How much does camping cost at Purple Point Campground?

Camping fees at Purple Point Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Purple Point Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Purple Point Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Purple Point Campground before I book?

Yes! Purple Point Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Purple Point Campground?

Purple Point Campground is open Open season: May 19 to September 7, 2025. Reservable dates: June 23 to September 7, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Purple Point Campground?

Purple Point Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Purple Point Campground have?

Purple Point Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Purple Point Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Purple Point Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Purple Point Campground?

Purple Point Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Purple Point Campground?

Popular activities at Purple Point Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Purple Point Campground

4.31

45 reviews

Top 5%Summer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near North Cascades National Park#3

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,093 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open season: May 19 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on North Cascades National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,093 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open season: May 19 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on North Cascades National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Purple Point Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent Only: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

509-699-2080 x 14noca_information@nps.gov

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Campground Map

Purple Point Campground

48.3130, -120.6580

Weather at Purple Point Campground

Current alerts(8)

As of March 1 2026, Purple Point and Lakeview Campgrounds at Stehekin Landing are managed by park concessions Guest Services, Inc and reservations are not available through Recreation.gov.
No Show Policy : If you do not arrive at a campground or cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date, your reservation will be cancelled. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.
Refund Policy Customers may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Customers may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended.
There are limited grocery items available, bring what you need. With limited trash services, consider Pack It In/Pack It Out.

Best Time to Camp at Purple Point Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the clearest choice for Purple Point — expect warm, moderate days (roughly mid-60s to low-80s°F) and crisp nights in the 40s–50s, ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and full-access hiking and biking. Lake access is at its peak, boat service is regular, and trails are free of lingering snow, so multi-day trips and shoreline exploration are easiest. Note that mid-July through August are the busiest times (book early), and late-summer wildfire smoke or fire restrictions can sometimes影响 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in US

Summer (May–Sept) is peak season: trails snow-free, boat service runs regularly, best weather.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season: May 19 to September 7, 2025. Reservable dates: June 23 to September 7, 2025.

About Purple Point Campground

Purple Point Campground sits on the shores of Lake Chelan in North Cascades National Park, accessible only by boat or floatplane. Operated by the National Park Service, this intimate campground offers primitive tent sites with flush toilets, potable water, and bear-proof food lockers. Visitors hike the surrounding trails, fish and boat on the lake, and explore nearby Stehekin Landing.

Purple Point Campground features tent-only, walk-in sites and is designed for primitive camping. The campground caters to individual and small group campers who prefer a minimalist experience close to nature.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clearest choice for Purple Point — expect warm, moderate days (roughly mid-60s to low-80s°F) and crisp nights in the 40s–50s, ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and full-access hiking and biking. Lake access is at its peak, boat service is regular, and trails are free of lingering snow, so multi-day trips and shoreline exploration are easiest. Note that mid-July through August are the busiest times (book early), and late-summer wildfire smoke or fire restrictions can sometimes影响 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1093 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a lakeside position where the Stehekin Valley meets Lake Chelan, one of the deepest lakes in the country. Sites sit close enough to the water that you can see mountain reflections on calm mornings. Site 1 offers views north toward Cascade Pass and south down the lake's 55-mile length. The surrounding peaks show the steep, glacially carved ridgelines typical of the North Cascades. Elevation is 1,093 feet. Some campsites are more exposed than others. Site 3 gets afternoon shade. Site 5 has shrubs and trees that provide partial screening. The lakefront access makes swimming and boating straightforward.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is present within the campground. Nearby accommodations, including a lodge and restaurant, are available at Stehekin Landing.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned as being offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground features walk-in sites accessible by foot, plane, or boat. Most sites are located near the road for easy access, and hand carts are available at the ferry dock to assist with transporting gear to campsites.

Site SizeCampsites accommodate small to medium-sized tents with enough space for basic camping gear. Some sites are described as compact, suitable for a 2-person tent.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by campsite. Some sites are visible from the road, while others offer partial privacy due to natural vegetation. For example, Site 5 has shrubs and trees that provide some seclusion.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite #5 is recommended for its privacy and elevated position. Campsite #3 has afternoon shade and good lake views. Campsite #1 offers views of Cascade Pass and Lake Chelan but is visible from the road.

Best CampsitesSite 1 has the best views: north to Cascade Pass, south down the lake. Site 3 gets afternoon shade, which helps on hot days. Site 5 offers more privacy thanks to surrounding shrubs and trees, plus a partial lake view. Site 2 sits close to the road and catches headlights and noise from early ferry activity.

Need help booking Purple Point Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Purple Point Campground, located in the Stehekin Valley at the head of Lake Chelan, offers essential amenities for a rustic camping experience. Visitors can access potable water, flush toilets, and designated fire pits. Each campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring. While there are no onsite shower or laundry facilities, these are available near the Stehekin Landing area—a short walk from the campground. The campground is known for its walk-in accessibility, with most sites near the road. Visitors are encouraged to pack out their waste as garbage removal in the area is limited and waste must be barged downlake. Cell phone reception is unavailable, but there is a public phone at the landing. Food storage lockers are provided for bear-safe storage.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Camp Store

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Purple Point Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The surrounding Stehekin Valley provides access to multiple trails and wilderness backpacking opportunities. Visitors can enjoy birding, kayaking, and star gazing while immersing themselves in the scenic beauty of the area.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-safe food lockers are provided for every two campsites, ensuring secure food storage in an area frequented by wildlife.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

45 reviews

Recommended

Purple Point Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Purple Point Campground is highly praised for its scenic location, proximity to Lake Chelan and Stehekin Landing, and well-maintained facilities. Several users highlight the campground's accessibility and the convenience of nearby amenities such as flush toilets and bear-proof storage.

Review Summaries

Based on 45 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 45 reviews.

Campsite 3Loved
Campsite 3 is praised for its lake views and afternoon shade.
Campsite 5Loved
Campsite 5 is described as having partial privacy with shrubs and trees and is located on a slope.
Campsite 1Mentioned
Campsite 1 offers views of the Cascade Pass and Lake Chelan, but it is visible from the road.
Campsite 2Issues noted
Campsite 2 is near the road and can be noisy.

What Campers Love

Highlights from user reviews include the campground's beautiful views of Lake Chelan, clean and well-maintained facilities, and its proximity to trails and Stehekin Landing. Many users appreciated...

Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted the campground's proximity to the road, which can result in noise and reduced privacy in certain campsites. Others mentioned that the sites are small, and some are exposed to wind....

Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing a sunshade for exposed sites, using bear-safe procedures, and utilizing hand carts for transporting gear from the ferry. For those seeking privacy, choosing sites further...

Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer receive the most favorable reviews for comfortable weather and vibrant natural beauty. Fall visitors appreciated the quieter atmosphere, while winter access is limited due to remote...

Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A scenic free campground that caters to hikers. Best kept secret in Washington State." - Travis R. "When you just cross the street to Purple Point there is a dock and ramps that you can walk on, and...

Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

Purple Point's walk-in design and proximity to Stehekin Landing make it accessible for most visitors. However, some campsites feature steep slopes or rocky terrain, which may pose challenges for...

Based on 45 reviews