Reservations at Lake Chelan State Park Campground fill fast, sometimes within hours of the booking window opening, and summer spots can be claimed nearly a year in advance. Nightly rates run $12 to $56 depending on site type, with tent-only sites at the lower end and full hookup RV sites (electric, water, and sewer) at the higher end. The campground sits along the south shore of Lake Chelan, open from March through November, and gives campers a base within reach of campsites near Lake Chelan across the broader region.
The campground divides into two distinct areas. A marina and beach loop puts campers close to the water, with walk-in sites where you park at the top and carry gear down to the site. The other end of the park has more conventional drive-in sites set among forested and open terrain. Jason P. sums up the tradeoff well: "the walk in sites along the lake are amazing," though he notes that most other sites sit close together with limited separation between neighbors. Site 65 on the marina loop and sites 88 and 89 toward the lake draw specific mentions from reviewers as worth targeting. The grassy center sites, by contrast, have little buffer from adjacent campers.
Water access is the main draw. A dock system, a designated swim area (rocky underfoot, so water shoes help), and kayak and paddleboard rentals at the day-use area give campers options from morning through evening. A small on-site store sells hot food and supplies. The lake water is clear, and early or late-day paddling tends to catch calmer conditions. Wildlife is present, and campers consistently warn to store all food securely.
Restrooms include flush toilets and showers, and multiple reviewers note the facilities stay clean through the season. RVs are limited to 30 feet, and a dump station is on site. Four Lakes RV Park and Wapato Lake Campground are nearby alternatives if the park is full. Spring and fall visits offer drier weather with noticeably fewer crowds than the peak summer rush. Book as early as January for a June trip.
Description
Reserve your campsite early, wait for summer with growing anticipation, then join the ranks of visitors who make Lake Chelan a family tradition.
This social camping park pulses with life in the summer. Generations of families return to the blue lake every year; they even try to book the same campsite they've used since the 1960s and '70s. But, while they'll jockey online for their favorite spot, veteran Chelan-goers happily share this gem with first-timers, and many lifelong friendships begin there.
Lake Chelan State Park has a long, sandy beach, shaded picnic tables and a calm lagoon. The 50.5-mile lake, with a depth of 1,486 feet, draws boaters, sailors, anglers, water skiers, windsurfers and seasonal residents. The area features some of the finest hiking trails in Washington, and adventurous hikers make the park their base from which to explore the North Cascades. For visitors hoping to chill out in their camp chairs, float the lagoon in a raft and soak up the homey atmosphere with family and friends, this place cannot be beat.
Lake Chelan State Park is a 139 acre public recreation area and nature reserve located on the southwest shore of Lake Chelan, and on the east side of the Cascade Mountains. In 1942, Washington State made a large land purchase and allocated part of the land for Lake Chelan State Park. Today, the park attracts visitors from all over thanks to its range of camping, picnicking, hiking, boating, and water activities.
Unusual for Washington, this park is known for its expansive 6,000 ft sandy beach, shaded picnic tables and a large, crystal lagoon spanning 55.5 miles in area, with water as deep as 1,486 feet. Subsequently, the lagoon draws boaters, sailors, anglers, water skiers, windsurfers, and fishers as well. Without a doubt, Lake Chelan is the most famous part of this park. However, don’t let its splendor captivate you too long- because there area is full of amazing hiking as well.
In fact, the park features some of the finest hiking trails in Washington, from which adventurous hikers make the park their base to adventure in the North Cascades. If hiking isn’t your thing however, chill out in a camp chairs under a nice shaded tree, paddleboard out to the center of the lagoon, and then finish your day taking in the cozy atmosphere with at your campsite with family and friends. When it comes to fun for everyone, Lake Chelan State Park is sure to please.
While the park is open year round, it really comes alive during the summer. Visiting Lake Chelan is a long standing tradition for many local families and friends. Consequently, as soon as school retires for the summer, swaths of families return to the blue lagoon every year for their annual lake trips and family outings. And you better believe they have a preference for the “family campsite” that they’ve probably used since the 70s. You’ll want to reserve your campsite well in advance if you’re planning to join the ranks of Lake Chelan regulars.
Even then, veteran Chelan-goers happily share their beloved campground with newcomers, and a number of lifelong friendships are formed here. Get your family and friends together, and come make Lake Chelan a new tradition this Summer (or avoid the crowds and visit sooner!)
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake Chelan State Park Campground is located in Washington near Manson
Address
7544 S Lakeshore Road
Chelan, WA 98816-9755
Coordinates
47.87371 N
120.2004 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/7/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 48 min from Wenatchee, WA
- 2 hrs 27 min from Yakima, WA
- 2 hrs 57 min from Seattle, WA
- 3 hrs 17 min from Mount Vernon, WA













































