How much does camping cost at Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]?

Camping fees at Safety Harbor Campground [Closed] range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Safety Harbor Campground [Closed] first-come first-served or reservation?

Safety Harbor Campground [Closed] operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up availability not applicable; campground is closed.

What is the best time to visit Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]?

Safety Harbor Campground [Closed] is open May 1 – October 31 (for Federal Dock Site Permits; campground itself remains closed).. 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 Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]?

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

Can I have a campfire at Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]?

Fire policies at Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]: Two fire rings are available; current fire policies are undefined due to closure.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Safety Harbor Campground [Closed] have?

Safety Harbor Campground [Closed] has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]?

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

What amenities are available at Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]?

Safety Harbor Campground [Closed] offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]?

Popular activities at Safety Harbor Campground [Closed] include Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]

5 reviews

Safety Harbor Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Washington

Quick Facts

4,320 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Campground is closed...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,320 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Campground is closed...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Lake Chelan Federal Dock Site Permit costs $10 per day or $75 for a season pass. Permits are required from May 1 – October 31 for use of all National...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

1-877-444-6777

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Safety Harbor Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington

Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]

Safety Harbor Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington

Nearby places

Chelan, WA (approximately 20 miles by road plus 5.5 miles by boat).

Nearby supplies

Supplies available at Chelan, WA, including groceries, fuel, and camping gear.

Driving directionsFrom 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 5.5 miles up lake. Campground is on the north shore.

Accessible via boat-in from Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park. Road access ends at the park; challenging navigation may be required due to lake conditions.

Weather at Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]

Current alert: "Campground is closed due to 2017 Uno Peak Fire above the campground."

Best Time to Camp at Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs run mid-60s to low 80s°F, nights drop into the 40s and 50s. Late summer typically delivers calmer water for boating and paddling. The lake stays cold all season. Snowmelt-fed and deep. So swimming takes commitment. Long daylight and stable weather make the floating dock and tent sites most usable then. The campground sits at 4,320 feet elevation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Summer is normally best, but campground is closed (post-2017 fire and flood risk).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 – October 31 (for Federal Dock Site Permits; campground itself remains closed).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground is closed due to 2017 Uno Peak Fire above the campground. Potential for catastrophic flash floods is high.

About Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]

Safety Harbor Campground sits on the northern shore of Lake Chelan, accessible only by boat. Four tent sites nestle among pines near a floating dock that fits up to six vessels. Two communal fire rings, picnic tables, and a vault toilet complete the setup. Fees run $10 per night, though the campground has been closed since the 2017 Uno Peak Fire due to fire damage and flash flood risk.

This is a primitive boat-in campground with facilities tailored to tent camping.

Historical Significance

The 2017 Uno Peak Fire burned through this area, damaging the campground and leaving flash flood hazards that keep it closed. The fire's effects remain visible in the surrounding forest as vegetation slowly recovers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs run mid-60s to low 80s°F, nights drop into the 40s and 50s. Late summer typically delivers calmer water for boating and paddling. The lake stays cold all season. Snowmelt-fed and deep. So swimming takes commitment. Long daylight and stable weather make the floating dock and tent sites most usable then. The campground sits at 4,320 feet elevation.

ElevationPerched at 4,320 feet above sea level, Safety Harbor occupies a sweet spot where mountain air meets lake breezes. This elevation gifts the campground with refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, while the surrounding forest creates a natural amphitheater of towering evergreens. The altitude contributes to crisp morning air that carries the scent of pine and the promise of adventure across the water.

Natural Features and SceneryThe cove offers shelter from both up-lake and down-lake winds, creating calm anchorage when Lake Chelan turns choppy. Douglas firs and ponderosa pines slope down to the water's edge. The protected position means boats sit steadier and morning reflections hold still longer than at more exposed spots. Views stretch across the lake to surrounding peaks. The forest here transitions between the dry-side pines typical of eastern Washington and the denser vegetation the lake sustains.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Safety Harbor showcases the geological drama of the North Cascades. This remarkable landscape tells a story written in granite peaks, carved by ancient glaciers, and filled by the pristine waters of Lake Chelan—one of the deepest lakes in the United States. The surrounding terrain reveals millions of years of geological history, from volcanic origins to glacial sculpting, creating a diverse ecosystem where mountain forests meet one of the continent's most spectacular alpine lakes. The campground sits at the intersection of multiple ecosystems, where dry-side pine forests transition to the lusher vegetation nourished by the lake's moderating influence.

Scenic ViewsLake Chelan provides scenic views, with sheltered spots that protect from strong winds.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground is for tent camping only, with no hotel-style lodging options available.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs noted for this site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limits are undetermined due to closure.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The number of guests per site is unspecified.

Groups

Group camping is not supported at this site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFour tent sites spread among the trees near the water. Two shared fire rings serve all campers. The layout stays compact and basic.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are currently applicable due to closure.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not applicable; campground is closed.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy information unavailable.

Site SizeThe campground includes four designated tent sites. Site-specific dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyThe campground layout and privacy levels are not detailed.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesNo recommendations available due to closure.

Amenities available

Safety Harbor Campground is a boat-in-only site providing basic amenities for campers. It includes a floating dock with a six-boat capacity, four tent sites, two fire rings, two tables, and one vault toilet. Campers should note potable water is not available, and there is currently no operational water spigot.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideal for water-based recreation activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and motorized boating. Swimming is also possible, but reviewers note that the water can be quite cold due to the river flowing into the bay.

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Potential for catastrophic flash floods is high" due to the 2017 Uno Peak Fire.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground, as only a single vault toilet is provided.

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.

Fire PolicyTwo fire rings are available; current fire policies are undefined due to closure.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are unspecified.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services likely in Chelan, WA, which has hospitals and police stations.

Water FeaturesOn the northern shore of Lake Chelan, featuring a six-boat floating dock.

Cell CoverageCell phone service information is not provided for this campground.

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

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

Rate Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Safety Harbor Campground [Closed] has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews emphasize the campground's utility as a shelter from lake winds and its recent updates to facilities like the pit toilet. However, the campground is currently closed due to fire damage and the risk of flash flooding.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the site's good shelter from lake winds and the updates to the vault toilet. The floating dock is also appreciated for accommodating larger boats.

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

The water for swimming is noted as being very cold due to the river flowing into the bay. Additionally, the campground's closure due to fire damage and flooding risks is a major issue.

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground offers four tent sites, with no differentiation among them in the reviews.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Purchase the required Federal Dock Site Permit before arrival. Boaters should aim to visit during seasons with favorable weather to maximize enjoyment and safety.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer is an ideal time to visit, barring the campground's closure due to post-fire flooding risks. Winter and early spring are less suitable due to freezing temperatures and snow.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Great shelter from up and down lake winds. Recent updates to the camping sites and pit toilet make it a great over night. Fits larger boats at the dock." 2. "Swimming is going to be very cold...

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews address pet policies or pet-friendly features.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Boaters who love sheltered coves on Lake Chelan should bookmark this for whenever it reopens. The protected anchorage holds up to six vessels and the pine-lined shore stays calmer than exposed spots on the lake. Watch the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF site for updates.

Skip if

The campground is closed right now, full stop. The 2017 Uno Peak fire burned the slopes above it and high flash flood danger remains. No potable water, no cell info, and a 20-mile drive plus 5.5 miles by boat to reach it means this isn't a casual backup plan.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited