Marissa O.
Traveler
TravelerGoodell Creek Campground — North Cascades National Park
Nice campground, roads aren’t bad and not too busy in October. We stayed in the loop with spots 14-19 and could hear some road traffic.
Tent Camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, WA
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Lake Chelan National Recreation Area offers primitive tent camping opportunities accessible primarily by boat, foot, or seaplane, with several established campgrounds including Purple Point, Moore Point, and Flick Creek situated along the shores of Lake Chelan. These tent-only sites within North Cascades National Park provide varying levels of amenities and access challenges, with most requiring advance planning for transportation into the remote wilderness area.
Most tent campgrounds in the Lake Chelan area require specialized access, with several marked as boat-in and hike-in only. Sites typically feature basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though drinking water is limited to select locations like Purple Point and Weaver Point. According to one visitor, "If you're backpacking in the southern part of the North Cascades, you'll probably wander right through this campground." Bear boxes are provided at many sites for safe food storage, as wildlife activity is common throughout the area. Campers should be prepared for primitive tent setups with no electricity, showers, or garbage service at most locations.
The isolated nature of these tent camping areas creates unique wilderness experiences. Sites are often separated by natural vegetation for privacy, and many offer direct lakefront access. A recent review noted that "The view of the lake here is amazing, especially from the lower more northern camps." Tent campers should be aware that some locations like Flick Creek have extremely limited capacity, with only one site available on a first-come, first-served basis. Weather conditions can change rapidly on Lake Chelan, particularly in late summer when winds increase and the lake can become rough. Many tent campers access these primitive areas via the Lady of the Lake ferry service or private watercraft, as road access is nonexistent for most campgrounds. Early morning and evening boat traffic can occasionally create noise near waterfront tent sites.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (123)
1. Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
"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."
2. Bridge Creek Campground — North Cascades National Park
"The North Cascades are a must see in Washington. Such a gorgeous drive, beautiful hikes and great places to stay."
"If you’re backpacking in the southern part of the North Cascades, you’ll probably wander right through this campground. Because of this, it can get a bit crowded in the middle of summer."
3. Moore Point Campground
"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."
"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."
4. Weaver Point Boat-in Camp — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
"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."
5. Flick Creek Boat-in Camp — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
"There is a bear box, a nice vaulted toilet, a shelter, and a nice point. The dock was a bit sketchy, but not dangerous."
6. Lakeview Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
7. Refrigerator Harbor Campground
"Open camp ground, fire rings, picnic tables and vault toilets. Really good fishing! Small cave near boat dock! Awesome hike up to domke falls from this camp ground! Good all around views, lots of sun."
"Primitive campground with only an outhouse available for facilities. No water. You need to bring your own. There is also no cell service on the lake so enjoy the peace and quiet without electronics."
8. Sahale Glacier Camp — North Cascades National Park
"Many of the sites sit on top of glacial moraines and are walled in with rocks to reduce wind. Water is easy access from meltwater from snow and glacier. No fire pits available."
"From the forests, to the alpine meadows, to the lake, and up, all the way to the campsite. Permits are required. Camping at the base of a glacier is something I would recommend for anyone."
9. Pelton Basin — North Cascades National Park
"This is the perfect site for a large group, but it also has a few smaller “tucked away” spots for individuals, couples, etc."
10. Cottonwood Camp — North Cascades National Park
"Nice backcountry campground, complete with privy toilet, firepits, and a picnic table (though it is in disrepair) -- makes roughing it even easier."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 20 min from Wenatchee, WA
- 4 hrs 35 min from Seattle, WA
- 4 hrs 55 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 5 hrs 18 min from Bellingham, WA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
45 Photos of 123 Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Bridge Creek Campground — North Cascades National Park
Moore Point Campground
Pelton Basin — North Cascades National Park
Sahale Glacier Camp — North Cascades National Park
Atkinson Flat Campground
Chiwawa Horse Campground
Neve Camp — Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Thunder Point Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Hidden Hand Backcountry — Ross Lake National Recreation AreaT
McMillan — Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Spencers Camp — Ross Lake National Recreation AreaD
Tent Camping Reviews near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
843 Reviews of 123 Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Campgrounds
- YYuka K.Traveler
Pine Near RV Park
We’ve stayed here before, and each time the stay has been wonderful! Our first time was when an unexpected snowfall happened (over 2 feet) while camping. One of the hosts let us stay in the laundry area to stay warm, and even offered one of the cabins to cook in to stay out of the elements. The RV park is wonderfully kept and the facilities is all regularly cleaned. It’s a short walk onto the main strip of Winthrop.
- Valerie S.Traveler
Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground
The heated bathrooms with showers were definitely comfort on our cross country road trip. We arrived after hours but because we already had made reservations that morning we were able to use the slider and enter the campground. Star gazing is always top priority. We headed down to the lake’s beach to snap some shots with my iPhone 14 Pro night, setting on a tripod and remote.
- TTeresa A.
LegendMountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp
Overnight stop
The dispersed sites are on the narrow, gravel section. There are a few on the paved area but most have been blocked off. Even on the gravel section most are pull-offs or quite close to the road. They are dispersed sites so no amenities. Most are close or have access to the Sauk River. The road and TH’s were very busy but cleared out as evening settled in.
- TTeresa A.Legend
Lower Sandy - Winter Only Dispersed
Two nights
We spent two nights at this small campground. It is free in off season. There is a vault toilet but no other amenities. Sites were clean and in good condition.
Baker Lake TH is a few miles up the road for more exploring. - TTeresa A.Legend
Chewuch River Camping
Fall camping
Enjoyed a couple nights relaxing at this great spot. A couple of visitors drove through to check out the river but we were the only ones camping. We stayed at the back at the site with beach access.
- TTeresa A.Legend
US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass
Overnight stay
Road closures due to a bridge out closed off probably the better sites up top but we did find a great spot off the road with a view. Enjoyed a nice evening under the stars and a campfire.
Amy W.LegendGoodell Creek Campground — North Cascades National Park
Packed like sardeens
Nice area. Felt like the sites were all on top of each other. a few pit toilets that are very smelly . A few water bib cocks for refilling your rig. Water was shut off for the season already unfortunately.
Some sites are on the river which is nice. Great level tent spot at each site. Would stay again still. Close to the NP
- Amy W.Legend
Newhalem Creek Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Level spot in the park
Visited the last 2 weeks of off season before they shut the campground down for the winter. A little confusing on finding an open site since it was “first come first serve” but you had to show proof of occupancy while you are gone so we got booted out of our first spot by some ignorant chick who wanted to argue and we didnt want to deal with it.
The new spot was great. Had no issues with bugs. Pretty secluded by the trees and brush so we didn’t feel on top of eachother.
Females bathrooms pretty clean. No showers unfortunately.
Was informed the males bathroom was pretty gross unfortunately for them
Guide to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Tent camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area requires planning for specialized access and variable weather conditions. The region experiences strong winds in late summer that can create rough water conditions on Lake Chelan, affecting boat transportation to remote campsites. Most campsites have limited capacity, with Flick Creek offering just a single campsite available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: A short hike from Refrigerator Harbor Campground leads to scenic Domke Falls. "Awesome hike up to domke falls from this camp ground! Good all around views, lots of sun," notes camper Jess G.
Explore Stehekin Village: Located near Lakeview Campground, the village offers supplies and amenities for campers. The campground is "hidden up and behind the ranger station" according to Christian N., providing forest scenery though sites are "a little far from the lake."
Glacier hiking: For experienced hikers, Sahale Glacier Camp offers alpine exploration opportunities. One camper shares, "I explored the area up there, and followed a glacier stream. It's a spectacular spot."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Bridge Creek Campground, campers appreciate the natural separation. "I liked that the spots weren't super close to the next person. They were separated by trees which I liked. Privacy is always nice!!" mentions Sasha W.
Convenient amenities: The dishwashing sink at Purple Point is particularly useful for campers preparing meals. One visitor noted it has "clean and well stocked bathrooms with running water. Good tent pads, nice sites with firepits/grates, trash, dish sink, bear boxes, and potable water."
Protected camping areas: At Pelton Basin, the "Group cooking area is well thought out, with bear boxes right next to it," according to Shari G., who also mentions the campground has a "composting toilet (with a view!)."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Lake Chelan tent camping means disconnecting completely. A camper at Refrigerator Harbor advises: "There is also no cell service on the lake so enjoy the peace and quiet without electronics."
Weather challenges: Lake conditions can change rapidly, particularly in late summer. Jennifer H. warns, "Waters get rougher later in the season (late August) or early Summer so look at the weather reports before making the trip as winds and get rough and the lake can get nasty quickly."
Wildlife considerations: Beyond bears, other wildlife requires preparation. At Moore Point Campground, campers should bring "a water purifying device" according to Shari G., while Jennifer H. cautions Refrigerator Harbor visitors to "Watch for rattlesnakes in the rocks."
Tips for camping with families
Check campsite availability early: For tent camping with children, timing matters. At Bridge Creek Campground, Emily L. notes it "can get a bit crowded in the middle of summer. But if you go earlier or later in the season, it's lovely."
Look for covered structures: Some lakeside camping areas provide shelter options. At Moore Point, one camper observed "a covered area that appeared to have shelves and a bunk built into it," offering protection from sudden weather changes.
Consider noise levels: Location affects campsite quietness. One camper reports that certain campsites can have "some vehicle traffic early morning and early evening," which might disturb light-sleeping children.
Tips from RVers
RV access limitations: No RV camping exists within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. All campgrounds in the immediate area require boat, foot, or seaplane access and accommodate tents only.
Nearby alternatives: RVers must park vehicles at designated areas in Chelan or adjacent towns and utilize the Lady of the Lake ferry service to access tent camping areas.
Transportation planning: James from Purple Point Campground warns potential campers that "The only way to access the camping site is by boat plane or on foot," emphasizing the need for careful transportation planning regardless of camping style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 123 tent camping locations near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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