Deer Point Campground
4.006 reviewsDeer Point 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
A Federal Dock Site Permit is required from May 1 – October 31. Fees are $10/day or $75/season. Permits must be pre-purchased before docking.
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About this campground
Escape the crowds and discover your own private paradise at Deer Point Campground, an exclusive boat-in sanctuary on the pristine waters of Lake Chelan. This secluded retreat welcomes adventurous souls with a floating dock that accommodates up to eight boats, leading to five intimate tent sites, each thoughtfully equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring. Two well-maintained pit toilets ensure comfort during your wilderness escape. Open throughout all four seasons, this hidden gem offers excellent shelter from down-lake winds, making it a favorite anchorage for boaters seeking refuge in nature's embrace.
Deer Point Campground is a boat-in-only facility offering basic camping accommodations. It is not accessible by car.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Pacific Northwest beauty as the seasons transform Deer Point into an ever-changing canvas. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures perfect for exploration, while autumn paints the surrounding hills in brilliant golds and crimsons. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched haven where temperatures can soar to a balmy 91°F, offering endless daylight for swimming, fishing, and stargazing. Winter brings a dramatic transformation as temperatures dip to a crisp 25°F, occasionally dusting the landscape with snow and creating a serene, frost-kissed wonderland for the hardy few who venture out in the off-season.
ElevationPerched at 1,100 feet above sea level, Deer Point offers a perfect vantage point where mountain air meets lake breezes, creating an invigorating atmosphere that refreshes the soul.
Natural Features and SceneryAcclaimed by seasoned travelers as a 'lovely midway point between Chelan and Stehekin,' Deer Point Campground serves as nature's perfect rest stop along your Lake Chelan adventure. Wake to breathtaking panoramic views where crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding forested hills and towering mountain peaks. The campground's strategic position offers front-row seats to spectacular sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky in impossible shades of pink and orange, while the encompassing wilderness provides a natural amphitheater of bird songs and gentle waves lapping against the shore.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Deer Point Campground rests along the shores of Lake Chelan, a spectacular 55-mile ribbon of pure glacial water carved by ancient ice flows. This geological masterpiece sits cradled between dramatic forested hillsides and rugged mountain terrain, creating a landscape that tells the story of millennia of natural forces. The surrounding peaks and valleys showcase the raw power of glacial sculpting, offering visitors a front-row seat to one of Washington State's most stunning geological wonders.
Campsite details
Sites SizeEach tent site is standard-sized and sufficient for multiple tents, as noted in user reviews.
Sites PrivacyModerate privacy; the campground has clustered sites near the dock area.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended Campsites"2 camp sites on each side (up and down lake) so you can usually pick one out of the wind." - Walker Brooks
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground layout includes five tent sites, each with a fire ring and picnic table.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; Federal Dock Site Permits required from May 1 to October 31.
Walk-in Availability"Reservations cannot be made for this campground. First-come, first-served. Boat-in ONLY campground." - From Meshach Padilla's review.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Deer Point Campground provides opportunities for a range of water-based activities, including boating, swimming, and non-motorized water sports. The campground's proximity to Lake Chelan enhances its appeal for these activities.
Fishing
Fishing is mentioned as an available activity, but no specific details on the types of fish or fishing quality are provided.Swimming
Swimming is highlighted as a popular activity, with visitors enjoying the clear waters of Lake Chelan.Boating
The campground is equipped with a floating dock that accommodates up to eight boats, making it ideal for motorized and non-motorized boating activities on Lake Chelan.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are explicitly mentioned as popular activities, supported by Lake Chelan's favorable conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rattle snakes east of Lake Chelan, as noted by Soheil Sahraei.
Weather forecast
100
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 11%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.2 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
Closest emergency services are likely in Chelan, including medical facilities and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 – October 31 (Federal Dock Site Permit required).
Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash or recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Lake Chelan with a floating dock for boat access and swimming opportunities.
Common complaintsSome campers mentioned the dock system "needs some attention" (Tracy Smith, 2021).
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Chelan, travel south on Highway 97 Alternate for 3 miles. Turn right onto 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 4 miles uplake. Campground is on the north shore.
Accessible via Southshore Road to Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park. Boat access required for the final 4 miles uplake.Nearby places
Chelan (~20 miles, ~25 minutes by car to Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
additional 4-mile boat ride).
Nearby supplies
Chelan (~20 miles by road to the boat launch) is the closest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Deer Point Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful environment, good wind protection, and suitability for water-based activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. However, concerns about the dock's maintenance and the potential presence of rattlesnakes are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
- Excellent protection from down-lake winds.
- Multiple tent sites with space for hammocks.
- Scenic views of Lake Chelan.
- Nearby access to Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
- No reservations; first-come, first-served policy.
- Dock system requires maintenance.
- Slim chance of encountering rattlesnakes.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own potable water as it is not available on-site.
- Stay on trails to avoid potential encounters with rattlesnakes.
- Consider visiting in the summer for the best weather conditions.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most favored season for visits, with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. Winter may present challenges due to limited access and colder conditions.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Reservations cannot be made for this campground. First-come, first served. Boat-in ONLY campground.'
- 'Excellent down-lake wind protection. 2 camp sits on each side (up and down lake) so you can...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Sites are clustered near the dock; privacy is moderate.
- 'Fits 4 boats comfortably. Has 4 or 5 tent sites.'
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information about pet policies or facilities is provided.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025