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Lake Chelan State Park: Popular Family Camping Destination on Eastern Washington’s Premier Lake
Lake Chelan State Park ranks among Washington State’s most popular parks, offering 6,000 feet of shoreline on the crystal-clear waters of 50-mile long Lake Chelan in eastern Washington. This 127 acre camping park attracts multiple generations of families who return year after year for its large sandy beach, comprehensive camping facilities, and escape from summer heat in the coniferous forest setting.
Lake Chelan State Park Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Chelan, Chelan County, Washington |
| Address | 7544 South Lakeshore Road, Chelan, WA 98816 |
| Size | 127 acres |
| Established | 1943 (first land purchased 1942) |
| Shoreline | 6,000 feet |
| Camping | 138 total sites (103 tent, 35 utility) |
| Trail System | 2.5 miles interpretive trails plus 0.25-mile accessible trail |
| Water Access | Swimming, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving |
| Coordinates | 47.87255, -120.19661 |
| Phone | (509) 687-3710 |
Park Overview
Lake Chelan State Park sits on the forested south shore of Lake Chelan, a spectacular glacially-carved lake in the eastern Cascades that stretches 50 miles through dramatic mountain terrain. The lake was carved by two competing glaciers during the Ice Age floods, creating the deep, clear waters that provide respite during hot summer months when temperatures soar and the park receives only 11 inches of annual rainfall. The park’s coniferous forest and expansive lawns offer cool shade and recreational space, while the large sandy beach serves as the centerpiece for water activities.
This popular destination has attracted families since opening in 1943, with many visitors returning for decades to experience the same lakeside camping traditions. The park’s location provides access to daily ferry service to the roadless community at the head of the lake, adding to its appeal as a gateway for Lake Chelan exploration. Lake Chelan State Park combines the recreational opportunities of a major lake with the intimate feel of a family-oriented campground.
Activities & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Large sandy beach, 6,000 feet shoreline | Summer | Easy |
| Boating | Two-lane boat launch, 1,040 feet tie-up space | Spring-Fall | Easy |
| Water Skiing | Open lake waters, boat launch access | Summer | Moderate |
| Windsurfing | Consistent lake breezes, beach launch | Spring-Fall | Moderate |
| Hiking | 2.5 miles interpretive trails through forest | Year-round | Easy |
| Scuba Diving | Clear lake waters, underwater exploration | Summer | Difficult |
| Fishing | Lake Chelan fishing from shore or boat | Year-round | Easy |
| Volleyball | Ball field and court areas | Spring-Fall | Easy |
| Cross-country Skiing | Trail system accessible in winter | Winter | Moderate |
Facilities & Amenities
Lake Chelan State Park provides comprehensive amenities including five modern restrooms with hot showers, one kitchen shelter without electricity, and 52 unsheltered picnic tables available first-come, first-served. The park features a full-service concession stand offering groceries, prepared food, candy, and packaged snacks during peak season. Recreation facilities include a ball field, playground, horseshoe pits, and amphitheater for programs and events.
Boating facilities include a two-lane boat launch with 1,040 feet of tie-up space and 495 feet of dock space distributed between the launch area and lakeside camping areas. A 28-car parking lot serves day-use visitors but fills rapidly on weekends. Additional amenities include accessible parking, trailer dump station, and moorage buoys available for $10 per night per dock slip.
Camping & Accommodations
The park offers 138 total campsites including 103 tent spaces and 35 utility sites that accommodate RVs up to 45 feet long with full hookups. All utility sites provide water, sewer, and electric connections. The park maintains one dump station and allows maximum occupancy of eight people per campsite with one camping party per site. Extra vehicle overnight parking costs $10 per night in designated areas.
Lake Chelan State Park operates as an extremely popular destination requiring early reservations, especially during spring and summer seasons. Reservations for individual campsites can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT. Camping check-in time is 2:30 p.m. and check-out time is 1 p.m., with quiet hours enforced from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Planning Your Visit
Lake Chelan State Park operates with seasonal hours: April 1 to September 30 from 6:30 a.m. to dusk, and October 1 to March 31 from 8 a.m. to dusk. The Discover Pass is required for day visits, with annual passes costing $45 and one-day passes $10. Summer months tend to be very hot and dry when visitors flock to the lake to cool off, while winter brings an average of 42 inches of snowfall.
The park’s small parking area fills up early on weekends, making early arrival essential for day-use visitors. Peak season extends through summer when the concession stand operates daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day. The location on South Lakeshore Road provides easy access from Chelan, with the park situated on land historically associated with the Chelan Indian Tribe.
Nearby Destinations
Lake Chelan State Park sits on the popular south shore, close to the town of Chelan with its restaurants, wineries, and amenities. Looking for more Lake Chelan camping? Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park offers a quieter north shore experience with a full-service marina and access to North Cascades trails. From Chelan, you can also catch the Lady of the Lake ferry to Stehekin for a true wilderness adventure accessible only by boat, plane, or trail.
What to Bring & Know
- Reservations are essential during peak season as this popular park fills quickly with returning family groups
- The sandy beach transforms from steep shoreline to level play area, perfect for children and beach activities
- Hot summer temperatures make the lake’s cool waters especially appealing for swimming and water sports
- Metal detecting is permitted in designated 2.64-acre areas clearly marked on park maps
- Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing on the trail system when snow conditions permit
Final Word
Lake Chelan State Park delivers the perfect combination of comprehensive camping facilities, premier lake access, and family-friendly recreation that has made it a beloved destination for generations of Washington families.
This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.
- About the Author
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Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.
Photos
Lake Chelan State Park Welcome Sign
Lake Chelan at Lake Chelan State Park
Lake Chelan State Park Entrance
Fall Colors at Lake Chelan State Park
Playground at Lake Chelan State Park
Lake Chelan State Park Store and Rest Rooms
Boat Launch at Lake Chelan State Park
Recommended Locations
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.