Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]
01 reviewSafety Harbor Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington
Safety Harbor Campground [Closed]
$10.00 - $10.00 / 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 costs $10 per day or $75 for a season pass. Permits are required from May 1 – October 31 for use of all National Forest and Park Service docks on Lake Chelan.
About this campground
Tucked away on the northern shores of Lake Chelan, Safety Harbor Campground offers an exclusive boat-in wilderness experience that rewards adventurous souls with pristine solitude. This remote sanctuary features a floating dock that welcomes up to six vessels, leading to four intimate tent sites nestled among towering pines. Two communal fire rings invite evening gatherings under star-filled skies, while picnic tables provide the perfect perch for lakeside meals. A single vault toilet serves this minimalist retreat. Note: The campground remains temporarily closed following the 2017 Uno Peak Fire, as nature continues its healing process and flash flood risks are carefully monitored.
This is a primitive boat-in campground with facilities tailored to tent camping.
Historical SignificanceSafety Harbor bears witness to the dramatic forces that shape the North Cascades wilderness. The 2017 Uno Peak Fire transformed this landscape, leaving its mark on both the forest canopy and the campground's story. This natural event has become part of the site's living history, demonstrating the ongoing dance between wildfire, regeneration, and forest management in the Pacific Northwest. The temporary closure stands as a testament to nature's power and the careful stewardship required to protect both visitors and the recovering ecosystem.
Weather and SeasonsThe crystalline waters of Lake Chelan maintain their signature chill throughout the camping season, offering an invigorating—some might say bracingly cold—swimming experience that veteran visitors have come to both respect and cherish. Fed by mountain snowmelt and influenced by seasonal river flows, the bay's temperatures provide a refreshing contrast to warm summer days, though swimmers should come prepared for the lake's famously frigid embrace.
ElevationPerched at 4,320 feet above sea level, Safety Harbor occupies a sweet spot where mountain air meets lake breezes. This elevation gifts the campground with refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer's peak, while the surrounding forest creates a natural amphitheater of towering evergreens. The altitude contributes to crisp morning air that carries the scent of pine and the promise of adventure across the water.
Natural Features and ScenerySafety Harbor lives up to its name, offering boaters a tranquil refuge from Lake Chelan's occasionally temperamental winds. Dense forests cascade down to the water's edge, creating a verdant backdrop of Douglas firs and ponderosa pines that frame spectacular lake views. The protected cove shields visitors from both up-lake and down-lake winds, creating a naturally calm anchorage where boats bob gently and the forest's reflection shimmers on still morning waters. This intimate pocket of wilderness provides front-row seats to nature's daily performances—from misty dawns to golden sunsets painting the surrounding peaks.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Safety Harbor showcases the geological drama of the North Cascades. This remarkable landscape tells a story written in granite peaks, carved by ancient glaciers, and filled by the pristine waters of Lake Chelan—one of the deepest lakes in the United States. The surrounding terrain reveals millions of years of geological history, from volcanic origins to glacial sculpting, creating a diverse ecosystem where mountain forests meet one of the continent's most spectacular alpine lakes. The campground sits at the intersection of multiple ecosystems, where dry-side pine forests transition to the lusher vegetation nourished by the lake's moderating influence.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features or amenities for individuals with disabilities are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground includes four designated tent sites. Site-specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground layout and privacy levels are not detailed.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo recommendations available due to closure.
Best CampsitesBest campsites cannot be determined due to campground closure.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits are undetermined due to closure.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The number of guests per site is unspecified.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at this site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFour tent sites, with minimal tables and fire rings, making it compact and basic.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is currently closed due to the 2017 Uno Peak Fire and potential catastrophic flash floods.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are currently applicable due to closure.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not applicable; campground is closed.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy information unavailable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is ideal for water-based recreation activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and motorized boating. Swimming is also possible, but reviewers note that the water can be quite cold due to the river flowing into the bay.
Swimming
Swimming is available but described as very cold by a user due to the river's flow into the bay.Boating
Boating activities are well-supported with both motorized and non-motorized options. A floating dock with six-boat capacity is provided.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are noted as available at the site.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are highlighted in the provided documents.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Two fire rings are available; current fire policies are undefined due to closure.
- Quiet hours are unspecified.
Hazards
General hazards"Potential for catastrophic flash floods is high" due to the 2017 Uno Peak Fire.
Active alerts"Campground is closed due to 2017 Uno Peak Fire above the campground."
Weather forecast
99
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 12%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.6 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 likely in Chelan, WA, which has hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 – October 31 (for Federal Dock Site Permits; campground itself remains closed).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative content provided.
Proximity to water featuresOn the northern shore of Lake Chelan, featuring a six-boat floating dock.
Common complaintsSwimming conditions are characterized as very cold by users; closure and flash flood threats are major concerns.
HostNo host information available.
Campground Map
Safety Harbor Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington
Driving directionsFrom Chelan, travel south on Highway 97A 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 5.5 miles up lake. Campground is on the north shore.
Accessible via boat-in from Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park. Road access ends at the park; challenging navigation may be required due to lake conditions.Nearby places
Chelan, WA (approximately 20 miles by road plus 5.5 miles by boat).
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at Chelan, WA, including groceries, fuel, and camping gear.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Safety Harbor Campground [Closed] has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews emphasize the campground's utility as a shelter from lake winds and its recent updates to facilities like the pit toilet. However, the campground is currently closed due to fire damage and the risk of flash flooding.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlight the site's good shelter from lake winds and the updates to the vault toilet. The floating dock is also appreciated for accommodating larger boats.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The water for swimming is noted as being very cold due to the river flowing into the bay. Additionally, the campground's closure due to fire damage and flooding risks is a major issue.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Purchase the required Federal Dock Site Permit before arrival. Boaters should aim to visit during seasons with favorable weather to maximize enjoyment and safety.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest summer is an ideal time to visit, barring the campground's closure due to post-fire flooding risks. Winter and early spring are less suitable due to freezing temperatures and snow.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Great shelter from up and down lake winds. Recent updates to the camping sites and pit toilet make it a great over night. Fits larger boats at the dock."
2. "Swimming is going to be very cold...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground offers four tent sites, with no differentiation among them in the reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025