Lake Chelan State Park
About
What It Is
Lake Chelan State Park is a 139-acre public recreation area on the southwest shore of Lake Chelan in Chelan County, Washington, on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains [3]. The park sits at the edge of one of Washington's most geologically remarkable lakes: a glacially carved trough reaching 1,486 feet at its deepest point, placing its floor 386 feet below sea level and ranking it the 24th deepest lake on Earth [2]. The land was acquired by the state in 1942 through a condemnation proceeding and opened to the public in 1943 [2][3]. The park occupies territory within the traditional lands of Interior Salish peoples, whose present-day descendants include members of the Chelan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation [2].
Activities & Experiences
Visitors can swim, fish, boat, water ski, windsurf, hike, bike, and play volleyball on site [1][4]. On the water, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and hydro bike rentals are available through the on-site concession [1][4]. Scuba diving, paddleboarding, bird watching, and metal detecting are also listed activities [1]. The park includes a sandy beach, a creek, mountain views, and seasonal wildflowers, and an amphitheater is available on the grounds [1].
Two roadside interpretive monuments are accessible from the park. One on SR 97A at Earthquake Point describes a historic earthquake and landslide that temporarily blocked the Columbia River. A second, located one mile east of the park, commemorates a 1945 tragedy in which a school bus carrying local children plunged into the lake [1][4].
Practical Access
The park is located at 7544 S Lakeshore Road, Chelan, WA 98816, and is open year-round from 6:30 a.m. to dusk [1]. Entry requires a Washington Discover Pass: a one-day pass costs USD 10 and an annual pass costs USD 45 [1]. Additional fees apply for launching watercraft (USD 7 per day), marina slip moorage (USD 12 per night, available only to guests with a current campsite reservation), trailer dumping (USD 5 per use), and overnight unattended vehicle parking (USD 10 per night) [1]. Accessible campsites, accessible restrooms, accessible parking, and accessible trails are available on site [1]. Campsite reservations are recommended, particularly for summer visits [4]. A seasonal food concession, Paninis in the Park, operates 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through Labor Day and also sells camp supplies [1][4].
Restrictions
Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash at all times [1]. Horses are not allowed in the park [1]. Fires are permitted only in designated fire pit areas; as of September 25, 2026, a Level 2 Burn Ban is in effect, restricting wood fires to designated fire pits, allowing gas and propane, and potentially restricting charcoal [1]. Overnight camping on boats is not allowed; marina moorage is limited to boats no longer than 18 feet and is available only to guests holding a current campsite reservation [1].
What Makes It Distinctive
The park provides direct shoreline access to one of the deepest lakes in North America, a body of water whose basin was shaped by two opposing glacial lobes meeting near the present-day park boundary [2]. The 50-mile length of the lake supports an unusually wide range of water activities in a single location, from scuba diving to windsurfing [1][4]. The site also carries layered historical significance, from its Indigenous cultural heritage spanning thousands of years to its early role as the launch point for the lake's first steamboat in 1888 [2]. Diverse campsite types, including RV hookup sites, creekside tent spots, and terraced walk-in sites with lake views, make it a destination suited to a broad range of camping styles [2].
Sources
- Lake Chelan State Park | Washington State Parks
- Lake Chelan State Park History | Washington State Parks
- Lake Chelan State Park
- Open year-round
- Best months: May–August
- Typical duration: 3 days
Access & fees
- discover pass annual
- discover pass one-day
- discover pass required
- marina slip overnight moorage
- overnight unattended vehicle
- trailer dump fee
- watercraft launch fee
Things to do
- biking
- bird watching
- boating
- camping (winter)
- fishing
- hiking
- kayak/sup rental
- kayaking
- paddleboarding
- scuba diving
- swimming
- volleyball
- water skiing
- watercraft rental
- windsurfing
Before you go
- burn ban in effect
- check winter schedule
Amenities
- accessible campsites
- accessible facilities
- amphitheater
- boat ramp
- kitchen shelter
- marina slips
- on-site concessions
- park ranger station
- playground
- showers
- trailer dump station
- volleyball court
Best time to visit
- summer for full amenities
- summer peak season
Features
- 139-acre park
- 50-mile-long lake
- creek on site
- glacial-carved basin
- lake depth 1,486 ft
- mountain views
- sandy beach
- seasonal wildflowers
Nearby
- 1945 school bus memorial
- earthquake point monument
Good to know
- address
- dogs on leash allowed
- fires in designated areas
- horses not allowed
- hours: 6:30am–dusk
- phone: (509) 687-3710
- reservations available
Photos
