Corral Creek Campground
04 reviewsCorral Creek Campground
$10.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Lake Chelan Federal Dock Site Permit required from May 1 to October 31. Daily permits are $10, or $75 for a seasonal permit. Permits must be purchased in advance for using National Forest and Park Service docks on Lake Chelan.
About this campground
Escape the crowds and discover your own private paradise at Corral Creek Campground, where adventure begins with a boat ride across the crystalline waters of Lake Chelan. This intimate, boat-in-only sanctuary welcomes just a handful of lucky campers at a time, with four pristine tent sites nestled along the shoreline. A well-designed floating dock awaits your arrival, ready to secure up to six boats while you settle into this year-round wilderness retreat. With two picnic tables perfectly positioned for lakeside dining, two fire rings for evening gatherings under the stars, and essential facilities, you'll find just enough comfort without sacrificing the authentic backcountry experience.
Corral Creek Campground is a boat-in site featuring primitive tent camping facilities. It is noted for its tranquility, with limited infrastructure catering to small groups.
Historical SignificanceWhile the written history of Corral Creek may be sparse, this timeless landscape tells its own ancient story through the weathered rocks and towering pines that have stood sentinel over these waters for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the North Cascades at Corral Creek, where winter brings a hushed wonderland of snow and crystalline frost, transforming the landscape into a serene arctic escape. As spring awakens the forest, temperatures climb from freezing to balmy, and by summer, you'll bask in endless sunshine and warm, dry days perfect for swimming and exploration. The clear mountain skies create an astronomer's dream on summer nights, while autumn paints the surrounding hills in brilliant golds and crimsons before the cycle begins anew.
ElevationPerched at an ideal 1,140 feet above sea level, Corral Creek offers the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain majesty. This moderate elevation treats visitors to spectacular panoramic views across Lake Chelan's sapphire expanse while maintaining comfortable conditions for camping throughout the seasons. The elevation provides just enough altitude to escape the summer heat while remaining low enough to avoid the harshest winter conditions.
Natural Features and SceneryTucked into a naturally sheltered cove that shields campers from the notorious down-lake winds, Corral Creek reveals the raw beauty of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest at its finest. The campground serves as your gateway to Lake Chelan's legendary 50-mile ribbon of pristine glacial water, where towering peaks plunge dramatically into depths that reach nearly 1,500 feet. Ancient forests carpet the surrounding slopes, their emerald canopy providing shade and serenity, while the rugged terrain promises endless exploration for the adventurous spirit.
Geological RegionCarved by ancient glaciers into the heart of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Corral Creek Campground occupies a geological wonderland where ice age forces sculpted one of America's deepest lakes. The campground's strategic position in a wind-protected alcove showcases nature's architectural genius, where millennia of erosion created the perfect natural harbor. This dramatic landscape tells the story of massive glaciers that once dominated the region, leaving behind the spectacular fjord-like lake system and the craggy peaks that define this corner of the Cascade Range.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed for Corral Creek Campground.
Sites SizeThe campground has 4 tent sites, providing limited space and catering to small groups.
Sites PrivacyReviews describe Corral Creek as 'secluded & quiet,' suggesting a high level of privacy.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the dock for easier access to equipment on the boat.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest the campground as a favorite location on Lake Chelan.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
- No explicit maximum consecutive night limitations provided
- open year-round.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Four tent sites available within the campground.
Groups
Group camping sites are not available at Corral Creek Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour tent sites, two picnic tables, two fire rings, one restroom.
Open and Closed SeasonAccessible year-round; peak season is May 1 through October 31 when Federal Dock permits are required.
Reservation PlatformsFederal Dock Site permits can be purchased through vendors listed on Lake Chelan National Forest or park websites.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo clear mention of walk-up availability, but advance dock site permit purchase is required during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Corral Creek Campground caters primarily to boat-in visitors and offers opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized boating. The area is praised for its secluded tranquility and beautiful surroundings.
Boating
The campground is boat-in only, with recreational opportunities for motorized and non-motorized boating. The floating dock accommodates up to six boats.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed, but the campground is accessible year-round.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are available, as referenced in authoritative sources.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Two fire rings are available onsite; users must adhere to local fire regulations.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include bears, as noted in user reviews.
Weather forecast
100
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 12%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located in Chelan, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to October 31.
Trash and recyclingNo trash services are provided; campers are required to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresSituated directly along Lake Chelan with a floating dock for six boats.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of potable water and food storage lockers; reviewers also mention the risk of wildlife, including bears.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Chelan, travel south on Highway 97A for 3 miles. Turn right on to Southshore Road and go approximately 17 miles to Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park. From the Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park boat launch, boat approximately 9 miles uplake. Campground is on the south shore.
Corral Creek Campground is accessible only by boat, making it challenging to reach without pre-planned equipment. The main access point is from Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, a popular boating launch.Nearby places
Chelan: 20 miles from Highway 97A (17 miles road travel + 3 miles highway travel).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as water, fuel, and food can be accessed in Chelan before traveling to the campground. No supplies are available onsite, and visitors must pack out all garbage.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Corral Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Corral Creek Campground as a secluded and quiet destination with beautiful surroundings and basic amenities. Some reviewers enjoyed the dock and toilet facilities, while others pointed out potential wildlife encounters and limited infrastructure.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the campground's tranquility, scenic beauty, and functional dock facilities. One user describes it as 'our favorite place on the lake to camp.'
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints in reviews include the absence of bear boxes and potable water, with one reviewer warning about a nighttime bear encounter.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring their own water and securely store food to avoid attracting wildlife. As one reviewer noted, 'Thank God we had our dogs that scared it off.'
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is accessible year-round, but wildlife activity may be more prominent during certain seasons when food is less abundant in the wild.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Corral Creek has an excellent dock with space for about 4 boats. Fantastic camp sites, great toilet.' - Matthew Cavanaugh.
2. 'We camped here four years ago, and out of the 4 spots, it didn't...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground has 4 tent sites, with no differentiation provided between them beyond the lack of bear boxes noted in one review.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not specifically mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One user mentioned bringing dogs, which were instrumental in scaring off a bear. Pets are likely allowed but there are no specific reviews or policies detailed.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025