Bullion Camp

Greetings, fellow Washington adventurers! If you're looking to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of our state's wilderness, then prepare to learn about a truly special destination: Bullion Camp. Located in the famously remote community of Stehekin, this campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the pristine North Cascades National Park Complex in a way few other places can. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, reaching Bullion Camp is an adventure in itself, setting the stage for a unique and memorable outdoor escape. We'll delve into what makes this spot so distinctive, from its one-of-a-kind accessibility to the deep wilderness experience it provides, making it an ideal choice for Washingtonians seeking a true escape into nature.

Stehekin, where Bullion Camp resides, is renowned for its lack of road access to the outside world, creating a tranquil sanctuary that feels miles away from urban hustle. This isolation is precisely what makes camping here so appealing to those who cherish peace, solitude, and direct access to breathtaking trails. As Washington residents, we pride ourselves on our state's diverse landscapes, and the North Cascades offer some of the most rugged and awe-inspiring scenery. Bullion Camp provides a direct portal into this majestic environment, catering to backpackers, hikers, and anyone eager to experience the raw beauty of our natural heritage. Get ready to discover your next extraordinary Washington camping adventure.

Bullion Camp is a rustic and remote campground nestled within the pristine Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, part of the larger North Cascades National Park Service Complex, near Stehekin, Washington. It embodies the essence of wilderness camping, offering a secluded and natural environment for those willing to venture beyond conventional accessible sites. This campground is not designed for drive-up access, which contributes significantly to its tranquil and unspoiled character. It is primarily utilized by hikers and backpackers seeking a deeper immersion into the stunning landscapes of the North Cascades.

As a backcountry or roadside camp along the Stehekin Valley Road, Bullion Camp serves as an important waypoint for longer treks into the wilderness. It provides a basic yet essential infrastructure for overnight stays, allowing visitors to experience the profound quiet and natural beauty that defines this region. The lack of extensive amenities is part of its charm, encouraging campers to embrace a more self-reliant and environmentally conscious approach to their outdoor adventures. Bullion Camp truly offers a glimpse into Washington's untouched wilderness, making it an ideal destination for those who prioritize solitude and direct access to premier hiking and exploration opportunities over modern conveniences. It's a place where the focus is firmly on the natural surroundings and the adventure of getting there.

Bullion Camp is located in Stehekin, WA 98852, USA. This address, however, tells only part of the story regarding its accessibility. Stehekin is famously unique: there are "no roads in or out of Stehekin" that connect it to the rest of Washington's road network. The only ways to reach Stehekin, and subsequently Bullion Camp, are by boat, float plane, or by hiking in on extensive trails.

For most visitors, access begins with a scenic journey across Lake Chelan via the "Lady of the Lake" passenger ferry from Chelan, or by private boat. Once in Stehekin, Bullion Camp is situated along the Stehekin Valley Road. While this road is paved for the first four miles from Stehekin Landing, it then becomes gravel. Bullion Camp is specifically accessible via the "Stehekin Shuttle," a public transportation service that runs along the Stehekin Valley Road between Stehekin and High Bridge. Hikers can also directly access Bullion Camp via the "Bullion Trail" or as part of longer routes like the Howard Lake Trail or the Old Wagon (Pacific Crest) Trail.

This multi-modal approach to access underscores the remote and pristine nature of the campground. It requires planning and a willingness to embrace a journey that is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. For Washingtonians seeking a truly off-grid experience, this deliberate inaccessibility is a significant draw, ensuring a level of tranquility and wilderness preservation that is increasingly rare. It guarantees that those who arrive are genuinely committed to exploring and respecting the natural environment, enhancing the overall experience of solitude and immersion in the North Cascades.

• Designated camping sites (often primitive in nature, for tents or small setups).
• Part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, requiring a backcountry permit for overnight stays (permits are limited and often need to be obtained in advance).
• Accessible via the Stehekin Shuttle, which transports visitors along the Stehekin Valley Road.
• Located near access points to various hiking and stock trails, including the Bullion Trail and Howard Lake Trail.
• Offers a rustic camping experience with limited facilities (e.g., typically pit toilets; no electricity, water hookups, or dump stations are available).
• Provides a critical base camp for multi-day hiking and backpacking trips into the surrounding wilderness.
• Ideal for those practicing Leave No Trace principles due to its remote and natural setting.

• Exceptional wilderness immersion due to its remote location and limited access, offering true peace and quiet.
• Direct access to a vast network of hiking trails within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, including parts of the Pacific Crest Trail system.
• Opportunities for wildlife viewing and experiencing the natural flora and fauna of the North Cascades.
• Part of the unique Stehekin Valley experience, which itself is a highlight due to its car-free environment and reliance on local transportation (shuttle, boat, float plane).
• Offers a traditional, rugged camping experience, appealing to seasoned backpackers and those seeking an authentic outdoor adventure.
• Located along the scenic Stehekin River, with potential for enjoying river sounds and views.
• A chance to disconnect from modern conveniences and fully reconnect with nature.
• Proximity to other notable wilderness camps like High Bridge and Tumwater, allowing for varied itinerarie.
• The journey to the campground via the Lady of the Lake ferry is itself a picturesque experience.

For information regarding Bullion Camp, which is managed as part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, you can typically reach out through the general contact for the park or the Stehekin area visitor services:

Address: Stehekin, WA 98852, USA (Note: This is the general location for Stehekin; specific GPS navigation is not applicable due to limited road access).

Phone: (360) 854-7200 (This is the main contact for North Cascades National Park Service Complex).

Mobile Phone: +1 360-854-7200

It is crucial to contact the North Cascades National Park Service directly well in advance of your planned trip. Information on backcountry permits (which are required), ferry schedules, shuttle operations, trail conditions, and any seasonal closures or restrictions (e.g., fire bans) will be vital for planning a successful and safe visit to Bullion Camp.

For Washington locals, Bullion Camp in Stehekin represents a truly unique and deeply enriching outdoor experience that aligns perfectly with the adventurous spirit and appreciation for wilderness prevalent in our state. What makes it exceptionally suitable for us is precisely its remoteness and the effort required to reach it. While this might deter some, for many Washingtonians, the journey itself—by boat across Lake Chelan on the Lady of the Lake, or by float plane, or even by hiking in—is an integral part of the adventure. This unique access ensures a level of tranquility and untouched natural beauty that is increasingly rare in more easily accessible areas.

Bullion Camp is ideal for those who genuinely seek to disconnect from the digital world and immerse themselves in the raw, majestic landscapes of the North Cascades National Park Complex. It offers a authentic backcountry camping experience, serving as a gateway to extensive hiking trails, including vital sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. For local hikers and backpackers, this means unparalleled access to some of Washington's most breathtaking scenery, towering peaks, and pristine forests. The basic amenities available at the camp encourage self-reliance and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, values deeply cherished by our state's outdoor community.

Moreover, the entire Stehekin Valley offers a distinct cultural experience, a small, car-free community nestled within a national park. This provides a refreshing change of pace and an opportunity to explore a unique corner of Washington that few outside our state ever truly experience. For Washingtonians, a trip to Bullion Camp is more than just camping; it's an adventurous pilgrimage into our state's wild heart, offering solitude, profound natural beauty, and a chance to truly reconnect with the wilderness that defines our identity. It's a destination that promises not just a campsite, but an unforgettable journey into the essence of wild Washington.