Clover Flats Campground

For Washingtonians seeking a truly elevated and secluded outdoor experience, Clover Flats Campground, nestled within the magnificent Ahtanum State Forest, presents a unique opportunity to escape the "maddening crowds." This campground is a true gem among the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recreation areas, celebrated for its high elevation, stunning natural beauty, and the profound sense of tranquility it offers. If you're looking to immerse yourself in fields of wildflowers, enjoy panoramic mountain views, and explore extensive forest trails, Clover Flats is an ideal destination for your next adventure in our beautiful state.

Our comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the vital details about Clover Flats Campground. We'll delve into its remarkable location and the considerations for accessibility, outline the essential services it provides, and highlight the standout features that make it a cherished spot for those who discover its charm. Our goal is to ensure you're well-informed and prepared for a memorable trip that fully embraces the rugged yet rewarding experience of Clover Flats. Get ready to uncover a true high-country sanctuary right here in Washington.

Clover Flats Campground is located on an Unnamed Road, Yakima, WA 98903, USA, deep within the Ahtanum State Forest. This placement is key to its appeal, as it sits at a reported elevation of 6,295 feet (1,919 meters), making it "one of the highest elevation campgrounds in the state." This high-alpine setting contributes significantly to its secluded feel and the spectacular views it offers.

Accessibility to Clover Flats Campground requires careful planning. While the address points to Yakima, the actual approach will involve driving on forest service roads within the Ahtanum State Forest. These roads are typically gravel and dirt, and given the high elevation and rugged terrain, they can be challenging. As implied by the activities popular in the area (like off-roading), a vehicle with good ground clearance and, ideally, four-wheel drive is highly recommended, especially after rain or early in the season when roads might be softer. A specific review for nearby trails in Ahtanum State Forest noted, "Bring your ground clearance and suspension because it's rocky!" This advice likely applies to the access roads to Clover Flats as well.

The campground operates seasonally, typically opening after the snow melts in late spring/early summer and closing when snow makes access impossible in the late fall. Always check with the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the local ranger station for current road conditions and opening/closing dates before planning your trip. The remote nature of this high-elevation site means cell service can be spotty or non-existent, so physical maps and offline navigation are highly advisable. The journey itself is part of the adventure, leading you away from populated areas into a truly wild landscape.

Clover Flats Campground offers basic, rustic services, aligning with its primitive, high-elevation setting. It focuses on providing essential amenities while allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in nature. Here’s what you can expect:

• Campsites: The campground offers various camping spots, though their arrangement can be informal. While designated sites exist, a review notes that "During busy times people will find any empty slot which tends to be any visible gap in the trees." This suggests a more flexible, perhaps semi-dispersed, camping experience within the designated area. The sites are suitable for tents and can accommodate trailers up to 28 feet in length.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets. These are non-flush, primitive restrooms designed for minimal environmental impact. Importantly, reviews specify that the "Vaults are clean," which is a significant positive for a remote, rustic campground, enhancing the comfort of visitors.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: While not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, DNR campgrounds typically provide fire rings at each site (subject to burn bans and fire restrictions) and picnic tables for outdoor dining and meal preparation. Always check for current fire regulations before planning to have a campfire.
• No Potable Water: A critical piece of information for campers is that Clover Flats Campground does not have a potable water source. Visitors must "come prepared with their own" drinking water for their entire stay. This emphasizes the need for self-sufficiency and thorough preparation when visiting this remote location.
• Discover Pass Required: As a Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recreation area, a valid Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle access and camping at Clover Flats. This pass helps fund the maintenance and operation of DNR-managed recreation lands. Visitors should ensure they have this pass prominently displayed.

