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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!)
Such a great park! Wonderful amenities, incredibly easy to set up camp or just pop in for a visit.
Great spot for camping in lake Chelan. Most definitely requires planning and reserving camp site ahead of time 3-4 months recommended.
There are campsite along water and shared and private ones as well.
It’s paddle board, kayak, kid, and pet friendly. The site has showers and toilet (very clean).
The rangers patrol periodically and answer any questions you have.
One of the coolest and prettiest places I’ve ever tent camped at. I was there mid week after Labor Day too so it was quiet and not crowded at all. It was a little expensive, almost $40, especially being there by myself, but it was honestly worth it with how clean and well maintained everything was on top of the serene views. I will be back for sure!
Only downside was the No campfire rule being enforced, which of course makes perfect sense and I’m not upset about.
I always love a camping trip to Lake Chelan every year. This year we are being treated to beautiful foliage. Such a lovely l lake. My dog loves swimming in it even in cool weather. It is great for kayaking. There are great wineries in the area as well. They have a section for RV's. You are fairly close to your neighbor but there are open grassy areas behind you if you are on the left side.
Nice place for picnic and spending time. I was there December 1st week on weekdays and no one was there around noon, but it surely is some place I’d like to visit again. Plenty of parking. You will need discover pass or you may need to pay, however when I reached there was no one there. The drive from Leavenworth to Lake Chelan is also very beautiful.
