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Activities

Established Camping

Mendenhall Lake Campground

Mendenhall Lake Campground, near Juneau, Alaska, is a fantastic place for those looking to immerse themselves in the stunning Alaskan wilderness. With sites that offer breathtaking views of the glacier and easy access to hiking trails, it’s a prime location for both relaxation and adventure.

The campground features well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables, fire pits, and clean pit toilets. Visitors have praised the quiet atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind while listening to the sounds of nature. One camper noted, “We enjoyed listening to all the birds and it was a pretty quiet campground.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Mendenhall Glacier and Lake provide ample opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re hiking the trails or paddling on the lake, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. As one reviewer mentioned, “The campground is laid out along the southern bank of Mendenhall Lake, and offers drinking water, flush, and vault toilets and hot showers.”

While the campground is popular, it maintains a sense of privacy between sites, allowing for a more intimate camping experience. Just be sure to arrive early to secure your spot, as some campers have encountered issues with unreserved sites being occupied. With its combination of natural beauty and convenient amenities, Mendenhall Lake Campground is a must-visit for anyone traveling through the area.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Tongass National Forest

Overview

Mendenhall Campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of massive Mendenhall Glacier, about 13 miles from downtown Juneau. The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Hiking opportunities abound.

Recreation

The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4 mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment.

Natural Features

The campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake at about 100 feet elevation. Mendenhall Glacier lies to the north and the Mendenhall River flows on the east. On either side of the campground, the mountains rise from 4,000 to to 7,000 feet above the Mendenhall Glacier. The topography is relatively flat and open, consisting of glacial moraines, small lakes and ponds. Forbs and lichens, black cottonwood, Sitka alder, willow and mature spruce hemlock forests cover the area. The forest floor is dotted with blueberry bushes and mosses. At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffer the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks fill the area. Much of the forest is a temperate rain forest.

Nearby Attractions

Run the rapids down the Mendenhall River, take a helicopter to the top of the glacier, bicycle or hike in the area. Outfitters offer these services. Many trails can be accessed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center area, including East Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 400 feet, takes 2-3 hours roundtrip. Some of the shorter trails in this area include the 1.7 mile Nugget Falls Trail, where the waterfall drops 377 feet in two tiers onto a sandbar in Mendenhall Lake, the 1.5 mile Moraine Ecology Trail, and the .7 mile Trail of Time.

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Location

Mendenhall Lake Campground is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Directions

This campsite is approximately 13 miles from downtown Juneau. Access is via the Alaska Marine Highway or via Alaska Airlines. By ferry: turn right out of the Ferry Terminal parking lot. Drive 1.7 miles to DeHart's Store above Auke Bay marinas. Take a left turn onto Back Loop Road. Travel 2.5 miles to Montana Creek Road. Turn left onto Montana Creek Road. Drive 0.3 miles to Skater's Cabin Road. The campground is 0.3 miles down the road. From the airport: go 0.1 mile to the junction of Yandukin Shell Simmons Drive. Turn left on Shell Simmons Drive and travel 0.3 miles to stoplight at the intersection of Old Glacier Highway. Turn left on Old Glacier Highway and travel 0.5 mile to the stoplight at the intersection of Egan Drive. Continue on Mendenhall Loop Road 2.2 miles to the intersection of Back Loop Road. Turn left on Backloop Road. Continue 1.4 miles to the intersection of Montana Creek Road. Turn right and travel 0.3 miles to Skater's Cabin Road. Turn right and travel 0.3 miles to campground.

Address

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Juneau, AK 99801

Coordinates

58.4138889 N
134.5611111 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

24 Reviews

Reviewed May. 27, 2024

Glacier View in the Tongass

After being unable to find good reviews of campsites here, I took what I could find and gambled on a site. We were in tent site 021. It was a gorgeous site, had a large picnic table, bear box, water spigot between us and the site next to us, fire pit, clean pit toilets and a clean bath house. This campground has backpacker sites, RV sites, and car sites as well. We had a short walk through the moss on a trail that led down to Mendenhall Lake. It had a gorgeous view of the glacier. We enjoyed listening to all the birds and it was a pretty quiet campground.

There are a few sites close to boggy areas and they can be mushy and muddy, especially after a rain. There is a map on the reservation website where you can kind of see it. Our site was fabulous.

The trails are not far from the campground, so they are walkable.

Sitetent site 021
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Angie G., May 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Angie G., May 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Angie G., May 27, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2023

Great location, nice sites

Tent camping review. This was a great camp ground. Very clean and quiet. You can't beat the proximity to the park and hiking. Some of the sites even have great views. Each site has plenty of privacy, so even with intermixed RV's it stays pretty quiet. The showers were okay, not the cleanest and not the hottest but got the job done. My only complaint was coming after dark the first night to someone clearly squatting with their RV in our site. The camp hosts do not mark each site with the booked reservations (even though the posts clearly say that the section we were in were "reservation only". So people just drop in and take sites, assuming they aren't reserved. We attempted to solicit the camphosts help but in the 4 nights we stayed there, we never saw the hosts available once. We asked the people to move the next morning in daylight- not wanting to start anything or end up shot by knocking on their door and asking them to move that first night. However, that meant that we set up in someone else's potentially reserved site and started a huge domino effect. So I recommend getting there early to make sure your reserved spot isn't taken.

Site19
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Melissa W., October 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Melissa W., October 29, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2022

Big Surprise!

