Harlequin Campground

For those of us in Washington seeking an unparalleled blend of wilderness immersion and charming local flavor, Harlequin Campground in Stehekin, WA, presents an extraordinary opportunity. Tucked away in the breathtaking Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, part of the expansive North Cascades National Park Service Complex, this campground isn't just a place to stay; it's an integral part of a unique journey into one of our state's most pristine and remote regions. Harlequin offers a distinctive walk-in camping experience, accessible only by foot, boat, or plane, promising a genuine escape from the ordinary.

From the moment you embark on the scenic ferry ride up Lake Chelan, past majestic mountains and into the secluded Stehekin Valley, you'll feel the pull of true Pacific Northwest adventure. This article aims to provide our local Washington readers with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Harlequin Campground a standout choice for your next outdoor excursion. We'll delve into its unique accessibility, the essential services and amenities it provides in a remote setting, and highlight the remarkable features that contribute to its "amazing" reputation, all while drawing on insights from fellow campers who have experienced its magic firsthand. Prepare to discover a truly wild and rewarding part of Washington State.

Harlequin Campground is uniquely situated in the remote community of Stehekin, WA 98852, USA. Its address within the Stehekin Valley, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Road from Stehekin Landing, makes its accessibility a key part of the adventure. Stehekin is famously isolated, meaning there are no direct roads connecting it to the rest of Washington. This intentional remoteness preserves its pristine nature and offers a truly unique travel experience.

The primary ways to reach Stehekin, and subsequently Harlequin Campground, include:

• Passenger Ferry: The most popular and scenic option is the Lady of the Lake ferry, which provides a stunning journey up the 50.5-mile long Lake Chelan from Chelan. Once at Stehekin Landing, you can utilize local transportation.
• Private Boat: Visitors with their own boats can moor at public docks in Stehekin, though a federal dock permit might be required.
• Floatplane: For a faster, albeit often more expensive, option, floatplane services offer direct flights into Stehekin.
• Hiking: Experienced backpackers can also hike into Stehekin via various wilderness trails from the North Cascades Highway, a multi-day journey that adds to the sense of accomplishment.

Once you arrive at Stehekin Landing, getting to Harlequin Campground is part of the charm. The campground is a walk-in site, meaning vehicles cannot drive directly to the campsites. However, the readily available "blue shuttle" bus provides convenient transportation along the Stehekin Valley Road. Visitors can catch the shuttle from the landing, enjoying a scenic tour with a "fantastic tour guide" driver, who often makes stops at local attractions like the famous bakery and gift shops. Campers disembark at the "steel bridge" and then it's just a short walk to the individual campsites. While there's limited shared parking at the campground for authorized vehicles, all sites are considered walk-in, ensuring a quiet, vehicle-free camping experience at the actual site.

Harlequin Campground offers a thoughtful balance of essential services for a comfortable wilderness experience, particularly given its remote location. While it’s not a full-service park, the amenities provided are well-suited for its unique setting:

• Walk-in Campsites with Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each site includes a picnic table for dining and a designated fire pit, perfect for evening campfires (when no fire bans are in place). The "lots are sandy," creating a unique "beach camping with all the sand/water" feel.
• Bear Boxes (Food Storage Lockers): Crucial for safety in bear country, bear boxes are provided at the campground, allowing campers to securely store food and scented items away from wildlife.
• Pit Toilets: Clean and maintained pit toilets are available, providing essential sanitation facilities. While one review mentions they "can be smelled very far away," their presence is vital in a remote area.
• Trash and Recycling Services: Uniquely for such a remote campground, Harlequin provides designated trash and recycling receptacles. This is a significant convenience, although campers are still encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and minimize waste. Note that garbage service is typically available from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September.
• No Potable Running Water: There is no running water at the campground. Campers must be prepared to filter or treat water from the Stehekin River, which is easily accessible from the campsites, or bring their own supply.
• Hammock Camping Friendly: The natural setting, described as "sandy" with trees, makes it easy to set up hammocks, offering an alternative and comfortable sleeping option.
• Off-Season Free Camping: During the off-season (mid-September to late June), camping at Harlequin Campground is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though trash services may be limited during this time. Reservations are required during peak season.

