Map showing campground location near Stehekin, Washington

Camper submitted image from Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Purple Point Campground serves as a remote National Park Service site accessible only by boat, floatplane, or on foot. Located in Stehekin village, the campground sits directly across the road from Lake Chelan with approximately 10 campsites featuring tent pads, fire rings, and bear boxes.

The campground provides running water, clean restrooms, and a dish-washing sink. Campers can walk to village amenities including showers, laundry facilities, and food services within the community. Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers frequently stop here, creating opportunities for trail stories and connections with long-distance backpackers. A hiker exchange box near the waterfront offers gear trading possibilities.

Vehicle traffic passes through the campground during morning and evening hours since sites line the main road. The terrain slopes noticeably and becomes quite dry during summer months. "Also, be sure to visit the bakery and the garden for amazing food," recommends Shari G.. Sites closer to the lake's northern edge provide better water views. Other places to camp around Stehekin include nearby Lakeview Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

Camping requires no fee but needs a permit from the North Cascades Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount or the Stehekin visitor center. Arrive early on busy weekends since sites operate first-come, first-served.

Description

Overview

Campgrounds in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are walk-in sites located in the Stehekin Valley at the head of Lake Chelan. Purple Point Campground is an approximatly eight minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing along a paved road. Most sites are located very near the road. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.

Recreation

Visitors can access several trails from near the campground, such the Imus Trail, the Purple Creek Trail, and the Lakeshore Trail. Other trails trails further up the valley can be reached by via foot, bike, or shuttle bus. Many of the trails from Stehekin provide the opportunity for longer wilderness backpacks. A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Visitors can boat, fish, and swim (although the water is a chilly 45 degrees) in Lake Chelan. Bears do inhabit the area, so care should be taken when hiking, picnicking, or camping.

Facilities

At the Stehekin Landing area, the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin has a small store with very limited groceries and a restaurant. Public showers and laundry facilities are located near the Landing, though not in the campground. There are no roads or car access into Stehekin. Accessible by foot, boat (ferry and private) or plane only. Visitors may take a passenger ferry or their own boat, which may be moored at the public docks in Stehekin with the purchase of a federal dock permit. Each campsite offers a picnic table. Fires are allowed in designated fire pits. Purple Point offers drinking water, flush toilets, and garbage removal, but all waste must be eventually barged downlake and visitors are encouraged to pack out everything they pack in.

Nearby Attractions

Stehekin is a gateway into the east side of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Many short to multi-day backpacking trips begin in the Stehekin area. Other attractions in the area are the historic Buckner Orchard, where visitors can pick apples in the fall, and Rainbow Falls, a 312-foot waterfall near the Stehekin Valley Road.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.

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There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

The Stehekinarea is prone to flooding, which increases in a post-fire environment. Know before you go - check the forecast prior to your tripfor outlooks and messages from the National Weather Service. Be very aware of your surroundings, follow warning signs, and pay particular attention to debris flowareas.Post Fire Safety

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Location

Public Campground

Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is located in Washington

Directions

There are no roads that connect Stehekin to the rest of Washington. Access is via foot, boat, or plane.

Coordinates

48.313046 N
120.657959 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

2 hrs 24 min from Wenatchee, WA
4 hrs 39 min from Seattle, WA
5 hrs 27 min from Mount Vernon, WA
5 hrs 50 min from Bellingham, WA

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4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Campers regularly cited excellent facilities including clean restrooms, bear boxes, and convenient village access. The stunning lake views were frequently highlighted, though road noise and occasional crowding were noted concerns.

James

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

The reviews on this site are misleading

I reserved a spot here after reading the reviews and it made it seem like it was easily accessible and you could drive up to it. The only way to access the camping site is by boat plane or on foot.

The reviews on here make it seem like it is easily accessible by car which isn’t available.

I did more research a few weeks before leaving and canceled our reservation. It looks beautiful from the pictures but it seemed like to much of a hassle for me.

Sitesite 1

Month of VisitAugust

Roy P.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2017

A beautiful sunset...

Beautiful!!!

SiteWe stayed in the most scenic of sites. We got there early (10ish) just as the previous campers were leaving and gave us plenty of wood for campfire - which, unfortunately was too windy for, may have been why they had so much left over. Otherwise, the view and camping were fantastic!

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Shari G.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Next to Lake Chelan with great amenities

In the Stehekin Village, this campground sits just across the road from Lake Chelan. 10 or so campsites, clean and well stocked bathrooms with running water. Good tent pads, nice sites with firepits/grates, trash, dish sink, bear boxes, and potable water. Shower, laundry, and food are just a short walk from the village. Many PCT thru-hikers stop through here, so be ready for some fun company and great stories. Also, be sure to visit the bakery and the garden for amazing food! Hiker exchange box near the waterfront can be a goldmine, too. Cost=free! Permit required from NOCA Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount or the NPS Visitor Center in Stehekin.

(5) View All

Rick P.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 15, 2015

Great view and amenites, with a few downsides.

The Positives: The view of the lake here is amazing, especially from the lower more northern camps. Close proximity to the store, restaurant, showers, laundry, etc., is very convenient. The bathroom (with running water), water spigots, dish washing sink, and bear boxes are very nice. There's a nice trail right at camp for exploring. The lake is really close so if you feel the need to take a dip in the frigid water, no need to walk far.

The negative: The CG is that it's right on the road so there is some vehicle traffic early morning and early evening. It's also a bit steep and pretty dry in the summer. On occasion I've stayed there while there are some party type of campers there which is the downside of such an accessible camp. Not a lot of sites here and since it's first come first serve, you may not have much choice...get there early on busy weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Purple Point Campground in Stehekin?

Purple Point Campground in Stehekin is only accessible by boat, seaplane, or on foot – there is no road access for cars. Many visitors arrive via the Lady of the Lake ferry service on Lake Chelan. The campground is located in Stehekin Village, just across the road from Lake Chelan. Once in Stehekin, the campground is within walking distance of the village amenities including the store, restaurant, showers, and laundry facilities. Be sure to plan your transportation accordingly as the remote nature of this location requires advance planning.

Do I need reservations for Purple Point Campground?

Reservations are not typically required for Purple Point Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, due to its remote location and limited number of sites (around 10), planning ahead is strongly recommended, especially during peak summer months. Since access to Stehekin is limited to boat, seaplane, or hiking, you'll want to coordinate your transportation and camping plans carefully. For the most current information on availability and any policy changes, contact North Cascades National Park Service before your trip.

What does Purple Point Campground look like?

Purple Point Campground offers stunning views of Lake Chelan, especially from the lower, more northern campsites. The campground features approximately 10 well-maintained sites, each equipped with tent pads, fire pits with grates, and bear boxes. Common facilities include clean bathrooms with running water, water spigots, and a dish washing sink. The setting is scenic with the campground positioned just across the road from the lake within Stehekin Village, providing both natural beauty and convenient access to nearby amenities.

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