Refrigerator Harbor Campground
Accessible year-round. A Lake Chelan Federal Dock Site Permit is required from May 1 through October 31 at $10 per day or $75 for the season. Permits are available online at Recreation.gov or via the Recreation.gov mobile app. No potable water is available; campers must bring their own or treat lake water.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 1:47PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Critical fire weather this weekend will produce significant smoke from ongoing and emerging fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Very Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. Intermittent clearing may occur due to windy conditions, but smoke production continues to be significant. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. When air quality is Very Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed.
About
Refrigerator Harbor Campground is a remote, boat-in camping destination on the south shore of Lake Chelan within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Accessible only by water, the campground can be reached by private boat from Chelan (approximately 40 miles uplake) or from the Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park boat launch (approximately 21 miles). Commercial ferry services including the Lady of the Lake and Stehekin Ferry also provide access with stops at nearby Lucerne. The campground offers four primitive tent sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. A communal shelter provides additional gathering space. Two vault toilets serve the area, and a dock accommodates up to three boats simultaneously. There is no potable water on site; campers must bring their own supply or treat water from the lake. The site provides good protection from downlake winds but remains exposed to uplake winds. Situated near the old Lucerne Ranger Station, Refrigerator Harbor serves as a base for exploring the upper Lake Chelan area. Recreation opportunities include motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing, backpacking, and day hiking in the surrounding wilderness.
Directions
By private boat from Chelan, travel approximately 40 miles uplake to the south shore. Alternatively, from Chelan drive south on Highway 97A for 3 miles, turn right onto Southshore Road and continue 17 miles to Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park. From the boat launch there, travel approximately 21 miles uplake to Refrigerator Harbor on the south shore. Commercial ferry services (Lady of the Lake, Stehekin Ferry) provide passenger service with stops at nearby Lucerne.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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