Best Campsites at Lakeview Campground (Stehekin) - Ranked by Demand & Photos

About this park

As of March 1 2026, Purple Point and Lakeview Campgrounds at Stehekin Landing are managed by park concessions Guest Services, Inc. Camping in Stehekin - North Cascades National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Campgrounds in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are walk-in sites located in the Stehekin Valley at the head of Lake Chelan. Lakeview Campground is a five minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane. There is a group shared space in Lakeview Campground reserved for backpackers heading out or coming back from a wilderness trip or PCT hikers with a valid PCTA permit. These sites need not be reserved separately; backpackers may camp for ONE NIGHT ONLY.

Recreation
Visitors can access several trails from near the campground, such as the Imus Trail, the Purple Creek Trail, and the Lakeshore Trail. Other trails further up the valley can be reached by 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.

Nearby
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.