These services ensure that campers have fundamental needs met while preserving the natural integrity of the environment.

Harlequin Campground stands out with several remarkable features and highlights that truly enhance the camping experience in the heart of the North Cascades:

• Incredible Fishing Opportunities: Located right next to the Stehekin River, the campground offers "amazing fishing," with opportunities to catch "nice cutthroat salmon." This makes it a dream destination for anglers.
• Unique Walk-in Access via Scenic Shuttle: The journey to the campground is an adventure in itself. Catching the Lady of the Lake ferry and then the "blue shuttle" to the campground, complete with a "fantastic tour guide" and stops at the "bakery and awesome gift shops," transforms arrival into a mini-tour.
• "Beach Camping" Feel with Sandy Lots: The campsites are described as "sandy," providing a unique texture and feel akin to "beach camping," but nestled within a forest environment. This offers a distinct and pleasant atmosphere.
• Proximity to Stehekin Attractions: The shuttle conveniently stops near local highlights like the famous Stehekin Bakery (grab an "ice cream and oat bar!"), awesome gift shops, and allows glimpses of Rainbow Falls from the bus, making exploration easy. The historic Buckner Orchard is also nearby.
• Bear Boxes for Safety: The provision of secure bear boxes is a significant highlight, ensuring food safety and peace of mind for campers in an area where bears are present.
• Abundant Hammock Camping Opportunities: The natural layout of the sites and trees makes Harlequin an ideal spot for hammock camping, adding flexibility and comfort to your setup.
• Sound of Eagles and River: Waking up to the "sound of bald eagles at the river" and the constant presence of the Stehekin River provides an incredibly immersive and tranquil natural soundtrack, fostering a deep connection with wildlife and the environment.
• Free Off-Season Camping: The availability of free camping during the off-season (mid-September to late June) is a major draw for budget-conscious adventurers seeking solitude.

For inquiries regarding Harlequin Campground, including reservations (required during peak season), current conditions, and general information about camping in the Stehekin area, it is best to contact the National Park Service offices responsible for the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

Contact Information:

North Cascades National Park Complex

Address: Stehekin, WA 98852, USA (General mailing address for the Stehekin area within the park complex is 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, but direct mail to Stehekin is also possible)

Phone: (360) 854-7200 (This is the general phone number for the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes Stehekin. You may need to ask for specific information about camping in Stehekin or Harlequin Campground.)

For reservations during the peak season, it is highly recommended to use Recreation.gov, where sites at Harlequin Campground can be booked up to 6 months in advance. For the most current information on trail conditions, any fire bans, or specific details on amenities during your planned visit, checking the official National Park Service website for North Cascades National Park (www.nps.gov/noca) is always advisable.

For us, as Washington locals, Harlequin Campground offers an unparalleled camping experience that truly encapsulates the adventurous spirit of our state. Its unique walk-in accessibility via the scenic Lady of the Lake ferry and the charming Stehekin shuttle transforms the journey into an integral part of the adventure, allowing us to shed the typical car-bound stress and truly decompress from the start. This is not just a campsite; it’s a portal to the heart of the North Cascades, offering a profound sense of disconnection and immersion in nature that’s increasingly hard to find.

The highlights of "amazing fishing," the comfortable "sandy" sites reminiscent of a beach, and the thoughtful provision of bear boxes and trash/recycling services (a luxury in such a remote locale) cater directly to the desires of Pacific Northwest outdoor enthusiasts. We appreciate the shuttle’s stops at the famous bakery and gift shops, blending rustic adventure with touches of local charm. While the sounds of nearby airplanes might be present, the offsetting serenade of bald eagles and the pristine Stehekin River create an unforgettable natural symphony. For Washingtonians seeking a genuine wilderness experience, complete with opportunities for incredible fishing, stunning natural beauty, and a well-supported, unique journey, Harlequin Campground stands as a premier destination, perfectly suited for making lasting memories in our own incredible backyard.

Harlequin Campground

Stehekin, WA 98852, USA