the dyrt
Standard (tent/RV)
Group
Tent Sites
Fires Unknown
Pets Unknown
Water Unknown
About
Eightmile Group Site
Nestled in a forest canopy of pine and fir on the banks of Icicle Creek, Eightmile Group Campground in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers a peaceful setting for groups and large gatherings.
Recreation
Eightmile Group Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, fish, bike and enjoy a long list of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. This campground has plenty of trails to explore by bike.
Anglers may want to cast a line into the deep pools at nearby Toketie Lake. Populations of rainbow and cutthroat trout find habitat in this somewhat secluded lake.
The nearby Fourth of July Trail offers hikers expansive ridge line views and challenging terrain. Beginning in the forest at 4,000 feet, the trail quickly climbs in elevation, out of the trees into more open, arid landscapes. The trail continues, traversing through mountain meadows with spectacular views of the Stuart Mountain Range and Icicle Valley. At 10.6 miles, this is a solid day hike, though backpackers can hook up connecting trails to continue for multiple days though adjacent wilderness settings.
Facilities
Eightmile Group Campground has one large site that can accommodate up to 70 guests and 25 vehicles. The site is equipped with picnic tables, a group campfire ring, drinking water and vault toilets.
Natural Features
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers stunning scenic views, with high, glaciated alpine peaks, valleys of old growth forest and rugged shrub-steppe country making up the diverse landscape. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet.
More than 700 lakes and mountain ponds dot the glacier-carved terrain of nearby Alpine Lake Wilderness. Tree-covered valleys give way to rocky ridges and rugged peaks along the crest of the Cascades. Many peaks and slopes are permanently cloaked in snowfields. From wet forests of Douglas fir, cedar, and an understory of salal and berries, to firs and mountain hemlock, the landscape opens up to expansive meadows matted with low growth and ends with dry forestland of ponderosa pine and grasses.
Congress designated the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in 1976 with a total of 362,789 acres. Prior to designation, aggressive mining and logging operations punched numerous access roads into the area, creating a wildly irregular boundary to this popular area.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy the North Cascades and Mt. Rainer National Parks, where interpretive programs and exhibits offer education about the diverse landscape and history of the area.
Guests can also explore the area's colorful railroad and mining history at the Steven's Pass Historic District, or hit the slopes at Steven's Pass Ski Area.
ADA Access: N
Site
1
Price
$110.00
Operator
National Forest
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Contact
Location
Eightmile Group Site
is located in
Washington
Directions
From the west, take Highway 2 east through Monroe and over Stevens' Pass. Turn right on Icicle River Road and follow for approximately 8 miles. The campground will be on the left.
From the east, take Highway 2 west through Leavenworth. Turn left on Icicle River Road and follow road approximately 8 miles to the campground on the left.
5 Reviews of Eightmile Group Site
Duped! Site 18? Awful!
View from Eightmile Campground spot 18 was awful! Wish I could post pics. We were between the two host sites, in a site intended for a co-host….looking at the back of one host camper and two sheds, complete with septic pumping into the ground and essentially a junkyard on the one side of us, electrical cord running through our site overhead. It was a"lovely" view from the fire pit. Not sure how they think it's okay to make threat a reservable spot without seeing it first! Was not the out of doors experience we were after. Whatever you do don't pay over$100 for 2 nights for spot 18. We ended up going up to upper Johnny Creek instead…and paying again.--August 12, 2019
Campground Map
This is a great campground located on Icicle Creek. It appears the campground map is not available on recreation.gov so I contacted the Leavenworth Ranger Station, you are welcome!
Best Sites: 31, 30, 32, 34 (River sites)
Great primitive camping with perfect location!
These are primitive camping spots. We chose this campground because it was close to Leavenworth but we could still have a fun camping experience. We also checked out the Eightmile Lake Trail nearby for a pretty hike to an alpine lake. The camping spots were large and had level ground. It's also right next to the river so it's fun to explore. Neighbors were friendly and quiet at night.
1st campsite on Icicle Creek Road
Icicle Creek is a long road with several campgrounds. Eight mile is the first one on this road but still nice and secluded. You are a very short drive into Leavenworth.
For couples camping I'd recommend leaving the wilderness for a quick cocktail and an appetizer at the Grotto in Sleeping Lady before settling in for the night. It's a small hidden gem of a bar nestled in the network of cabins on the Sleeping Lady property. Check in at the front desk and ask directions it's open to the public it's just that no one knows about it.
If you are in great shape and looking for a world class hike the Snow Lake trailhead parking lot is just minutes from this campground. It's part of the Alpine Wilderness Enchantments loop. You need a permit for day hiking but it's worth it.
If you are hiking the enchantments don't confuse the Eight Mile campground with the Eight Mile/Caroline Zone zone that's actually several miles away and the other end of the wilderness zone. But camping the night before at Eight Mile then backpacking in from Snow Lake trail head is a great plan and what we did last summer.
