Lake Chelan — Washington State
Camping at
Lake Chelan
Campgrounds, boat-in sites, dispersed camping, and RV parks along one of Washington's most scenic lakes.
Full Lake Chelan Guide →beExploring / Lake Chelan
Overview
Lake Chelan offers camping for every style of trip. Whether you want a developed campground with full amenities, a remote lakeshore site reachable only by boat, or dispersed camping in the national forest above the lake, there is an option for most types of campers and most budgets.
The main 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 most established options, offering hookups, restrooms, and direct lake access. Further up the lake, boat-in sites near Stehekin provide some of the most scenic and remote camping in Washington. Use this guide to compare your options and plan your trip.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Best Campgrounds By Type
Family-Friendly Campground
Lakeshore RV Park
RV Campground with Hookups
12 Tribes Lake Chelan RV Park
Tent Camping
Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
Boat-In Camping
Mitchell Creek Campground
Remote / Rustic Camping
Antilon Lake
First-Come, First-Served
Snowberry Bowl Campground
Pet-Friendly Campground
Lake Chelan State Park
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Types of Camping
From easy lakeside campgrounds to remote backcountry sites, find the camping style that fits your trip.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds around Lake Chelan offer the easiest and most accessible way to camp, with established sites, amenities, and options for both tents and RVs. Many are located right on the water, while others provide quieter settings just a short drive from the lake.
Boat-In Camping
Boat-in camping is one of the most unique experiences at Lake Chelan, with remote campsites only accessible by boat. These sites offer a more secluded feel and incredible scenery, but require extra planning for transportation, supplies, and changing lake conditions.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping offers a more flexible and often free alternative to developed campgrounds, with sites located on forest roads and public lands. Expect fewer amenities and a more self-sufficient experience, but also more solitude and space away from busy areas.
RV Friendly
RV camping includes campgrounds and parks that can accommodate larger vehicles, with some offering full hookups and easy access. Options range from lakeside RV parks to more basic campgrounds, depending on how close you want to be to the water and town.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Tips
State park campgrounds book 6–9 months in advance. For July and August weekends, reserve the moment reservations open — popular sites fill within hours.
Weekday and shoulder season dates are much easier to secure. Late May, early June, and September offer good availability with fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures.
Check reservation systems regularly for cancellations. Spots open up 2–4 weeks before peak weekends more often than most people expect.
If developed campgrounds are full, first-come first-served sites like Snowberry Bowl are a solid backup. Arrive early on Friday morning for the best chance at a spot.
Fall is an underrated time to camp at Lake Chelan. Cooler temperatures, easier reservations, and a quieter lake make September and October worth considering.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Common Mistakes
Late summer often brings wildfire smoke to the Chelan area. Check air quality before committing to an August trip — conditions can shift quickly and make camping unpleasant.
Underestimating summer heat. Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in July and August. Plan for shade, early-morning activity, and sites with lake access.
Forgetting about fees beyond the campsite. A Discover Pass is required at state parks, and boat launch fees, overnight moorage, trailer dump stations, and pet fees add up fast.
Assuming campfires will be allowed. Burn bans are common in dry summers — always check current restrictions before packing firewood.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
More to Explore at Lake Chelan
beExploring / Lake Chelan
