Lake Chelan — Washington State
Waterfront sites, RV parks, boat-in campgrounds, and remote spots along one of Washington's most scenic lakes.
All Camping Options →beExploring / Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan has more than 30 campgrounds — from full-hookup RV parks in downtown Chelan to remote boat-in sites deep in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Whether you want to camp steps from a restaurant, launch a boat at sunrise, or disappear up-lake for a few days, there is a campground that fits your trip.
The most established developed campgrounds sit along the south shore within a short drive of Chelan. Lake Chelan State Park and Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park are the two flagship options, both offering hookups, restrooms, showers, and direct lake access. Further up the lake, a string of boat-in campgrounds dot both shorelines all the way to Stehekin. For something off the beaten path, several free Forest Service campgrounds on the north shore and in the mountains above the lake offer solitude without the competition for reservations.
Peak summer weekends book out months in advance at the popular state parks. If you're planning a July or August trip, reservations are essential. Shoulder season — late May through June and September — offers good weather, easier availability, and a noticeably quieter lake.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Select a type to jump to the matching campgrounds in the directory below.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Browse all 30 campgrounds accessible from Lake Chelan. Use the filters to narrow by water access, camping type, amenities, or distance from town — the map and list update in sync.
A solid pick for RV travelers who want full hookups close to Manson and the upper lake. Two locations — one near the casino and one on the water at Old Mill Park — make it flexible for boaters, swimmers, and anyone exploring the east end of the lake.
A great choice for campers who want a free, uncrowded site near water without committing to remote forest roads. Set on Antilon Lake above Lake Chelan, with trout fishing, non-motorized boating, and two short hikes directly from camp. Some rough road to get there, but manageable for most vehicles.
A good pick for campers who want a riverside setting without being on Lake Chelan itself. Located on the Columbia River four miles east of town, with a boat launch and access to the Beebe Springs trail network. Families get a full park with tennis courts, playgrounds, and a swimming area.
Currently closed due to flood danger from the 2024 Pioneer Fire. This hike-in only campground along the Lakeshore Trail is not accessible at this time — check with the NPS for current status.
A solid option for boaters wanting a year-round site nine miles up-lake from Twenty-Five Mile Creek. Four tent sites and a six-boat dock make this a manageable stop for longer boat trips or a quieter alternative to the busier downlake campgrounds.
A practical early stop for boaters heading up from Twenty-Five Mile Creek. Fewer sites than Mitchell Creek but positioned even closer to the state park ramp — a good option when you want to set up camp early in the day.
A solid mid-lake overnight for boaters, with a short trail to a scenic waterfall and year-round access. Four tent sites and a six-boat dock make it a manageable stop. Note that hiking trails to Domke Lake are not accessible from this campground.
A small, quiet stop along the Lakeshore Trail 25.8 miles up-lake. Two sites and a four-boat dock — best for paddlers or boaters looking for a minimalist overnight in a remote setting. Bring all your own water.
For experienced boaters planning a multi-day trip up-lake. At 12.5 miles from Twenty-Five Mile Creek, this is far enough to feel genuinely remote, with room for up to 10 boats and a trail connection to the smaller Graham Harbor Creek campground nearby.
The quieter companion to Graham Harbor Campground, connected by a short quarter-mile trail. Four sites and a fixed dock suit a small group who wants a more secluded stay without competing for space at the main campground.
For campers who prioritize views above everything else. The four sites sit on a ridge above Lake Chelan with sweeping panoramic views — some of the best from any drive-in campground in the area. Six miles of rough dirt road to get there, but the scenery delivers.
A genuine backcountry experience with just one campsite. Deep in the Twenty-Five Mile Creek valley and only reachable after 13 miles of forest service road driving, this suits campers who want complete solitude and access to the Devil's Backbone trail network.
The pick for high-elevation camping enthusiasts. At 6,600 feet, Junior Point is one of the highest drive-in campsites in Washington. Best for experienced campers willing to make the 12-mile forest road drive. No water, no fees — bring everything you need.
A small, casual private campground for anglers and families who want a relaxed spot on Wapato Lake. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and rowboats are available to rent. Best for a low-key trip without the need for full hookups or modern amenities.
The best all-around choice for families and first-time campers at Lake Chelan. Direct lake access, full hookups for RVs, showers, and proximity to downtown Chelan make this the easiest entry point into camping on the lake. Book early — it fills months in advance for summer weekends.
The best option if you want to be steps from downtown Chelan. Walk to restaurants, beaches, and Don Morse Park without moving your rig. Full hookups for RVs up to 40 feet, right in the heart of town.
Best for boaters who want potable water in a historic community setting. Three tent-only sites and an 11-boat dock make it a popular stop — especially when paired with the adjacent Refrigerator Harbor Campground via the connecting trail.
One of the most secluded spots on the entire lake. A single campsite 27.2 miles up-lake with a two-boat dock — best for a couple or solo traveler who wants a genuinely private overnight with no neighbors.
The easiest introduction to boat-in camping on Lake Chelan. The most accessible boat-in site, with a 17-boat dock and seven sites just up-lake from the south shore. Good for boaters who want a taste of remote camping without venturing far up the lake.
Currently closed due to flooding danger from the Pioneer Fire. When open, this campground suits those wanting a close-to-Stehekin base without reservations. Check with the NPS for current status before planning any trip here.
The gateway to the Lakeshore Trail and a natural stop for long lake trips. Six tent sites and ferry access make this versatile for hikers and boaters alike. Best for those combining a boat trip with backcountry hiking toward Stehekin.
The easiest boat-in option for exploring Stehekin, just a 10-minute walk from the landing. Reservable in advance with flush toilets and potable water — the most comfortable boat-in campground for those wanting to spend time in Stehekin without staying indoors.
A reliable year-round boat-in stop near the community of Lucerne, 21 miles up-lake. A communal shelter and basic facilities make this comfortable for couples or small groups looking for a quieter south shore campground.
Currently closed due to the 2017 Uno Peak fire and ongoing flash flood risk. Not a reliable option at this time — check with the Forest Service for current status before planning any trip here.
The best first-come, first-served backup when developed campgrounds are full. Well-maintained with potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings — a reliable option when you can't secure a reservation and want something nicer than dispersed camping. Arrive early on busy weekends.
A boutique option for RV travelers who value a quiet setting over proximity to the water. Just a handful of full-hookup spots in a peaceful setting near Chelan — ideal for avoiding the larger, busier campgrounds.
The right pick for campers who want full amenities and a boat launch at the quieter end of the lake. Positioned 25 miles up the south shore, it gives easy access to the remote upper lake while still offering hookups, showers, and a small camp store. A good base for boating deeper into the backcountry.
A quieter alternative to the busier lakefront campgrounds, set on the calm shores of Wapato Lake near Manson. Good for fishing, relaxed beach days, and families who want a more local feel without the crowds of the main lake.
For groups or families wanting a well-equipped boat-in campground near Stehekin. Sixteen tent sites, two docks, potable water, and flush toilets — the most developed boat-in campground on the lake. Note that docks are removed each fall when lake levels drop.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Compare every campground at a glance — access type, camping setup, and reservation style side by side.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
beExploring / Lake Chelan








