Camping in Stehekin

Note: As of March 1 2026, Purple Point and Lakeview Campgrounds at Stehekin Landing are managed by park concessions Guest Services, Inc.

Campground Update April 22, 2026: The Stehekin Landing area and the Lodge at Stehekin utilize the wastewater treatment plant which sustained significant damage from debris flows in December, limiting services and operations. Lakeview and Purple Point (sites 2-6) Campgrounds are open first-come, first-served through May 22 with water available and vault toilets only. There are no public facilities, food, showers, laundry, restaurant, retail, lodging, or gas available at Stehekin Landing. The Lodge at Stehekin hopes to offer additional services in late May, but available services will depend on the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant to support staff and guests.

The wastewater treatment plant at Stehekin Landing supports concessions, campgrounds, park offices, housing, and the marina. Due to flood damage in December, the treatment plant has been inoperable. Park staff and contractors are working on short- and long-term plans for the wastewater treatment plant.

Stehekin Camping Information

No roads lead into Stehekin or Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. All campgrounds require at least minimal walking to reach campsites from the public ferry docks, airstrip, and trails.

Stehekin offers camping in a range of settings, from lakeside boat-in sites to quiet roadside camps to backpacking sites. During the peak season (mid-July to mid-September), reservations are required for camping at Harlequin Campground and must be made in advance at www.recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. From mid-September to mid-July, Harlequin Campground is open first-come, first-served with limited services, depending on river levels due to spring runoff.

All backcountry and wilderness camping in the park complex requires a backcountry permit which during the peak season should be obtained in advance before arriving in Stehekin. From October to May, use the self-permiting station located outside the Golden West Visitor Center. Popular backcountry camps in and near Stehekin Valley include High Bridge, Tumwater, Bridge Creek, and Rainbow Bridge.

Lakeside boat-in camps do not require a reservation or backcountry permit, but private boaters need to obtain a Federal Dock permit if using one of the docks during the peak season. For more information about camps in the park complex on Lake Chelan, visit the boat-in camping page.