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Established Camping

Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

4 Reviews

Purple Point Campground, near Marblemount, Washington, is a scenic spot that offers a unique camping experience right by Lake Chelan. With its stunning views and proximity to the water, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the North Cascades.

This campground features clean facilities, including bathrooms with running water and bear boxes for your food storage needs. Campers appreciate the well-maintained sites, which come with fire pits for those cozy evenings under the stars. One visitor noted, “The view of the lake here is amazing,” highlighting the picturesque setting that surrounds you.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, there are trails nearby for exploring the area. Plus, if you’re up for it, you can take a dip in the lake to cool off after a day of hiking. While the campground can get busy, especially on weekends, the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to meet fellow campers make it a lively spot to spend your time.

Description

National Park Service

North Cascades National Park

Overview

Campgrounds in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are walk-in sites located in the Stehekin Valley at the head of Lake Chelan. Purple Point Campground is an approximatly eight minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing along a paved road. Most sites are located very near the road. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.

Recreation

Visitors can access several trails from near the campground, such the Imus Trail, the Purple Creek Trail, and the Lakeshore Trail. Other trails trails further up the valley can be reached by via foot, bike, or shuttle bus. Many of the trails from Stehekin provide the opportunity for longer wilderness backpacks. A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Visitors can boat, fish, and swim (although the water is a chilly 45 degrees) in Lake Chelan. Bears do inhabit the area, so care should be taken when hiking, picnicking, or camping.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.

Nearby Attractions

Stehekin is a gateway into the east side of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Many short to multi-day backpacking trips begin in the Stehekin area. Other attractions in the area are the historic Buckner Orchard, where visitors can pick apples in the fall, and Rainbow Falls, a 312-foot waterfall near the Stehekin Valley Road.

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Location

Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

There are no roads that connect Stehekin to the rest of Washington. Access is via foot, boat, or plane.

Coordinates

48.313046 N
120.657959 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
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  • AT&T
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  • T-Mobile
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Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4 Reviews

J
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

The reviews on this site are misleading

I reserved a spot here after reading the reviews and it made it seem like it was easily accessible and you could drive up to it. The only way to access the camping site is by boat plane or on foot.

The reviews on here make it seem like it is easily accessible by car which isn’t available.

I did more research a few weeks before leaving and canceled our reservation. It looks beautiful from the pictures but it seemed like to much of a hassle for me.

Sitesite 1
Month of VisitAugust
Roy P.
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2017

A beautiful sunset...

Beautiful!!!

SiteWe stayed in the most scenic of sites. We got there early (10ish) just as the previous campers were leaving and gave us plenty of wood for campfire - which, unfortunately was too windy for, may have been why they had so much left over. Otherwise, the view and camping were fantastic!
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area by Roy P., July 8, 2017
  • Review photo of Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area by Roy P., July 8, 2017
  • Review photo of Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area by Roy P., July 8, 2017
  • (4) View All
Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Next to Lake Chelan with great amenities

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. Good tent pads, nice sites with firepits/grates, trash, dish sink, bear boxes, and potable water. Shower, laundry, and food are just a short walk from the village. Many PCT thru-hikers stop through here, so be ready for some fun company and great stories. Also, be sure to visit the bakery and the garden for amazing food! Hiker exchange box near the waterfront can be a goldmine, too. Cost=free! Permit required from NOCA Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount or the NPS Visitor Center in Stehekin.

  • Review photo of Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area by Shari G., August 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area by Shari G., August 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area by Shari G., August 31, 2016
  • (5) View All
Rick P.
Reviewed Apr. 15, 2015

Great view and amenites, with a few downsides.

The Positives: The view of the lake here is amazing, especially from the lower more northern camps. Close proximity to the store, restaurant, showers, laundry, etc., is very convenient. The bathroom (with running water), water spigots, dish washing sink, and bear boxes are very nice. 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.

The negative: The CG is that it's right on the road so there is some vehicle traffic early morning and early evening. It's also a bit steep and pretty dry in the summer. On occasion I've stayed there while there are some party type of campers there which is the downside of such an accessible camp. Not a lot of sites here and since it's first come first serve, you may not have much choice...get there early on busy weekend.

  • Review photo of Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area by Rick P., April 15, 2015
  • Review photo of Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area by Rick P., April 15, 2015
  • Review photo of Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area by Rick P., April 15, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.