Lake Chelan State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Chelan State Park is a beautiful natural area located in the state of Washington.
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Summary
It is situated on the southern shore of Lake Chelan, which is the third-deepest lake in the United States. This park is a popular destination for visitors due to its stunning views, diverse recreational opportunities, and numerous attractions.
One of the main reasons to visit Lake Chelan State Park is to enjoy its outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the lake by swimming, boating, kayaking, or fishing. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites for those who want to spend more time in nature. Additionally, there are several well-known local wineries and vineyards that are worth checking out.
Some of the specific points of interest to see at Lake Chelan State Park include the historic estate of Campbell's Resort, which is located nearby the park, as well as the Stehekin Valley, which boasts some of the most stunning scenic views in the region.
Interesting facts about the area include its location within the North Cascade Mountain Range, which is known for its rugged terrain, abundant wildlife, and unique plant species. The park is also home to several species of fish, including trout, salmon, and bass.
The best time of year to visit Lake Chelan State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the lake is ideal for swimming and boating. However, visitors can also enjoy the park's stunning fall foliage and winter snowscapes during the colder months of the year.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Lake Chelan State Park
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Mitchell Creek Campground
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Mitchell Creek
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Lakeshore RV Park
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WINDY CAMP CAMPGROUND
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Antilon Lake
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Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
Okanogan National Forest
Daroga State Park