## 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. 
## Facilities

 At the Stehekin Landing area, the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin has a small store with very limited groceries and a restaurant. Public showers and laundry facilities are located near the Landing, though not in the campground.\_\_\_\_ There are no roads or car access into Stehekin. Accessible by foot, boat (ferry and private) or plane only. Visitors may take a passenger ferry or their own boat, which may be moored at the public docks in Stehekin with the purchase of a federal dock permit. Each campsite offers a picnic table. Fires are allowed in designated fire pits. Purple Point offers drinking water, flush toilets, and garbage removal, but all waste must be eventually barged downlake and visitors are encouraged to pack out everything they pack in.\_\_ 
## 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.

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.  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.

Next to Lake Chelan with great amenities

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.