South Lakeshore Road Scenic Drive
A 127-acre park on Washington's longest lake, offering camping, a boat ramp, and a large dock for recreation and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Coolest water, fewer boats
South Lakeshore Road Scenic Drive
Best Time
Coolest water, fewer boats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 127-acre park on Washington's longest lake, offering camping, a boat ramp, and a large dock for recreation and stunning views.
"Beautiful park with plenty of activities for all ages! "
🚗 Day Use Fees
Expect a day-use fee ($10) or an annual pass ($30) for entry. :moneybag:
🚿 Clean Shower Facilities
Campsites offer clean, individual shower stalls. A great perk after a day on the lake! 🚿
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,740 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Lake Swimming
Designated swimming areas
Dive into the cool, clear waters of Washington's longest lake. Perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day.
Sunset Views from the Dock
Large dock
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the lake. A truly magical end to any day.
Waterfront Camping Experience
Campsites
Camp steps from the water's edge and wake up to serene lake views and sunrise.
Water Sports Rentals
Concession/Store
Rent kayaks, jet skis, or paddleboards for a fun-filled day on the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Summer Buzz
Day Use vs. Overnight Stays
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
How do you lake chelan?
Lived in Wa my whole life and never made the <5 hour trip to lake chelan. I'm hoping to go (for swimming) some time in august but I don't want to stay at any big resort, how do you guys do Lake chelan trips? Is lake access totally fenced off by whatever hotel?
🚗 Day Use Fees
Expect a day-use fee ($10) or an annual pass ($30) for entry. :moneybag:
🚿 Clean Shower Facilities
Campsites offer clean, individual shower stalls. A great perk after a day on the lake! 🚿
The view from our camping spot on Lake Chelan
Welcome to my backyard! Enjoy your stay and visit our wineries. Fun fact: Hard Row to Hoe Winery was once a brothel back then. The bathroom was pretty much the only thing that hasn't changed.
Things to do/Where to go in Lake Chelan
Hi, everyone. I'm going to Lake Chelan for the first time for the weekend. Seeking any and all tips to have a great time hosting friends there. Where are the best places on the lake to float and swim? Best places to eat? Things to do? Please share your experiences. Thanks!
🚤 Be Prepared for Boat Noise
Summertime means lots of boating. Expect significant noise from jet skis and boats. ⛵
🍦 Grab a Treat
The concession store offers ice cream and snacks. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up. 🍨
Lake Chelan State Park/Swimming
We are heading to camp at Lake Chelan State Park on Sunday, and we’ve never been to the area. I’ve heard the lake is quite cold, is it realistic to think we’ll be able to swim (kids are 6 and 7)? Any particular beaches in the area you recommend? Any tips gladly accepted!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Day Use Fees
Expect a day-use fee ($10) or an annual pass ($30) for entry. :moneybag:
🚿 Clean Shower Facilities
Campsites offer clean, individual shower stalls. A great perk after a day on the lake! 🚿
🚤 Be Prepared for Boat Noise
Summertime means lots of boating. Expect significant noise from jet skis and boats. ⛵
🍦 Grab a Treat
The concession store offers ice cream and snacks. Perfect for a midday pick-me-up. 🍨
🦌 Wildlife Sightings
Keep an eye out for deer roaming the campground, especially during sunrise. 🦌
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful, clean lake and the stunning sunset views, with many appreciating the well-maintained campsites and clean shower facilities. The park offers a great mix of activities for all ages, from swimming and water sports to camping and playgrounds. However, be prepared for significant boat noise during the busy summer months, and note that campsite privacy can be limited.
"Beautiful park with plenty of activities for all ages! There’s a nice playground for kids and a swimming area with options to rent kayaks and jet skis. Campsites are well-maintained, and the bathrooms (with showers) were clean. While most sites don’t offer much privacy, the lake views and stunning sunsets more than make up for it. We even caught fireworks from the lake — such a fun bonus! We stayed at campsite 85 and really enjoyed our time here."
Pooja Rajguru
"Such a beautiful, clean lake. The bathroom near our campsite had 4 individual showers and clean bathrooms. Beautiful view of the lake. Be prepared fir lots of boating noise in the summer, and I mean a lot! Campsite had great view of the water and the sunrise."
K Martin
"End of July it's hot weather. Take a cool clear water swim in the lake, paddleboard, jetski, go boating. Get bags of ice or maybe a 2 scoop ice cream cone at the concession/store there. You can camp almost right on the water, near a big grass field, under a shade tree - and there is also group camping. Free showers and bathrooms are cleaned daily. Kids playground, volleyball, and a hiking trail. I saw deer roam the campground while I watched the beautiful sunrise. This is an excellent place to go camping."
Wildcraft Rose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
South Lakeshore Road Scenic Drive is located on the shore of Washington's longest lake. While specific directions can vary, it's generally accessible by car. Many visitors make the trip from Seattle, which is about a 3-hour drive.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available, making it easy for visitors to access the lake and park amenities.
While it's a scenic drive, direct lake access is primarily concentrated within the park's day-use and camping areas, including a large dock and designated swimming spots.
The best way to experience the scenic drive is by stopping at the designated park areas to enjoy the lake views, swimming, and recreational activities.
Public transport options are limited for this specific scenic drive. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a day-use fee of $10, or you can purchase an annual pass for $30.
The park is generally open for day use and camping, with specific hours for facilities like the store and restrooms. It's best to check local listings for exact times.
It is highly recommended to book campsites in advance, especially during the peak summer season, as they are very popular.
Swimming is generally free within the designated areas of the park, but the day-use entry fee applies.
The day-use fee grants access to the park's amenities, including the playground, swimming areas, picnic spots, and hiking trails.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, paddleboarding, camping, picnicking, and enjoying the playground.
There is a concession/store on-site that sells food, ice cream, and sundry products.
Campsites are available, some located right on the water. The park also offers clean bathrooms with free showers.
Yes, the park has a nice playground and a safe swimming area, making it a great spot for families.
Expect beautiful lake views, stunning sunsets, and opportunities to see wildlife like deer.
📸 📸 Photography
The large dock, waterfront campsites, and designated swimming areas offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Absolutely! The sunsets over the lake are renowned and provide a spectacular backdrop for photography.
Early mornings for sunrise and late evenings for sunset offer the best light. Midday can be bright but still offers great shots of the clear lake water.
The prominent large dock and the expansive lake itself are key photographic elements. The campsites also offer picturesque waterfront scenes.
Yes, with patience, you might be able to photograph deer that roam the campground, particularly in the early morning or late evening.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit