Junior Point Campground

Junior Point Campground sits at 6,600 feet on a dramatic ridge above Lake Chelan, reached after 12 miles of driving on Shady Pass — a rough dirt forest service road that often remains snow-blocked until late June. The campground is free and first-come, first-served, with five primitive tent-only sites spread along the ridgeline; no RVs or trailers can make the drive. As of a 2024 visit, only two of the five sites had picnic tables and fire rings — the others have makeshift fire areas — so come prepared for a rougher setup. The standout feature is the old fire lookout at the end of the road: the foundation perches on a cliff edge with jaw-dropping views of Lake Chelan far below. Several interconnected trails along Devil's Backbone are accessible nearby, open to hikers, mountain bikers, and motorbikes. This is a destination for self-sufficient campers who are after solitude, elevation, and scenery rather than comfort or convenience.