried getting a hold of the ranger station on the phone but they were closed. The other camp sites are first-come first-serve so maybe the people that took out spot were confused. We were forced to leave. Worst experience I’ve had since we had 6 cars full.
The Pine Flats Group Site has no trees around it - those pictured have been cut down. As a result, there is no shade in the areas where one would camp. There is also no level ground in the group site; everything is sloped. It is also covered in thick, unmaintained grass so the open ground is actually somewhat limited. The first-come/first-serve sites at Pine Flats are actually nicer than the group site. The well water is brown/cloudy, so plan on filtering it if you need drinking water. Parking would hold approximately 10 vehicles. A camper trailer would not be recommended due to the size of the site and the grade - you would be unable to level your trailer here. The FC/FS sites do accommodate trailers and there are a few nice locations closer to the Mad River trailhead.
Pros: giant picnic table and 3 benches/fire ring are great. The vault toilet was in excellent condition and well stocked. The garbage bins also were excellent and well maintained. Access to the river is easy, just 1/4 mi up the road at the Mad River Trailhead. Also, the campground is far enough from the road that there is no concern with trail traffic or dust. In short - the Pine Flats FC/FS sites are a lot nicer than the group site.
Be prepared for high heat in the summer, mosquitos, and rattlesnakes. All in all, not bad - but if the trees pictured at this site had not all been cut down it would be a lot nicer place to be.
The Pine Flats Group Site has no trees around it - those pictured have been cut down. As a result, there is no shade in the areas where one would camp. There is also no level ground in the group site; everything is sloped. It is also covered in thick, unmaintained grass so the open ground is actually somewhat limited. The first-come/first-serve sites at Pine Flats are actually nicer than the group site. The well water is brown/cloudy, so plan on filtering it if you need drinking water. Parking would hold approximately 10 vehicles. A camper trailer would not be recommended due to the size of the site and the grade - you would be unable to level your trailer here. The FC/FS sites do accommodate trailers and there are a few nice locations closer to the Mad River trailhead.
Pros: giant picnic table and 3 benches/fire ring are great. The vault toilet was in excellent condition and well stocked. The garbage bins also were excellent and well maintained. Access to the river is easy, just 1/4 mi up the road at the Mad River Trailhead. Also, the campground is far enough from the road that there is no concern with trail traffic or dust. In short - the Pine Flats FC/FS sites are a lot nicer than the group site.
Be prepared for high heat in the summer, mosquitos, and rattlesnakes. All in all, not bad - but if the trees pictured at this site had not all been cut down it would be a lot nicer place to be.
This group site does not accommodate the amount of people it says. Maybe 10 people max, not 60. There is little to no shade and no way to access the river either. It is quite underwhelming. The individual sites were pretty nice.
This group site does not accommodate the amount of people it says. Maybe 10 people max, not 60. There is little to no shade and no way to access the river either. It is quite underwhelming. The individual sites were pretty nice.
Really nice helpful to their extent since the woman that runs the actual desk was out in the field when we came in but still got what we wanted done which was nice and I just want to thank them and let them know we had a wonderful time at Cottonwood campground
Helpful
Richard Neel
November 27, 2017
Google Maps
Free permits were offered a week before it snowed!!
Helpful
Location & Directions for Pine Flats Group Campground
Entiat Ranger Station, Entiat, WA 98802 United States
From Wenatchee, travel north 17 mi on State Route 97A, along the west bank of the Columbia River. Turn left 100 yards north of the Entiat River Bridge onto Entiat Valley Road (Chelan County Route 19). Continue west/northwest just over 11 mi and tu...
From Wenatchee, travel north 17 mi on State Route 97A, along the west bank of the Columbia River. Turn left 100 yards north of the Entiat River Bridge onto Entiat Valley Road (Chelan County Route 19). Continue west/northwest just over 11 mi and turn left on Mad River Road (Chelan County Route 19). Continue up Mad River Road for almost three miles, to its junction with Forest Road 5700. Continue 2 mi to the campground.
Pine Flats Group Campground is accessible via State Route 97A, which is approximately 17 miles away from Wenatchee.
Policies & Rules
General
Mad River is open to fishing. Selective gear rules apply to fishing in the Mad River. See Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife for fishing rules and regulations.
Large trailers and RVs (over 28 feet) are not recommended due to the configuration of the group site. Call Entiat Ranger Station for further information.
Water spigots are shared between sites
No livestock allowed; a hitching rack is available for those using Mad River Trail 1409
Motorcycles are allowed on designated trails only; all-terrain vehicles (quads) are not allowed
Ardenvoir is the closest town within 10 Miles. Entiat is 14 miles away.
Cell phone coverage is very limited in the area.
Click here for more information on the Okanogan National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
