Lake Chelan — Washington State
Lake Chelan
Parks Guide
Waterfront parks, state parks, and recreation areas across Chelan, Manson, and the Columbia River.
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Overview
Lake Chelan and the surrounding area has parks spread across three distinct areas: downtown Chelan and the south shore, Chelan Falls and the Columbia River, and Manson. They range from large waterfront destinations to quiet neighborhood parks.
Don Morse Memorial Park is the standout for most visitors — 44 acres of waterfront right next to downtown. The south shore state parks offer more space and camping. The Columbia River parks at Chelan Falls and Beebe Bridge are free and often less crowded than the lake parks on busy summer weekends.
Downtown Chelan
Don Morse Memorial Park
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About
Don Morse Memorial Park is the centerpiece of outdoor recreation in Chelan. The 44-acre park sits directly on Lake Chelan next to downtown and offers over 2,000 feet of waterfront. A large sandy beach, protected swim area, sand volleyball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, a skate park, and seasonal go-kart track and putting course make it the most complete park in the area.
What to Know
- Walkable from downtown Chelan
- Paid parking — lots fill up fast on summer weekends
- Arrive early for the best beach spots in peak season
- Seasonal go-kart track and putting course on site
South Chelan
Lakeside Park
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Lakeside Park has a more relaxed feel than Don Morse with a swim area, playground, and some of the best shade in the area from large mature trees. A good alternative when you want to avoid the busiest crowds. The free Link Transit bus stops nearby, making it reachable without a car.
What to Know
- Free to enter — paid parking spots inside the park
- Free Link Transit bus stop nearby
- More relaxed and less crowded than Don Morse
- Adjacent to Lakeside Lodge And Suites
South Shore
Lake Chelan State Park
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Lake Chelan State Park offers the most extensive waterfront of any park in the area — 6,000 feet of shoreline with a popular sandy beach, boat launch, volleyball, horseshoes, and paddleboard rentals. It's also home to one of the most popular campgrounds on the lake and is open year round. About 15 miles and 15 minutes from downtown Chelan along the south shore.
What to Know
- Discover Pass required for day use parking
- About 15 miles from downtown Chelan
- One of the most popular campgrounds in the region — book early
- Open year round
South Shore (far end)
Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
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Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park sits at the far end of the south shore road, 25 miles up-lake from Chelan. It's the main launching point for exploring the remote upper reaches of Lake Chelan, with a boat launch, moorage, fishing dock, and small swimming area. A small store on site is a welcome convenience. Open April through October.
What to Know
- Discover Pass required
- 25 miles from downtown Chelan — plan time for the drive
- Open April through October only
- Small on-site store for basic supplies
Chelan Falls
Chelan Falls Park
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Chelan Falls Park is a free day-use park along the Columbia River maintained by Chelan PUD, about 4 miles from downtown Chelan. It packs in a boat launch, docks, swim area, ball fields, horseshoe pits, basketball, and tennis and pickleball courts — all at no cost. A solid alternative to the busier lake parks when you want more space and less competition for facilities.
What to Know
- Free entry and parking — maintained by Chelan PUD
- About 4 miles from downtown Chelan
- Columbia River access — different feel from the lake parks
- Less crowded than Don Morse on summer weekends
Chelan Falls (east)
Beebe Bridge Park
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About
Beebe Bridge Park sits on the Columbia River about 4 miles east of Chelan near the Beebe Bridge. The park has RV and tent camping, a boat launch and moorage, swimming area, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a playground. It also serves as the trailhead for the Beebe Springs Wildlife Area trails — a good option for hikers staying in the area.
What to Know
- About 4 miles east of downtown Chelan
- RV and tent camping available
- Trailhead for Beebe Springs Wildlife Area
- Maintained by Chelan County PUD
Manson
Manson Bay Park
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Manson Bay Park is the main waterfront park in Manson with a protected swim area that's well-suited for families with young kids. The calm, sheltered waters of Manson Bay also make it one of the better spots in the area to launch a kayak or paddleboard. Free parking is a bonus that's uncommon among the better lake parks.
What to Know
- Free parking
- Protected swim area — calmer water than open lake beaches
- Good kayak and paddleboard launch spot
- A 5-minute walk from downtown Manson
Near Manson
Willow Point Park
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Willow Point Park has a more local, low-key feel than the Chelan parks. There's no real sandy beach, but there's a grassy area to sit, a swim area, playground, and good shade. A solid choice if you're staying near Manson and want a quieter afternoon on the water without the crowds.
What to Know
- Roadside parking — watch for driveways and posted signs
- Quieter and less crowded than Chelan parks
- Residential neighborhood nearby
- Free to use
Manson
Manson Village Green
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About
Manson Village Green is a brand-new community park built on the former Ernie's Gas Station site along Wapato Way, directly across from Manson Bay Park. It's a small, relaxed green space with a grassy area and a couple of picnic tables. Mi Maria's, a Mexican food truck, occupies the on-site food truck pad — making it a handy lunch spot while you're exploring Manson.
What to Know
- Directly across from Manson Bay Park on Wapato Way
- Mi Maria's Mexican food truck on site
- Small park with a grassy area and picnic tables
- Brand new — opened on the former Ernie's Gas Station site
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Neighborhood Parks
Chelan
Chelan Bay Pocket Park
Small viewpoint park overlooking Chelan Bay. A quiet stop for lake views.
Chelan
Chelan Gorge Park
Sits near the gorge carved by the Chelan River. Scenic views of the rocky canyon at the gateway to the valley.
Chelan
Gateway Park
Small green space at the edge of Chelan near the main highway entrance to town.
Chelan
Pingrey Centennial Park
Neighborhood park with open green space, picnic areas, and a playground. A low-key local option away from the waterfront.
Chelan Falls
Powerhouse Park
Small park near the historic Chelan Falls Powerhouse. Peaceful river views along the basalt canyon.
Manson
Singleton Park
Community park in Manson with open green space and picnic facilities within walking distance of downtown Manson.
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