Clover Flats Campground distinguishes itself with several outstanding features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for specific outdoor enthusiasts in Washington:

• High-Elevation Seclusion: As "one of the highest elevation campgrounds in the state," Clover Flats truly lives up to its promise of being "far away from the maddening crowds." This high-alpine setting provides a profound sense of solitude and offers a quiet escape that is increasingly rare in popular recreation areas. The "few people" encountered, as noted by a camper, is a significant draw.
• Abundant Wildflowers: Visitors during the right season (typically mid-to-late summer) are treated to a spectacular display of "full of wildflowers." This natural beauty transforms the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of colors, creating a picturesque environment for camping and exploration.
• Panoramic Mountain Views: The elevated position of Clover Flats offers breathtaking panoramic views. A satisfied camper recounted, "Rode to the top saw Mt Adam's," indicating clear vistas of this iconic Washington peak, and potentially others depending on the viewpoint, like Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Jefferson from nearby Darland Mountain and Eagle Nest Vista. These expansive views are a major highlight for photographers and nature lovers.
• Spaciousness for Children: The campground offers "plenty of room for the kids to play," suggesting open areas around the campsites where families can relax and children can explore safely within the natural environment.
• Direct Access to Off-Road Trails: Clover Flats Campground is embedded within the Ahtanum State Forest, which is renowned for its extensive network of trails suitable for off-road vehicles (ORVs), including Jeeps and ATVs. This makes it an ideal basecamp for motorized recreation, appealing to a specific segment of outdoor adventurers.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The secluded and natural environment provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. As one reviewer noted, they "Saw deer and chipmunks," indicating a healthy presence of local fauna. Elk, bighorn sheep, beavers, and various bird species are also known to inhabit the Ahtanum State Forest.
• Authentic Wilderness Experience: The combination of high elevation, rugged access, and basic amenities contributes to a truly authentic wilderness camping experience. It appeals to those who are self-sufficient and value a deeper immersion in nature over developed facilities.

For general inquiries regarding Clover Flats Campground and the broader Ahtanum State Forest, here is the primary contact information:

Address: Unnamed Road, Yakima, WA 98903, USA

Phone: (509) 925-8510

Mobile Phone: +1 509-925-8510

It is important to note that the provided phone number is for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Region office, which manages the Ahtanum State Forest and its recreation sites, including Clover Flats. Since Clover Flats is a high-elevation, seasonal, and somewhat rustic campground, it is highly recommended to call this number or check the official Washington DNR website (specifically the Ahtanum State Forest section) before your trip for the most current information on:

• Road conditions and accessibility (especially critical due to elevation and unpaved roads).
• Opening and closing dates for the season.
• Any active burn bans or fire restrictions.
• Updates on water availability (as there is no potable water on site).
• Information on the Discover Pass and any other required permits.

Planning ahead with this contact information will ensure a safer and more enjoyable visit to this remote gem.

For Washington locals, Clover Flats Campground is an exceptional destination, particularly for those who cherish genuine solitude and high-country adventure. Its status as "one of the highest elevation campgrounds in the state" immediately sets it apart, guaranteeing an escape from the "maddening crowds" often found at more accessible locations. This is a place where tranquility reigns, punctuated only by the rustling of trees and the distant calls of wildlife.

The seasonal explosion of "wildflowers" and the opportunity to see "Mt Adam's" (and other Cascade peaks) from elevated viewpoints add layers of natural beauty that resonate deeply with Washingtonians' appreciation for their state's diverse landscapes. For families, the "plenty of room for the kids to play" provides a natural playground where children can freely explore and connect with the outdoors.

Furthermore, for the thriving community of off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Clover Flats serves as a prime basecamp within the Ahtanum State Forest's extensive trail network. The rugged access roads and surrounding trails offer exciting challenges and endless exploration for those with appropriate vehicles. By choosing Clover Flats, locals are not just finding a place to camp; they are embracing a distinctly Washingtonian outdoor experience – one that values remote beauty, self-sufficiency, and the thrill of discovery. It’s a powerful reminder of the untamed wilderness that lies within easy reach, offering a profound sense of peace and adventure right in our own backyard.