Refrigerator Harbor Campground

Star3.80
8 reviews
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,150 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest site

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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.
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

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 8 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Refrigerator Harbor Campground

48.1993, -120.5874

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.
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).

Best Time to Camp at Refrigerator Harbor Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of Lake Chelan, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures dipping to a brisk 28°F, perfect for hardy souls seeking solitude. As spring awakens the surrounding wilderness, temperatures climb steadily toward glorious summer days that reach a comfortable 80°F, inviting swimmers and sun-seekers to enjoy the lake's refreshing waters. The region's characteristically dry climate means more blue-sky days for your adventures, whether you're casting a line at dawn or stargazing around an evening campfire.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Oct; popular for boating and likely best weather for lake activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Shoulder-season lake and forest scenery are appealing though fewer reviews mention fall use.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring is shoulder season before peak boating; accessible year-round though use lower than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but cold (≈28°F) and no winter amenities; access may be harder.

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.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Refrigerator Harbor Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Chelan, Refrigerator Harbor Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape accessible only by boat. This secluded haven features a welcoming dock that accommodates up to three vessels, where boaters can tie up and discover four thoughtfully positioned tent sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for memorable evenings under the stars. A rustic shelter provides respite from the elements, while two facilities ensure comfort during your stay. Open throughout all seasons, this tranquil retreat offers exceptional shelter from down-lake winds, creating a peaceful sanctuary where the gentle lapping of waves provides nature's soundtrack. While up-lake winds may occasionally stir the waters, the campground's strategic position near the historic Lucerne Ranger Station adds a touch of frontier heritage to your outdoor experience.
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.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking activities include both backpacking and day hikes. Specific trails or difficulty levels are not detailed, but the remote location suggests opportunities for scenic and challenging hikes.
BoatingBoating is a key activity here, with facilities supporting both motorized and non-motorized boats. The dock has a three-boat capacity.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRequires boat-in access. Potential for wind exposure (especially up-lake winds).
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Refrigerator Harbor Campground

Reviews

3.8
8 reviews
Mixed 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...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited to boat-in access, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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