NPS/NOCA/David Snyder Seclusion, scenery, and still water. Twenty-five boat-in camps dot the backcountry shorelines of North Cascades National Park Complex. On Lake Chelan, explore the shoreline of a water pathway used by human travelers for thousands of years. In the Skagit Valley along State Route 20, visit the hidden coves, islands, and bays of Diablo and and Ross Lakes, both reservoirs created by the dams on the Skagit Hydroelectric Project. Whether you spend a night or a week, boat-in camping within the park complex is a unique experience. Lake Chelan Boat-In CampsThese sites are accessed from the Stehekin region. Lake Chelan can experience strong winds and cold water: be prepared. All sites are first-come, first-serve. No reservations are available. A federal dock permit is required May 1 to October 31 at these camps for motorboats.Lake levels are lowest from December to May and camps may not be accessible by boat when lake levels are below 1,096 feet. All camps have vault toilets and bear-proof food-storage lockers. Water should be drawn from the lake and filtered or boiled before drinking. Weaver PointWeaver Point is across from Stehekin Landing by boat. It is also accessible by the 3.5 mile Stehekin River Trail, connecting mid-Stehekin Valley with Weaver Point. There are 16 sites with picnic tables. No backcountry permit is required. Please Note: Due to low lake levels in the winter and spring, the dock is removed each fall and is re-installed early each summer once lake levels reach 1,096 feet. If visiting in late spring or early summer, call the Golden West Visitor Center at 509-699-2080 ex 14 to check on current conditions. Lake levels can also be checked with Chelan County PUD.Flick CreekFlick Creek Camp is located 3.5 miles from Stehekin Landing along the northeast shore of Lake Chelan. There are 2 sites, including a large shelter. Flick Creek is also along the Lakeshore Trail. Hikers may also camp overnight at Flick Creek. No backcountry permit is required.Manly WhamManly Wham is located approximately 3 miles from Stehekin Landing and has one site. The camp is located on the southwest shore of Lake Chelan near Bridal Veil Falls. No trails connect to Manly Wham. No backcountry permit is required.
Image courtesy of North Cascades Institute. Ross Lake Boat-In CampsRefer to Boating on Ross Lake for information on access, special regulations and tips for the backcountry. Ross Lake can be very windy - be prepared. All boat-in camps on Ross Lake require a backcountry permit for camping.
Diablo Lake Boat-in CampsThe three boat-in sites on Diablo Lake are some of the most accessible boat-in camping, with a boat launch located at Colonial Creek Campground on State Route 20 providing easy access. The waters of Diablo Lake are especially cold, given the glacial meltwater that spills into the lake. Waters can also be very windy - be prepared. All boat-in camping on Diablo Lake requires a backcountry permit.
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Last updated: March 15, 2022