How to Go Camping at the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area in Washington state is part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which also includes North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake. Camping here will give you access to the area's jagged mountains, deep forests, beautiful lakes, cascading waterfalls, 300-plus glaciers and more than 400 miles of hiking trails.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Plan ahead: How long do you plan to be out camping? When do you want to camp?

2. Determine your campground needs. From drive-up sites to backcountry camping, the area has a wide variety of camping options available.

3. Interested in boat-access camping? The North Cascades National Park Service Complex has 26 boat-access camping areas, three of them on Lake Chela: Weaver Point, with 22 sites and direct boat access to Strehekin Landing; Manly Wham, with 1 site near Bridal Veil Falls; and Flick Creek, with 1 site near Lakeshore Trail.

4. Planning to camp with a group? Make a reservation at Newhalem Creek or Goodell Creek by calling [phone], or use the national parks reservations Web site (see Resources below).

5. Looking for car camping? Nearby North Cascades National Park has four campgrounds accessible by car: Colonial Creek Campground, with 101 sites on the shore of Diablo Lake; Goodell Creek Campground, with 21 sites on the banks of the Skagit River; Hozomeen Campground, for rustic camping at the north end of Ross Lake; and Newhalem Creek Campground, just off the North Cascades Highway near milepost 120, near the visitor's center.

6. Read to tackle wilderness camping? More than 100 backcountry campsites are available at established sites along trail corridors. These camps include toilets, tent pads and sometimes tables and firepits. You'll need a free permit, which is available on a first-come first-served basis at ranger stations. For permit information, call [phone] ext. 39.

7. Pack for your camping trip to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Only bring as much gear, food, water and clothing as you will need, and be sure that you are prepared for all weather conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• Camping fees range from free to $12.
• Backcountry camping requires a free permit.
• Need more information? Call the Visitor Information Line at [phone], extension 515.
• Personal watercraft are not allowed in the park complex, but rentals are available.
• There are Washington state fishing regulations that you will need to be aware of.