Refrigerator Harbor Campground

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Lake Chelan Federal Dock Site Permit required May 1 through October 31.

About

Refrigerator Harbor Campground is a remote boat-in site on the south shore of Lake Chelan, approximately 40 miles up-lake from the town of Chelan. This primitive campground serves as a quiet basecamp for exploring the remote upper reaches of Lake Chelan, positioned close to the historic Lucerne Ranger Station. The campground features 4 tent sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, plus a shared shelter. Access requires either a personal boat or commercial ferry service. Boaters can launch from Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park (21 miles down-lake) or Chelan (40 miles down-lake). The Lady of the Lake and Stehekin Ferry provide commercial passenger service with stops at Lucerne near the campground. The site includes a dock with capacity for 3 boats, making coordination important during busy periods. The harbor's orientation provides good shelter from down-lake winds but remains exposed to up-lake weather. This is a pack-in, pack-out site with no potable water, trash service, or hookups. Campers must treat or filter water from the lake. Two pit toilets serve the campground. From May 1 through October 31, a Lake Chelan Federal Dock Site Permit is required ($10 daily or $75 seasonal). The campground is accessible year-round for those willing to navigate winter conditions on the lake.

Directions

Boat-in only access. From Chelan, boat approximately 40 miles up-lake to the south shore. Commercial ferry service available via Lady of the Lake (ladyofthelake.com) and Stehekin Ferry (stehekinferry.com) with stops at nearby Lucerne. Personal boaters can launch from Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, then boat 21 miles up-lake.

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