Camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, WA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (295)

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Recent Reviews near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

800 Reviews of 295 Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Glacier View Campground

    Glacier View Campground

    We had a great 2-night stay. Arrived Sunday afternoon to the last of the weekenders packing up, then had the place to ourselves. The first few sites had space for RVs, but after that it's primarily hike-in sites, but a one or two sites for a camper van to pull into (which is the option we chose). The sites have great access to water. Amenities include vault toilets and trash. Spotty cell service. A ranger does swing through and checks on receipts. At the moment, it's $24/night cash or you can pay with Scan & Go for an extra online fee plus tax.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Lake Wenatchee State Park - SOUTH Campground

    I was really impressed with this state park! The campsites are in a beautiful setting, there's a camp store and picnic area next to the beach, and many restrooms/showers scattered in the camping area. Despite the campground being packed this weekend with families and people of all ages and backgrounds, everyone was respectful of one another and quiet during scheduled the Quiet Hours. Good cell service, too.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Skagit River RV & Camping

    Nice after a day in North Cascades National Park

    Pretty small and quiet campground. Great views. The bathrooms are clean, but the showers are tiny, and not great for tall or chubby people.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    Peaceful, but somehow also crowded

    Spots are not near each other so you get privacy that way. A lot of through traffic because of the hikes nearby and the sites are right on the road. A TON of mosquitos so bring your spray!

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Howard Miller Steelhead County Park

    Howard Miller Steelhead County Park

    Quite expensive for a county park ($40/night) but the hosts are sweethearts, the bathrooms/showers were clean, and the park itself is well-maintained and cared for. Also, good cell service.

  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Panorama Point Campground

    Absurd price and no running water

    $37 per night for a standard campsite. No running water at the moment.

  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    All things considered, good spot

    Many pull offs along the gravel road. Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access.

    Pros: free, good views, easy to get to, plenty of spots (even on Labor Day), fire rings.

    Cons: some spots have lots of trash (please remember leave no trace), most spots are along the gravel road so there are cars passing by every once in a while and sometimes they go by quite quickly kicking up lots of dust.

    All things considered, pretty good spot and would stay again.

  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Klipchuck Campground

    Great spot

    Many available spots, even on a Sunday prior to Labor Day. Campsite cost is $20 per night plus $2 in fees. Each site was very clean, with picnic table, fire pit, and a pretty flat tent pad. Pit toilets were very well maintained, and water spigots were at every other site. Would come again, highly recommend. Only payment option is to “Scan & Pay” where you scan the QR code with the recreation.gov app and you get a confirmation number, which you write down on your site post (once you get service the app will charge your card). No cash options afaik.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Skagit River RV & Campground

    Super Casual

    No frills camping if you don’t count FHU availability. The campground has a bunch of tent campers in and out. The laundry is fine with 3-4 machines of each. There is a dish cleaning station for the tent campers. The bathhouse was fine but I used my trailer because of all the tent campers. The sites are large and grassy. A little unlevel but no big deal. The views were awesome. Access to the park and Diablo Lake was no problem. Bring all your groceries, not much in way of stores in area. Would definitely stay again.


Guide to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Washington, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, swim, or just relax in nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "This is a good basecamp for exploring the North Cascades. We visit Maple Pass, Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake and other hikes nearby."
  • Swimming: The lakes are perfect for a refreshing dip. One camper said, "Swimming in the lake is an absolute must if you can brave the cold!"
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Colonial Creek South Campground, provide access to fishing and boating opportunities. A visitor noted, "You can swim in the lake, there is a boat launch and there is a hiking trail across the street."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One review states, "Beautiful campground with many large shaded sites along Lake Diablo. Absolutely gorgeous."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds have well-maintained restrooms. A camper mentioned, "Bathrooms were clean. Sites a little close, but overall a lovely experience."
  • Wildlife: Campers appreciate the chance to see wildlife. One reviewer shared, "Despite the presence of bears, there was also a pretty cavalier attitude to bear safety... but it was still a great experience."

What you should know:

  • Privacy Concerns: Some campgrounds can feel crowded. A visitor at Colonial Creek North Campground noted, "Sites are close together and not very private. It feels a bit like a carnival at times instead of camping in the woods."
  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds lack certain amenities. One camper at Goodell Creek Campground pointed out, "This is a primitive campground with no hook-ups, but there is potable water located in the loops."
  • Access to Supplies: Be prepared for limited access to stores. A reviewer mentioned, "You need to be prepared when you arrive. Closest camp store is about 25 minutes with limited supplies."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. One camper at Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground said, "Most of the sites are large with lots of privacy."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A visitor noted, "Great views. Sandy beach for kids."
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some campgrounds can be busy, having games or activities can help keep kids entertained. One camper suggested, "We try to stay here at least once each year. What's not to like? It's got mountain views while camping lakeside."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Klipchuck Campground mentioned, "Few sites are long enough for larger rigs and turns are tight in the loops."
  • Arrive Early: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. One camper advised, "Get there early or it will be hard to find a spot for an RV."
  • Be Prepared for No Hookups: Many campgrounds in the area do not offer electric hookups. A visitor at Newhalem Creek Campground noted, "No hookups of any kind, but the sites are nicely wooded with decent separation."

Camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Washington, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. Just be sure to plan ahead and know what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area offers a wide range of camping options, with 295 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and 34 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is Klipchuck Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?

What parks are near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area that allow camping, notably North Cascades National Park and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.