Prince Creek Campground

Prince Creek Campground is a boat-in campground on the north shore of Lake Chelan and the typical kickoff point for the Lakeshore Trail to Stehekin. Most people use Prince Creek as a ferry drop-off or pickup and begin hiking from here rather than camping, but the campground itself is a nice lakeside base with trees, open space, six tent sites, three relatively new vault toilets, food storage, and a floating dock that is accessible year round.

Unlike many boat-in campgrounds on Lake Chelan, Prince Creek can be used without your own boat because the lake ferries can drop off and pick up hikers here. That makes it especially useful for backpackers starting the Lakeshore Trail, day hikers arranging a point-to-point trip, or campers who want a remote lake campground without handling private boat logistics.

The campground is also a strong hiking base beyond the Lakeshore Trail. The Prince Creek Trail climbs from the lake up toward the high country, giving ambitious hikers access to a much wilder mountain setting above Lake Chelan. For campers who do stay overnight, the best part of Prince Creek is the combination of easy shoreline access, shade trees, open room around camp, and clean, well-kept toilet facilities.