Lake Chelan Camping and Campgrounds

🏕️ Lake Chelan Camping & Campgrounds: Where to Pitch a Tent by the Water

Camping near the stunning, glacier-fed waters of Lake Chelan is an experience like no other. Whether you're seeking a rustic backcountry adventure or a full-hookup site for your RV, the Lake Chelan region offers a wide variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts. From state parks and national forests to quiet private campgrounds, there’s a site for every type of camper.

If you’re dreaming of stargazing beside the lake, waking up to mountain views, and toasting marshmallows by a campfire, here’s your complete guide to Lake Chelan camping and campgrounds.

1. Lake Chelan State Park

Location: South shore, 11 miles west of Chelan

Best for: Family-friendly lakeside camping

Lake Chelan State Park is the most popular public campground in the area—and for good reason. Nestled on a forested hillside, this 139-acre park features over 8,000 feet of freshwater shoreline, making it a perfect base for swimming, boating, kayaking, or just relaxing on the beach.

Camping features:

• 144 campsites (103 standard, 18 partial-hookup, and 17 full-hookup RV sites)
• Showers, restrooms, dump station
• Boat launch, dock, picnic areas
• Reserve early: sites book quickly in peak season

Why camp here:

It’s the most accessible public campground with amenities, lake access, and space for both tents and RVs.

2. Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park

Location: West shore of Lake Chelan, about 30 minutes from Chelan

Best for: Boaters and quiet lakeside stays

This smaller and more secluded state park is ideal for campers looking for a peaceful escape. With its full marina and dock, it’s especially popular among boaters who want quick access to the lake.

Camping features:

• 62 campsites (49 standard, 7 utility, 6 boat-in)
• Boat launch, marina, moorage slips
• Restrooms and showers
• Less crowded than Lake Chelan State Park

Why camp here:

It’s perfect for boaters or anyone who wants a more remote and quieter lakeside camping experience.

3. Stehekin Campgrounds (Upper Lake Chelan)

Location: Head of Lake Chelan, in North Cascades National Park

Best for: Wilderness adventure and backcountry lovers

Accessible only by boat, floatplane, or hiking, the Stehekin area offers an unforgettable wilderness camping experience. The most popular campgrounds—Harlequin, Lakeview, and Purple Point—are operated by the National Park Service and located near the Stehekin Landing.

Camping features:

• Tent-only sites
• Vault toilets, fire rings
• Access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and the Stehekin Valley
• No vehicle access — arrive by ferry or floatplane

Why camp here:

It’s one of Washington’s most remote and scenic camping destinations, with true off-grid serenity.

4. Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) Campgrounds

The Chelan County PUD operates a few convenient campgrounds near the lower lake and the Columbia River that are clean, simple, and great for families or travelers with RVs.

i. Beebe Bridge Park

Location: Across the Columbia River, 5 miles from Chelan

• 46 RV sites with full hookups
• Riverfront camping with swimming area and dock
• Sports courts and picnic shelters

ii. Daroga State Park (managed by PUD)

Location: North of Chelan on the Columbia River

• 28 campsites
• Large grassy areas, access to water, and shade trees
• Fishing, biking, and river activities

Why camp at PUD sites:

They’re well-maintained, affordable, and offer great access to both Lake Chelan and the Columbia River.

5. Private Campgrounds Around Chelan and Manson

There are also several private campgrounds around Lake Chelan that cater to both tent campers and RV travelers, often with added perks like Wi-Fi, general stores, and private docks.

i. Lakeshore RV Park (City of Chelan)

• Full hookups, restrooms, showers
• Right next to Don Morse Park and downtown Chelan
• Extremely convenient for restaurants, groceries, and lake rentals

ii. Watson’s Harverene Resort (Manson)

• Family-run lakeside campground and resort
• Tent and RV sites, dock, boat launch, and cabins
• Great access to Manson wineries

iii. Fielding Hills Winery RV Sites

• For wine-lovers with RVs
• Small number of quiet, vineyard-adjacent campsites with gorgeous lake views

Why go private:

Private campgrounds offer added comfort, great locations, and often more availability during peak season.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Lake Chelan Camping Experience

Whether you want a full-hookup RV site with resort comforts or a secluded tent site along a remote shoreline, Lake Chelan camping offers something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. From state parks with lakefront access to backcountry hideaways deep in the North Cascades, the area is a paradise for campers.

Pack your tent, grab your cooler, and get ready to sleep under the stars—Lake Chelan’s campgrounds are ready when you are.