Lake Chelan — Camping
Lake Chelan
Boat-In Camping
Remote shoreline campsites, dock logistics, and planning notes for exploring Lake Chelan by boat.
All Campgrounds →beExploring / Lake Chelan
Overview
Boat-in camping is one of the best ways to experience the wilder side of Lake Chelan. Past the developed south shore, the lake narrows into long, forested reaches where campgrounds sit directly on the shoreline and access is almost entirely by water.
Most boat-in sites are simple: tent pads or flat areas, docks, toilets, picnic tables, and very few services. That simplicity is the point, but it also means you need to think through weather, fuel, drinking water, lake levels, and backup camps before you launch.
The easiest sites are closer to Twenty-Five Mile Creek, while the most developed options sit near Stehekin at the far end of the lake. Use the map and campsite list below to match the distance, amenities, and reservation style to your trip.
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Boat-In Campsites
These are the Lake Chelan campgrounds tagged as boat-in in the campground directory. The list includes both Forest Service and National Park Service sites, including closed sites where current conditions matter before planning a trip.
Corral Creek Campground
Who Is This For?
A quieter south shore stop nine miles up-lake from Twenty-Five Mile Creek. Four tent sites and a six-boat dock make this a good middle-distance option for a simple overnight.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Year Round
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Deer Point Campground
Who Is This For?
A practical first stop for boaters launching from Twenty-Five Mile Creek. Five sites and a floating dock make it a good option when you want to get on the water, set up early, and keep the day manageable.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Unknown
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Domke Falls Campground
Who Is This For?
A scenic mid-lake stop with a short walk to Domke Falls. Four sites and a six-boat dock make it a compact, memorable overnight for boaters who want more than just a shoreline camp.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Year Round
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Flick Creek Campground
Who Is This For?
A compact stop near Stehekin with a small two-boat seasonal dock, shelter, toilet, and food storage. It is popular with Lakeshore Trail backpackers, so boaters should expect competition for space on summer weekends.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Seasonal above 1,096 ft
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Graham Harbor Campground
Who Is This For?
A strong pick for longer boat trips and small groups. It has a larger dock, five sites, and a communal shelter, with trail access to the smaller Graham Harbor Creek campground nearby.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Year Round
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Graham Harbor Creek Campground
Who Is This For?
The quieter companion to Graham Harbor Campground. Four sites and a fixed dock suit a smaller group looking for more separation while staying near the same stretch of shoreline.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Seasonal above 1,096 ft
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Lucerne Campground
Who Is This For?
As of early 2026, Lucerne is day use only because camping is prohibited for public safety due to hazard trees. Treat it as a stopover or access point, not an overnight campground, unless current conditions change.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Unknown
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Drinking water
Manly Wham Campground
Who Is This For?
One of the most secluded campsites on the lake. With one site and a two-boat dock, this is best for a couple or solo traveler looking for a private night on the shoreline.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Unknown
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Mitchell Creek Campground
Who Is This For?
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 remote-feeling camp without committing to the full uplake journey.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Unknown
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Moore Point Campground
Who Is This For?
One of the more convenient boat-in bases close to Stehekin, with a fixed dock, open tent areas, a picnic shelter, and good hiking access to the Lakeshore Trail and Fish Creek Trail.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Seasonal above 1,096 ft
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Prince Creek Campground
Who Is This For?
A natural base for combining boat-in camping with the Lakeshore Trail. Six tent sites and ferry access make it useful for hikers as well as boaters heading toward Stehekin.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Year Round
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Purple Point Campground
Who Is This For?
The most comfortable boat-in option for visiting Stehekin. It is reservable, close to the landing, and has flush toilets and potable water, making it the best fit for campers who want uplake scenery with easier logistics.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Year Round
- Reservations: Reservable
- Amenities: Toilets, Drinking water
Refrigerator Harbor Campground
Who Is This For?
A reliable year-round stop near Lucerne with a communal shelter and basic facilities. Good for small groups looking for a quieter south shore campground before the final push toward Stehekin.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Year Round
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Safety Harbor Campground
Who Is This For?
Currently closed due to the 2017 Uno Peak fire and ongoing flash flood risk. Treat this as a check-conditions-only option until the Forest Service confirms access is open again.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: None
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets
Weaver Point Campground
Who Is This For?
The most developed boat-in campground near Stehekin, with sixteen tent sites, two docks, potable water, and flush toilets. Good for families or groups who want more amenities after a long lake trip.
Details
- Access: Boat-in only
- Dock Access: Seasonal above 1,096 ft
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Amenities: Toilets, Drinking water
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Logistics
Dock Permits: A federal dock permit is required to use Lake Chelan National Recreation Area docks between May 1 and October 31. Buy the permit before you go so you are not sorting it out from a remote shoreline.
Seasonal Lake Levels: Lake levels drop significantly from late fall into spring, which can make fixed docks and shallow approaches difficult. Check current lake level and site access before planning an off-season trip.
First-Come Sites: Most boat-in campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Purple Point is the main exception, so have one or two backup campgrounds in mind before you launch.
Getting There: Access is by private boat, ferry drop-off, or human-powered craft. Many rental companies restrict boats from traveling into the upper lake, so confirm range rules before depending on a rental.
Fuel and Range: There is no fuel past Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park until Stehekin. Plan the full round trip, include a weather buffer, and do not assume you can refuel midway.
Launching Your Boat: Chelan-area launches are convenient but add distance. For many boat-in sites, launching at Twenty-Five Mile Creek shortens the trip and puts you closer to the remote upper lake.
Campsite Setup: Expect simple tent sites with toilets and limited extras. Bring shelter, cooking gear, dry storage, and everything you need to be comfortable without campground services.
Water and Supplies: Bring drinking water, food, and backup supplies. If you plan to use lake water, filter or treat it and remember that uplake camps do not have stores nearby.
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Boat-In Camping Tips
Travel early in the day when the lake is usually calmer. Afternoon wind can turn long crossings into slow, rough travel.
Download offline maps and mark backup campgrounds before leaving cell service.
Pack in dry bags or sealed bins. Sleeping bags, food, and warm layers deserve real splash protection.
Bring shade and sun protection. Many shoreline sites get intense afternoon exposure.
Check current fire restrictions before relying on a campfire. Summer rules can change quickly.
Pack out all trash and food scraps. Remote sites stay good only when every group leaves them clean.
Water Temperature
Monthly average · °F
Twelve months of Lake Chelan
Lake Level
Lake Chelan rises and falls each year on a schedule managed by Chelan PUD, tied to snowmelt, irrigation, and hydroelectric operations. The key threshold for boat-in camping is 1096 ft — the elevation at which several upper-lake campground docks become accessible. Graham Harbor Creek, Moore Point, Flick Creek, and Weaver Point all have seasonal docks that open around 1096. Other campgrounds, including Prince Creek, Corral Creek, Graham Harbor, Domke Falls, Refrigerator Harbor, and Purple Point, have year-round dock access regardless of lake level. The 1096 mark also matters for private boat lifts along the shore.
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