CampgroundsDB

Refrigerator Harbor

Its sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations), and it is open year-round. Refrigerator Harbor is a National Forest campground near Chelan, Washington.

First-come, first-served

National Forest · Chelan, Washington

Managed by
National Forest

Refrigerator Harbor sits inside Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Its dispersed-camping rule, ranger offices, and boundary are on publiclandsdb.com. It sits 1 mile outside the boundary of Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness; its permit and camping rules and boundary are on publiclandsdb.com.

Lake Chelan boat-in site: A boat-in site about 40 miles up-lake from Chelan with a shelter and 3-boat dock, near the old Lucerne Ranger Station; sheltered from down-lake winds, not up-lake ones. (fs.usda.gov)

Getting a site

Managed by
National Forest
Reservations
None, first-come
Fee
Fee unknown, see agency
Entrance fee
Lake Chelan Federal Dock Site Permit (May 1 to Oct 31): $10 per day or $75 per season

Source: fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Sites and hookups

Tent sites
4
  • ✓ Toilets
  • ✓ Fire rings
  • ✕ Potable water

On site: Toilets and fire rings. No potable water.

Source: fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Rules

Stay limit
14 consecutive days, then 30 days off the forest; 28 days per calendar year

Source: fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Access and cell service

Elevation
1,140 ft

48.1992, -120.5873 in Chelan. Open in OpenStreetMap. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Open in Google Maps Directions

Season and winter services

Refrigerator Harbor is open year-round .

Source: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Common questions

Do you need a reservation at Refrigerator Harbor?
No. Refrigerator Harbor is first-come, first-served: there is no reservation system, so arrive early to claim an open site.
Is there a separate entrance fee at Refrigerator Harbor?
Yes. The entrance fee is Lake Chelan Federal Dock Site Permit (May 1 to Oct 31): $10 per day or $75 per season.
How many campsites does Refrigerator Harbor have?
Refrigerator Harbor has 4 tent sites.
Is there drinking water at Refrigerator Harbor?
No. Refrigerator Harbor has no potable water, so bring all the water you need.
When is Refrigerator Harbor open?
Refrigerator Harbor is open year-round.
How long can you stay at Refrigerator Harbor?
The stay limit at Refrigerator Harbor is 14 consecutive days, then 30 days off the forest; 28 days per calendar year.
Is there cell service at Refrigerator Harbor?
Probably not: the FCC's National Broadband Map (data as of December 31, 2025) shows no 4G LTE or 5G from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon at or within about half a mile of Refrigerator Harbor. The FCC map only includes 4G LTE at 5/1 Mbps or better and 5G; a weaker signal, a text, or an emergency call may still get through, but don't count on it.
Who manages Refrigerator Harbor?
Refrigerator Harbor is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Around Refrigerator Harbor

fishypedia.com · 16 miles

The nearest lake with a fishing page is Lake Chelan, whose mapped center point is 16 miles away in a straight line. Stocking record and species: Lake Chelan fishing on fishypedia.com.

First-come Lucerne Chelan · National Forest Season Not on record Fee Not on record First-come Domke Lake Chelan · National Forest Season Not on record Fee Free First-come Cascade Creek Chelan · National Forest Season Not on record Fee Free First-come Moore Point Chelan · National Forest Season Not on record Fee Not on record

More campgrounds: camping near Chelan and campgrounds in Chelan.

Sources

First-come, first-served
Get directions