How much does camping cost at Refrigerator Harbor Campground?

Camping fees at Refrigerator Harbor Campground range from $10-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Refrigerator Harbor Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Refrigerator Harbor 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.

What is the best time to visit Refrigerator Harbor Campground?

Refrigerator Harbor Campground is open May 1 - October 31 (Federal Dock Permit required).. 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 Refrigerator Harbor Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Refrigerator Harbor Campground?

Fire policies at Refrigerator Harbor Campground: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Refrigerator Harbor Campground have?

Refrigerator Harbor Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Refrigerator Harbor Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Refrigerator Harbor Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Refrigerator Harbor Campground?

Refrigerator Harbor Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Refrigerator Harbor Campground?

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

Refrigerator Harbor Campground

3.00

8 reviews

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Washington

Quick Facts

1,150 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,150 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Refrigerator Harbor Campground

$10.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Lake Chelan Federal Dock Site Permit: $10/day or $75/season, required from May 1 - October 31 for all National Forest and Park Service docks.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Refrigerator Harbor Campground

48.1993, -120.5874

Nearby places

Lucerne Ranger Station nearby

Chelan is approximately 40 miles downlake.

Nearby supplies

Supplies are available at Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park (approx. 21 miles up lake from the campground).

Driving directionsFrom Chelan, boat approximately 40 miles up lake. Refrigerator Harbor Campground is on the south shore.OR From Chelan, travel south on Highway 97A for 3 miles. Turn right onto Southshore Road and go approximately 17 miles to Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park. From the Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park boat launch, boat approximately 21 miles up lake. Refrigerator Harbor Campground is on the south shore.

Boat-in access only; requires personal boat or ferry service. Commercial ferries (Lady of the Lake and Stehekin Ferry) provide service to Lucerne Ranger Station near this campground.

Weather at Refrigerator Harbor Campground

Best Time to Camp at Refrigerator Harbor Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach the 80s and 90s, with nights cooling into the 50s and 60s. The lake stays calm enough for comfortable boat access, and the dock sees regular use. This is the busiest season, which matters when you're sharing four sites. Wildfire risk increases in late summer. Winter temperatures drop to 28°F, spring warms gradually toward 80°F.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer gives most reliable weather; calm lake and warm days noted as peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 - October 31 (Federal Dock Permit required).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but Federal Dock Permit required May 1 - October 31.

About Refrigerator Harbor Campground

Refrigerator Harbor Campground sits on Lake Chelan's remote shoreline, accessible only by boat. The campground has four tent sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring, plus a three-boat dock and vault toilets. Fees run $10-$75 per night. A Federal Dock Permit is required May 1 through October 31.

Refrigerator Harbor Campground is described as a primitive, boat-in-only site with four tent sites available. The focus is on basic, low-impact camping.

Historical Significance

The campground sits near the historic Lucerne Ranger Station, which housed early Forest Service staff who patrolled the lake.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach the 80s and 90s, with nights cooling into the 50s and 60s. The lake stays calm enough for comfortable boat access, and the dock sees regular use. This is the busiest season, which matters when you're sharing four sites. Wildfire risk increases in late summer. Winter temperatures drop to 28°F, spring warms gradually toward 80°F.

ElevationPerched at 1,150 feet above sea level, Refrigerator Harbor Campground offers an elevated perspective that transforms Lake Chelan into a sprawling canvas of sapphire blue. From this vantage point, campers are treated to sweeping panoramic views where the lake's 50-mile expanse stretches toward distant peaks, creating photo opportunities that capture the grandeur of the North Cascades region.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a sheltered cove at 1,150 feet elevation within Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Lake Chelan drops to nearly 1,500 feet deep here, carved by glaciers through bedrock. Steep, fjord-like walls rise from the water. The harbor's position protects it from down-lake winds, though up-lake breezes sometimes stir the surface. Mountains frame the view across the water.

Geological RegionDiscover the geological wonders of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest's Lake Chelan area, where ancient glaciers carved one of the nation's deepest lakes through solid bedrock. This remarkable landscape showcases the raw power of ice age forces, with dramatic fjord-like walls plunging into waters that reach depths of nearly 1,500 feet, creating a unique ecosystem where alpine and aquatic environments meet in spectacular fashion.

Scenic ViewsLake Chelan's lakefront and mountainous backdrop provide picturesque views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is reported to be available, as this is primarily a primitive, boat-in campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFour tent sites spread around a single rustic shelter. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityThe site can be accessed year-round. It is a boat-in campground, which may limit accessibility for those without access to a boat.

Site SizeFour tent sites are available. No further details on the size of these sites are provided.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Refrigerator Harbor Campground offers a dock with a three-boat capacity, one shelter, four tent sites, four picnic tables, four fire rings, and two toilets. Restrooms are available but potable water is not. The campground is accessible year-round and has good protection against down-lake winds but not up-lake winds. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, particularly the bathrooms, with one user stating: 'Been coming here every summer for the last couple years. Very clean and remote camping spot. People/ranger are very friendly. Has very clean and usable bathrooms and bear-cans.'

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a mix of water-based and hiking activities, including both motorized and non-motorized boating, backpacking, and day hikes. A user review mentions a 'hidden cave,' adding a sense of adventure to the hiking experience.

Hiking

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRequires boat-in access. Potential for wind exposure (especially up-lake winds).

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are reported; two toilet facilities are available, but these are likely basic or vault-style.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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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

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From Booking Sources

3.0

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Refrigerator Harbor Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User feedback highlights the campground's remote, clean environment and friendly atmosphere. The accessibility by boat adds to the unique appeal, and the cleanliness of the restrooms receives consistent praise.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

'Very clean and remote camping spot,' 'friendly people/ranger,' 'clean and usable bathrooms,' and 'hidden cave' are among the praised features.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are specifically mentioned in the reviews provided.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared to bring potable water as none is available on-site. Access to the campground is by boat only, so appropriate planning for transportation is essential.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is accessible year-round, but no specific seasonal trends in user reviews are provided. Comments suggest it is popular during summer.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Been coming here every summer for the last couple years. Very clean and remote camping spot. People/ranger are very friendly. Has very clean and usable bathrooms and bear-cans.' 2. 'Clean...

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited to boat-in access, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Boaters who want genuine solitude on one of North America's deepest lakes. The harbor blocks down-lake winds, summer highs hit the 80s and 90s, and repeat visitors praise the friendly ranger presence. Grab a Federal Dock Permit before May 1.

Skip if

No potable water on-site and the nearest supplies are 21 miles up-lake at Twenty-Five Mile Creek. If you don't have a boat, you simply can't get here, and emergency services are 40 miles down-lake in Chelan.

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