306 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Stehekin, Washington offers a unique camping experience accessible primarily by boat, foot, or seaplane in the heart of the North Cascades. The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area features several tent-only campgrounds including Purple Point, which sits just across from Lake Chelan with approximately 10 campsites. Most camping options in this remote area are boat-in or hike-in facilities with basic amenities. Flick Creek Campground provides just a single site with bear boxes and vault toilets, while Lakeview and Weaver Point campgrounds offer additional options for those seeking a wilderness experience. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the region, making Stehekin a popular stop for thru-hikers seeking resupply and rest.
Permits are required for camping in the Stehekin area, obtainable from either the North Cascades National Park Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount or the NPS Visitor Center in Stehekin. Cell service is virtually nonexistent throughout the region, requiring advance planning and self-sufficiency. As one camper noted, "In the Stehekin Village, this campground sits just across the road from Lake Chelan with clean and well stocked bathrooms with running water, good tent pads, firepits, bear boxes, and potable water." The remote location means limited access to supplies, though the small Stehekin village offers some basic services. Summer weekends see the highest visitation, with shoulder seasons providing more solitude.
Campgrounds in the Stehekin area typically feature bear boxes, vault toilets, and picnic tables, with some offering potable water. Many sites provide direct lake access, though water temperatures remain cold year-round. PCT thru-hikers frequently pass through during summer months, creating a unique social atmosphere at Purple Point Campground. According to one visitor, "If you hit Flick Creek and it's in use, you have a 3.6 mile track to Lakeview campsite in Stehekin." Bridge Creek Campground, located about 3 miles from Stehekin, serves as a convenient overnight option for backpackers. The area's isolation is its primary appeal, offering a true wilderness experience with stunning mountain views, glacier-fed lakes, and extensive hiking opportunities within the North Cascades ecosystem.
"In the Stehekin Village, this campground sits just across the road from Lake Chelan. 10 or so campsites, clean and well stocked bathrooms with running water."
"Nestled just short distance off the main highway through this area, the Klipchuck campground is remote feeling and quiet. Sites here are beautiful with tall trees and lush greenery."
"A simple yet well maintained campsite located about a mile off of Hwy 20. Large campsites with good separation from nearby sites. The site is close to many great trailheads."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Both docks felt safe to be on, and the Lady of the Lake will stop there. More sheltered from the wind than other sites along this trail."
"One of the many awesome boat up National Forest Service campgrounds along Lake Chelan. Nice lake front spots, with firepits, picnic tables, and pit toilets."
"There is also no cell service on the lake so enjoy the peace and quiet without electronics."
"Small cave near boat dock! Awesome hike up to domke falls from this camp ground! Good all around views, lots of sun."
"my husband and I stayed at numerous campsites along the North Cascades Highway. We stayed here 1 night and did some hiking the next morning."
"If you hit this and it’s in use, you have a 3.6 mile track to Lakeview campsite in Stehekin. Be warned, you can’t reserve this site, so get going early Incase you have to rush past."
"Easy access, Made same day late reservation at front gate, Paved streets & individual sites, Most sites close to level, Restrooms and showers clean and work well, Nice walking paths, Good family park"
"However we still had a great time hanging out at the lakeside beach area, it’s dog friendly, hot weather, and close to downtown Winthrop for great shopping and food!"
from $12 - $149 / night
Check Availability"Stopped by while driving across the country. Right off the hiway. Very quiet campground. Was a pleasant stay. Bear food containers on site."
"Beautiful backcountry campground, complete with privy toilet, and campsites with a view of the lake and/or valley. Great swimming lake. No fire pits available."
TravelerVery quiet and relaxed location. Nice people. Can check in during their office hours but can also reserve online after hours if needed. Nice that they have bathrooms and showers also.
ScoutBeautiful place, super friendly hosts, no one else here
GuideEarly Winters is a great campsite that straddles the North Cascade Highway just outside of Winthrop. The north side of the highway connects directly to a few hiking/biking trails. The south side has the Early Winters Creek running right behind it. There is a decent pool behind campsites 5 and 6. There is a bit of highway noise, but it is fine for a few nights. Mazama is only a few miles down the road with a great store, gas, and restaurant. Winthrop is a fun town 16 miles further east with tons of shops, eateries, outdoor rentals, and more.
GuideBasic forest service campground. Off the beaten path. Pit toilet is very clean
TravelerVery convenient spot. I didn’t have to go far in to find a place to car camp for the night. So I can’t speak to what’s further up the road (including Forest Road 1062, which is the marker for this Dyrt listing). I was still on Forest Road 1060, which is labeled Bacon Creek Road from Highway 20. Initially I drove past it trying to find where my map told me to turn based on the GPS. So just keep an eye out for Bacon Creek Road. Google Maps labels at Forest Road 1060.
GuideCute little spot just off the hwy. Trees with a creek that runs through. Some hwy noise but not much. Very little WiFi. Little bathroom was clean.
TravelerLots of trees with shade.
TravelerThis might be my favorite campground in the area. Accessible, mostly level sites, VERY affordable. No utilities, no dump station either so have your water tank full and sewer empty. Sites are very shady so you won't get a lot of solar power in most places... bring your generator.
