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Harlequin Campground

Stehekin, Washington · Chelan County · Campground

Overview Campgrounds in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are walk-in sites located in the Stehekin Valley. Harlequin Camp is located along the Stehekin River, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Road from Stehekin Landing and approximately 6.5 miles from High Bridge. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilit…

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About Harlequin Campground

Overview Campgrounds in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are walk-in sites located in the Stehekin Valley. Harlequin Camp is located along the Stehekin River, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Road from Stehekin Landing and approximately 6.5 miles from High Bridge. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane. There is some shared parking at the campground for a limited number of vehicles but all sites are considered walk-in. Recreation Visitors can access several trails from the campground area, such as the Stehekin River Trail, Company Creek Trail, and Rainbow Loop. Many of these trails also lead to other backcountry trails and the opportunity for longer wilderness backpacks. A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Other trails along the Stehekin Valley Road can be reached by foot, bike, or shuttle bus. Visitors can boat, fish, and swim (although the water is a chilly 45 degrees) in Lake Chelan or the Stehekin River. Bears do inhabit the area, so care should be taken when hiking, picnicking, or camping. Facilities Harlequin has pit toilets and garbage containers, though all trash must be eventually barged downlake and visitors are encouraged to pack out everything they pack in. The campground has no running water; plan on boiling or filtering water from the Stehekin River or bringing what you need. Each campsite offers a picnic table and fires are allowed in designated fire pits. Most sites are large, with space to arrange multiple tents (no specific tent pads). There are no roads or car access into Stehekin. Accessible by foot, boat or plane only. Visitors may take a passenger ferry or their own boat, which may be parked at the public docks in Stehekin with the purchase of a federal dock permit. (4.5 miles from Harlequin). At the Stehekin Landing area, the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin has a small store with very limited groceries and a restaurant. Public showers and l

How to Get There

There are no roads that connect Stehekin to the rest of Washington. Access is via foot, boat, or plane. Head north on Stehekin Valley Road from the Landing approximately 4.5 miles and turn left at the large Harlequin Bridge. The campground is the first left after crossing the river.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Harlequin Campground

Heading to Harlequin Campground? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Harlequin Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Harlequin Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10101324) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Harlequin Campground?

There are no roads that connect Stehekin to the rest of Washington. Access is via foot, boat, or plane. Head north on Stehekin Valley Road from the Landing approximately 4.5 miles and turn left at the large Harlequin Bridge. The campground is the first left after crossing the river.

How do I contact Harlequin Campground?

You can reach the park at phone: 509-699-2080 x 14 or email: noca_information@nps.gov.