Map showing campground location near Whittier, Alaska

Camper submitted image from Alaska Marine Highway

Alaska Marine Highway

The Alaska Marine Highway operates as Alaska's state ferry system, connecting Bellingham, Washington to Dutch Harbor with stops throughout Southeast Alaska. Campers can pitch tents on the vessel's outdoor decks or sleep under heated overhangs in the solarium areas. The ferry system provides an alternative to traditional cruise ships, allowing extended stays at each port rather than rushed day visits.

Deck camping proves popular among budget-conscious travelers, though reviewers note crowding during peak season. "You can pitch a tent on the deck, or sleep under the heated overhang," explains one camper who spent three nights aboard. The vessel includes showers, laundry facilities, a movie theater, and dining options. Alcohol is permitted in designated areas but not on the camping decks themselves.

Wildlife viewing opportunities emerge throughout the journey, with passengers spotting humpback whales, bears fishing for salmon, and bald eagles near glaciers. The multi-day ferry rides between ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway provide time to observe calving glaciers and coastal scenery. Staff members receive consistent praise for helpfulness during the extended voyages.

Travelers seeking land-based accommodations in port towns can explore campgrounds around Whittier or the nearby City of Whittier Campground - Whittier Bay for a more traditional camping experience.

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Map & DirectionsAlaska Marine Highway is located in Alaska near Whittier

Public Campground

Coordinates

60.78491612 N
148.697959 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

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Verizon
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Verified by 8 users
Last on 5/7/26
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Access

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Site Types

Tent Sites
Cabins

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

8 hrs 3 min from Fairbanks, AK

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Alaska Marine Highway

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5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

This unique ferry camping experience offers comprehensive amenities and friendly staff for multi-day Alaska coastal journeys. Campers appreciated the extensive facilities and flexibility to tent on deck or upgrade to private cabins.

Kate K.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 9, 2018

So great!

I spent three nights on the ferry from Bellingham, WA, to Skagway, AK. Camping on the deck was wonderful. You can pitch a tent on the deck, or sleep under the heated overhang. You can also get a private cabin if you’d like, or find a quiet place in other places on board. Movie theater, showers, washer and dryer, food. More than you need. Plus amazing views! No booze on the deck but available in the dining room. The staff was also so sweet!

Month of VisitMay

(4) View All

Sierra S.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2018

Mainland to the Island

We took the Alaska Marine Highway from Whittier to Petersburg with stops in Yakutat and Juneau. Highly recommend getting a private room for overnight adventures but if you’re on a budget you can bring your tent and camp gear up to the solarium.

Linda T.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2018

fantastic experience

a different type of camping

Month of VisitJuly

Fain H.

Ranger

Reviewed Mar. 22, 2017

Ferry hoppin

This is the state of Alaska's public ferry system and runs from Bellingham, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK. Our journey started in Bellingham were we boarded the Columbia, the largest vessel in the AMH's fleet. It carries about 500 passengers who can either rent a cabin for an extra fee, pitch a tent on one of the decks, or sleep in a lounge chair in one of the solarium's or observation decks. We chose the tent option of course and picked out a good spot. The scenery along the British Columbia coast line is amazing and we got lucky enough to see a group of humpbacks and one full breach not far from the boat. Our first stop in Alaska was Ketchikan which is about a 36 hour boat ride from Bellingham. One of the biggest advantages of traveling by the ferries compared to other ways of travel like a cruise ship for example, is that it allows you to explore a place more thoroughly and not be in such a rush. I've never been on a cruise but the thought of only having a few hours in some of these places would drive me mad. It was nice to have a few days at each of our stops. Our trip was 9 days long and just gave us time to explore some of southeast Alaska around the towns of Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau and Skagway. Along the way we got to see glaciers calving, bears catching salmon and bald eagles landing on icebergs. This was definitely one of the most unique camping experiences I've ever had in one of the most wild and beautiful places I've ever been. Can't wait to do it again, exploring Skagway to Anchorage next time and all the stops along the way.