ScoutThis is a quiet, clean campsite just off highway 20 with a camp host on site. It is forested and has a stream that runs along the perimeter. There is no electricity, clean outhouses, a bit of internet, and a nearby gas/diesel station and small grocery. Great bicycle trails/hiking in the area.
Stehekin camping sites require substantial planning due to their remote location at 1,200 feet elevation in the North Cascades. Most campgrounds are accessible only via ferry on Lake Chelan, foot travel, or seaplane, with limited services available once there. The area receives moderate precipitation year-round with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often below freezing.
Hiking nearby trails: Purple Point Campground provides an excellent base for exploring local paths. "There's a nice trail right at camp for exploring. The lake is really close so if you feel the need to take a dip in the frigid water, no need to walk far," notes Rick P., who camped at Purple Point Campground.
Visit Domke Falls: The trail from Refrigerator Harbor offers rewarding hiking opportunities. "Awesome hike up to domke falls from this camp ground! Good all around views, lots of sun," shares Jess G. from Refrigerator Harbor Campground.
Swimming: While chilly even in summer, the lake offers refreshing swimming opportunities. "Great swimming lake," mentions a visitor to Rainbow Lake Campground, adding that "The views of valley on the downhill side of the lake are amazing but you will pay for it with the mosquitos in August!"
Privacy between sites: Klipchuck Campground features well-spaced sites. "The sites are spread out and give you a lot of privacy. We always stay at the loop to the right when you pull into the site," explains Jill T. at Klipchuck Campground.
Reliable facilities: Despite the remote location, many campsites maintain decent amenities. "The camp hosts make sure there is tp and clean toilets. The water is tasty and is tested. There are garbage dumpsters available," reports Judy T. about Klipchuck Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Expect encounters with local wildlife. "We did have a deer visit us every night but never actually came up to the site," mentions a Klipchuck camper, while others note the importance of following bear safety protocols at all locations near Stehekin.
Cell service limitations: Be prepared for communications challenges. At Lone Fir Campground, visitors report "No cell service" throughout their stay, making advance planning essential.
Weather variability: Temperature differences between nearby campgrounds can be substantial. "My only beef with this campground is that it is at a higher elevation so it gets pretty chilly. It is literally about 10 degrees warmer if you keep heading east about 10 miles to Klipchuck," notes a Lone Fir visitor.
Dock conditions: For boat-in camping options, dock infrastructure varies. At Moore Point Campground, "Both docks felt safe to be on, and the Lady of the Lake will stop there. More sheltered from the wind than other sites along this trail," according to Duane and Janey D.
Limited site availability: Flick Creek Campground offers minimal capacity. "Flick Creek has only one site, however if you are a small group or alone it's great. There is a bear box, a nice vaulted toilet, a shelter, and a nice point," notes a reviewer.
Consider site terrain: Some campsites have challenging access points. At Cascade Creek, "To get to the toilet you have to cross a blowdown over the river, so not the best for small kids. Also the hike in is very steep in the morning, so get adjusted at the site before you leave," warns Duane and Janey D. from Cascade Creek Campground.
Bug protection: Mosquitoes can be abundant in summer. "There were quite a bit of bugs, which is to be expected in The summer month of Washington. Bug spray is a must!!!" shares Sasha W. about Weaver Point Campground.
Campsite selection timing: Arrive early to secure preferred locations. "There are some sites that are on the river but those go quick and we never get there quick enough to snag one," advises a Klipchuck camper.
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain. "The sites do backup to the woods so you have privacy. The sites are spacious enough but some aren't level but the tenting area is, though," explains Judy T. about Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground.
Campground ambiance varies: Pearrygin Lake offers more developed facilities but different atmosphere. "This campground has nice facilities and is well maintained but it's definitely more toward the 'campground culture' crowd versus people looking for a quiet, peaceful escape. Lots of large groups playing music, rowdy kids having fun, generators running, etc," reports Meghan.
Size limitations: Many campsites near Stehekin accommodate only smaller RVs. "Sites here are beautiful with tall trees and lush greenery... Each site is equipped with a parking space large enough for a mid to large size vehicle, with some large enough for larger RV units as well," notes Crystal C. about Klipchuck Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Purple Point Campground located in Stehekin?
Purple Point Campground is located in Stehekin Village, situated just across the road from Lake Chelan. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the Stehekin area while having easy access to the lake. The campground's central location means amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and food options are just a short stroll away. The proximity to the village makes it convenient for campers arriving by ferry from Chelan.
What camping options are available in Stehekin?
Stehekin offers several camping options for visitors. Purple Point Campground is the main developed campground in Stehekin Village with about 10 campsites, tent pads, fire pits, bear boxes, and potable water. It's located just across from Lake Chelan with clean bathrooms. For boat access camping, Flick Creek Boat-in Camp provides a single site with a bear box, vault toilet, and shelter. Other boat-in options near Stehekin include Moore Point, Weaver Point, and Refrigerator Harbor campgrounds. For backpackers, Bridge Creek Campground is available along hiking routes in the North Cascades.
What camping is available near Stehekin, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Stehekin, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 306 campgrounds and RV parks near Stehekin, WA and 35 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Stehekin, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stehekin, WA is Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stehekin, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Stehekin, WA.
What parks are near Stehekin, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Stehekin, WA that allow camping, notably Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and North Cascades National Park.
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