Is Lake Chelan State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Chelan State Park 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 Lake Chelan State Park before I book?

Yes! Lake Chelan State Park has 4 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.

Are there showers at Lake Chelan State Park?

Yes, Lake Chelan State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Lake Chelan State Park?

Fire policies at Lake Chelan State Park: Fires allowed only in designated fire pits and grills; propane and gas grills allowed. Park alert notes 'Burn Ban - Level 1'—check current alerts before building fires.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lake Chelan State Park have?

Lake Chelan State Park has 179 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Chelan State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Chelan State Park. 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 Lake Chelan State Park?

Lake Chelan State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Chelan State Park?

Popular activities at Lake Chelan State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Chelan State Park

4.36

172 reviews

7544 S Lakeshore Road, Chelan, WA 98816

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Washington

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,224 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

179 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Washington State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Chelan State Park is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,224 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

179 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Washington State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Chelan State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Discover Pass: Annual $45, One-day $10. Watercraft launch fee $7 per day. Trailer dump fee $5 per use. Overnight unattended vehicle fee $10 per...

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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Provider

(509) 687-3710

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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 172 reviews

1454 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomswater

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Visitor reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the lake, clear water, family-friendly amenities and well-maintained restrooms/showers; the campground is very popular in summer and often crowded. Reviewers praise lake access, playgrounds, concession services and friendly staff at times, while common negatives focus on crowding, noise and occasional staff/visitor interactions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7544 S Lakeshore Road, Chelan, WA 98816

Lake Chelan State Park

7544 S Lakeshore Road, Chelan, WA 98816

Nearby places

Chelan (nearest)

Manson (nearby)

Nearby supplies

On-site concession 'Paninis in the Park' (food, ice, firewood, some camp supplies)

town of Chelan provides full grocery and services

Best Time to Camp at Lake Chelan State Park

Summer delivers warm, sunny weather. Daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-90s°F, nights in the 50s and 60s. Making it the best time for swimming, boating, and fishing. Water temperatures peak, and lake breezes cut the afternoon heat. All services are open, but weekends are packed. The park stays open year-round with reduced winter hours (8 a.m. to 10 p.m. versus summer's 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Shoulder seasons offer quieter stays with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in WA

Warm sunny summers are ideal for swimming, boating and fishing; peak season busy.

Planning Tips

About Lake Chelan State Park

Lake Chelan State Park sits on the south shore of a 50-mile alpine lake in the eastern Cascades, offering 179 sites split between RV hookups and walk-in tent camping. The park draws families and boaters with its clear water, sandy swimming area, and on-site concessions. Summer weekends are crowded and loud. Reservations fill fast.

Offers a mix of campsite types including drive-in RV/tent sites and highly sought walk-in tent sites near the lake; campgrounds include standard, partial and full-hookup options.

Historical Significance

Roadside monuments near the park mark an earthquake and landslide at Earthquake Point and commemorate a 1945 bus accident one mile east, maintained by families of those involved.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers warm, sunny weather. Daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-90s°F, nights in the 50s and 60s. Making it the best time for swimming, boating, and fishing. Water temperatures peak, and lake breezes cut the afternoon heat. All services are open, but weekends are packed. The park stays open year-round with reduced winter hours (8 a.m. to 10 p.m. versus summer's 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Shoulder seasons offer quieter stays with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks Lake Chelan's impossibly blue water, backed by golden hills dotted with ponderosa pine. Elevation is 1,224 feet, and the setting is high desert meets alpine lake. Irrigated lawns and mature shade trees create a park-like feel near the shore, while the surrounding terrain climbs to drier, sun-baked slopes. The lake stretches northwest for miles, framed by big sky and distant ridges. It's an oasis landscape. Lush green grass transitions abruptly to the scrubby browns and golds of Eastern Washington.

Geological RegionLake Chelan valley / eastern side of the Cascade Range

Scenic ViewsOpen lake views across Lake Chelan to surrounding hills and mountains; prized lakeside viewpoints and beach frontage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsWashington GoingToCamp (https://washington.goingtocamp.com); official park page: https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/lake-chelan-state-park

Total Campsites179 campsites

Best CampsitesWalk-in tent sites right on the lake are the most popular. Closest water access and best views. Among RV sites, the outer loops tend to have more shade, while inner-loop sites are exposed and hotter in summer. Reviewers frequently recommend sites in the 50–70 range for a balance of shade and location.

Need help booking Lake Chelan State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

GoingToCamp Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Developed day-use and campground with modern restrooms and token-operated showers, drinking water, picnic areas, a concession/snack bar that sells groceries and firewood, boat ramp/docks and moorage, and utility hookups for many campsites. Fees include Discover Pass, watercraft launch fee, trailer dump fee and overnight unattended vehicle fee; moorage is available to campsite guests for a nightly fee.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lakefront park focused on water recreation, family-friendly day use, and multi-use trails; popular activities include boating, paddling, swimming and shoreline recreation as well as hiking and casual lawn/field play.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCurrent park alert lists a 'Burn Ban - Level 1' while park materials still note fires allowed in designated pits and grills. Visitor reports include wildlife issues such as marmots that can damage vehicle components and occasional cougar sightings on nearby trails.

Weather at Lake Chelan State Park

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

172 reviews

Recommended

Lake Chelan State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the lake, clear water, family-friendly amenities and well-maintained restrooms/showers; the campground is very popular in summer and often crowded. Reviewers praise lake access, playgrounds, concession services and friendly staff at times, while common negatives focus on crowding, noise and occasional staff/visitor interactions.

Review Summaries

Based on 172 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful, clear lake water and excellent lake access; popular walk-in lakeside tent sites and good family amenities (playground, large lawns, swimming area). Clean, modern restrooms and token...

Based on 172 reviews

Common Concerns

• **Crowded and noisy in peak season**: Multiple reviewers describe the campground as noisy, busy, and crowded in summer, with one comparing it to the “Woodstock of campgrounds.”[2] • **Sites close...

Based on 172 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early for summer—walk-in lake sites and full-hookup spots fill quickly. Choose shaded/outer-loop sites to avoid intense sun; bring shade and beach gear. Bring small bills or card for shower...

Based on 172 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Blue water is gorgeous... really so beautiful I don’t want to leave."; "Reserve your site early—most sites book up immediately in summer."; "Well maintained bathrooms and token operated showers.";...

Based on 172 reviews

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