Prince Creek Campground

4.86

9 reviews

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Washington Spring Camping Washington Mountain Camping Washington

Quick Facts

1,100 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

May 1 - October 31 (...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,100 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

May 1 - October 31 (...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Prince Creek Campground

$10.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Federal Dock Site Boat Permit required May 1 - October 31: $10/day or $75/season.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.86

Top-Rated

Based on 9 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullocationlake

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews highlight the campground's suitability for boat-in camping and its remote, serene environment. Reviewers appreciate the access to Lake Chelan and the quiet experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Prince Creek Campground

Driving directionsCommercial Ferries: The Lady of the Lake and Stehekin Ferry provide passenger ferry service between Chelan, Fields Point Landing, and Stehekin, stopping at Prince Creek Campground and other locations. Check ladyofthelake.com and stehekinferry.com for schedules and fees. Personal Boat: Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park offers a popular boat launch for accessing up-lake sites via private boats; amenities and fees are at parks.wa.gov/293/Twenty-Five-Mile-Creek. Other boat launches are available at Manson, Chelan, and Lake Chelan State Park. Visit chelanpud.org for details. From Chelan, boat approximately 34 miles up Lake Chelan to reach Prince Creek Campground on the north shore. Alternatively, drive south on Highway 97A for 3 miles, turn right onto Southshore Road, go 17 miles to Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, and boat 15 miles from its launch.

Accessible only by boat; no drive-to access. Roads leading to boat launch locations are paved and easily navigable.

Nearby places

Chelan (34 miles by boat from Prince Creek), Manson, Fields Point Landing.

Nearby supplies

Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park may offer some supplies

no detailed information available about other nearby locations.

Best Time to Camp at Prince Creek Campground

Lake Chelan's dramatic seasonal changes create distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise, with temperatures climbing to a perfect 70-88°F – ideal for swimming, hiking, and lounging by the water's edge. As autumn arrives, the surrounding wilderness erupts in golden hues while crisp air signals the changing season. Winter blankets the landscape in snow, with temperatures hovering between 30-40°F, creating a serene but challenging environment for the most adventurous souls. Spring brings renewal and moderate temperatures, though visitors should prepare for variable weather conditions as nature awakens from its winter slumber.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WA

May 1–Oct 31 is open season; summer described as sun‑drenched and is peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Seasonal changes noted; fall likely offers quieter scenery but limited review detail.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 1; spring access is possible but experiences vary and reviews lack specifics.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1 - Oct 31; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 - October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 1 - October 31 (permit required for dock use during this period).
Current Alerts: Crews pulling and spraying noxious weeds in April may limit site availability.

About Prince Creek Campground

Escape the everyday at Prince Creek Campground, a hidden gem accessible only by boat on the pristine waters of Lake Chelan. Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, this intimate campground offers adventurers a perfect blend of solitude and exploration. Six secluded tent sites await, each equipped with sturdy tables and fire rings where stories are shared under starlit skies. A convenient floating dock accommodates up to three boats, making arrival and departure a breeze. With direct access to both the scenic Lakeshore Trail #1247 and the challenging Prince Creek Wilderness Trail #1255, outdoor enthusiasts can spend their days hiking through untouched wilderness before returning to their lakeside sanctuary. While you'll need to bring your own water, the campground provides three well-maintained facilities and everything else you need for an unforgettable backcountry experience. As one enchanted visitor shared, 'What an experience to make a stop here on our boating trip. We had a great time.'

Prince Creek Campground is exclusively accessible by boat and caters to tent camping. It is suitable for larger groups and provides a unique wilderness experience bordering the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Prince Creek Campground remains unwritten in official documents, this pristine corner of Lake Chelan holds the timeless stories of countless adventurers who've sought refuge in its peaceful embrace. The land whispers tales of those who came before – from indigenous peoples who first navigated these waters to modern explorers seeking connection with the untamed wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsLake Chelan's dramatic seasonal changes create distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise, with temperatures climbing to a perfect 70-88°F – ideal for swimming, hiking, and lounging by the water's edge. As autumn arrives, the surrounding wilderness erupts in golden hues while crisp air signals the changing season. Winter blankets the landscape in snow, with temperatures hovering between 30-40°F, creating a serene but challenging environment for the most adventurous souls. Spring brings renewal and moderate temperatures, though visitors should prepare for variable weather conditions as nature awakens from its winter slumber.

ElevationPerched at 1,100 feet above sea level, Prince Creek Campground offers a unique vantage point where mountain air meets lake breezes. This moderate elevation provides comfortable camping conditions while still delivering the authentic wilderness experience that makes Lake Chelan's shoreline so coveted among outdoor enthusiasts.

Natural Features and SceneryPrince Creek Campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn, where crystal-clear Lake Chelan waters lap against a rugged shoreline framed by towering peaks. The campground serves as a gateway between two worlds – the serene lake stretching endlessly before you and the wild, untamed wilderness rising behind. Spring visitors might notice conservation efforts protecting native plants from invasive species, a testament to the area's ecological importance. The tranquil atmosphere has captured many hearts, with one visitor reflecting on the magic: 'What an experience to make a stop here on our boating trip.' Whether you're watching eagles soar overhead, listening to the gentle splash of waves, or gazing at the Milky Way reflected in still waters, the natural beauty here feels both intimate and infinite.

Geological RegionPrince Creek Campground occupies a fascinating geological intersection where ancient forces carved out the spectacular Lake Chelan basin. Positioned strategically at the boundary of the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, the campground offers front-row seats to millions of years of geological drama. The surrounding landscape tells a story of glacial sculpting, tectonic shifts, and erosional artistry that created one of the deepest lakes in the United States. Adventure seekers can explore this geological wonderland via the Lakeshore Trail #1247, which hugs the water's edge and reveals hidden coves and dramatic cliffs, or challenge themselves on the Prince Creek Wilderness Trail #1255, which climbs into the heart of the wilderness where raw geology meets pristine ecology.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-out

Stay Limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix tent sites with five fire rings, five tables, and three toilets. Dock accommodates three boats.

Reservation PlatformsNo information available about reservation platforms.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable; specific sites or fill patterns not detailed.

Cancellation Policy.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are not detailed.

Site SizeThe campground consists of six tent sites, suitable for small to medium-sized groups.

PrivacyNo specific information is provided about the privacy levels of sites.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for larger groups due to spacious layout.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Prince Creek Campground offers a mix of outdoor recreation activities, including hiking with access to Lakeshore Trail #1247 and Prince Creek Wilderness Trail #1255. Motorized and non-motorized boating activities are supported, and the campground is on the shores of Lake Chelan. User reviews highlight its suitability for boating and hiking enthusiasts.

HikingThe campground provides direct access to Lakeshore Trail #1247 and Prince Creek Wilderness Trail #1255, which are popular for backpacking and day hikes.

BoatingThere is a floating dock with a three-boat capacity. Non-motorized and motorized boating activities are supported, making the area ideal for boat-in camping.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water available; boat-in access may require skill. Possible crowded conditions during noxious weed control activities in April.

Active AlertsCrews pulling and spraying noxious weeds in April may limit site availability.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire rings provided; no information about restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are .

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services cannot be determined from available data.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Lake Chelan with boat-in access and a floating dock for three boats.

Camp HostNo information available about campground hosts.

Weather at Prince Creek Campground

Reviews

4.9

9 reviews

Top-Rated

Prince Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's suitability for boat-in camping and its remote, serene environment. Reviewers appreciate the access to Lake Chelan and the quiet experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the remote location, the peaceful environment, and the convenience of boat-in access. "What an experience to make a stop here on our boating trip on Lake Chelan."

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are mentioned in the user reviews provided.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers should consider bringing potable water, as none is available on-site. The campground is accessible only by boat, so planning for transportation via personal or commercial ferries is...

Based on 9 reviews