Purple Point Campground
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.
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 parked 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.
Need to Know
There is no cell phone reception. Bring a calling card to operate the public phone located near the landing. Calling cards are also available for purchase at the store located at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin.
Wildlife frequents the area. All food must be stored in animal-resistant food lockers or hard-sided vehicles until use.
There are no shower facilities available at the campground. Laundry and shower facilities are located at the landing.
There are limited grocery items available, bring what you need. With limited trash services, consider Pack It In/Pack It Out.
There are no ATM services available in the valley.
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.
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.
Contact Information
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 509-699-2080 x 14
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
There are no roads that connect Stehekin to the rest of Washington. Access is via foot, boat, or plane.
Available Campsites
- Site 1, Loop Stehekin, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop Stehekin, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop Stehekin, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop Stehekin, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop Stehekin, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop Stehekin, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