We’ve been full-time camping in our vintage camper for over10 years, and in that time we’ve taken some “camping trips” without our rig, Hamlet. This time we hopped on the ferry from Haines down to Juneau and pulled out the tent for a few days in this amazing campground. We were just looking for the least expensive place that was close to the ferry terminal in Auke Bay, but struck gold in the hills just above. This might be one of the best traditional campgrounds we've ever stayed in with some of the most stunning views in our "backyard."

The campground is laid out along the southern bank of Mendenhall Lake, and offers drinking water, flush, and vault toilets and hot showers -- at no extra charge. Did I mention that camping here will only set you back $10 per night? We cannot remember such an inexpensive camping experience that offered showers. These $10 sites don’t offer electrical hookups, so bring your solar panels and solar generator or power bank and you’ll be all set. 

The western trailhead is a short walk from the campground, but the Mendenhall Visitor's Center on the east side of the lake is just a few miles away. There are many trails, photographic viewpoints and opportunities to paddle on this side of the lake, but parking is competitive because it is such a popular area- including with the busses from the cruise ships docked in town. So, get there early. We enjoyed paddling on the lake where we got great views of the glacier and Nugget Falls, but keep your distance from icebergs. We watched one crack and roll not too far from where we were paddling, had we been closer I might not be writing this review. 

The Mendenhall Valley has all the amenities you could expect from the Juneau suburbs, grocery stores, malls and restaurants. Downtown has a few more options as well as Douglas Island, just across the bridge.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Shari  G., October 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Shari  G., October 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Shari  G., October 6, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Fantastic

Stayed here two nights - reservations must be made in advance on recreation.gov. Hot showers available, as well as a stocked bathroom. 12/10 recommend.

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2021

In the woods camping, in the "city"

So lucky to have found this campground. The price cannot be beat starting at $10. Although you are aware of others around you, there is enough forest between most campsites so you get the real roughing it kind of feel without actually hiking out. We got a great site, walk down to the water's edge and see the glacier smack right in your face. Amazing! There is a river further in, so choose your site wisely if camping with kids, pets or partiers! We didn't see a bear, but we did see the beaver! They have a bear cache at every site, so amazing for the price. Highly recommended. It's a 1 way loop so don't make the same mistake I did and go the wrong way! The hosts are very nice and chatty. The troopers do drive through from time to time but never bothered us.

Reviewed Dec. 5, 2020

I love this place just not the forest service officers so much...

I stay here every summer with my s.o. and our pets and absolutely LOVE it here. The f.s officers could use some grooming but mostly they are okay as long as you are polite and follow the rules they usually leave you alone. They are helpful but tend to not want to listen when you try and explain a situation, any how other then that the camp grounds are usually always clean and I've never had a problem finding my site.  And if I've ever needed a food bear box or anything I've always gotten it asap. Overall pretty awesome place to just kick back enjoy the view and relax the day away.

Site#1, 4, 12, 33, , 43, 47, and 52
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2019

Lake side sites

The sites on the right on the lake can be great. However, on a sunny day the wind will likely blow hard off the glacier making it very cold till the evening, which in summer can mean 10pm or so. I’ve lived just s couple block from here for 30 years. Trust me

Reviewed May. 23, 2019

Views of the Glacier are beautiful!

This is a very nice campground set back from Mendenhall lake and the famous Mendenhall Glacier.  Bears frequent this area and sometimes wolves too.  If you are looking for that wild Alaska experience you can have it here.  Lots of hiking around there.  Once that salmon start running you can walk on the man made walkway next to the creek and watch bears catch salmon to feed their cubs!  Truly an amazing experience!  If you make it there during the winter bring your cross country skis and ski through the campground, or across the lake to the glacier.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Dana G., May 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Dana G., May 23, 2019
  • 10 hour boat ride to Tracy Arm Fjord.  Don’t waste your time on the short ride from Allen boats....take the long one from Adventure Bound Alaska.  They are able to get much closer to the glacier because their boats are not aluminum.
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  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2019

Great place to take scenic photos

Excellent location on lake offering a spectacular view. Nice campground, cozy and only offers less than 70 sites. Full hookups are available at some. Picnic tables and fire rings are available at sites. There is also a dump station and restrooms available. Hiking trails are close. As is the Mendenhall Glacier accessible from the Visitor Center

  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Lisa S., April 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Lisa S., April 26, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2018

Conveniently located & Beautiful

Easy access to epic beauty from the airport. The glacier brings the temperature down significantly from the surrounding area ❄️ All of the campsites are furnished with picnic tables, tent pads & fire rings with grills. Water faucets & accessible vault toilets are provided, as are two accessible flush toilets and shower facilities. A dump station & trash dumpster are located on-site.

  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Josiah P., August 27, 2018
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Reviewed Aug. 27, 2018

Beautiful Mendenhall Glacier, Lake, & River

Explore the lake via kayak, hike the short park trails, explore the far side of the lake - this is a great spot just minutes from the Juneau Airport. Before you go: you must reserve a spot online in advance & spots tend to fill up quickly in July & August.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Josiah P., August 27, 2018
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Reviewed Jul. 26, 2018

Mendenhall Campground- Wonderful!

It was a wonderful campground! Right on the lake overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier. The bugs are manageable. the campground is clean and well organized. you have to reserve before you arrive, cannot pay when you get there. The bathrooms are clean and well interspersed. There are showers with hot water. There is a section for tent camping, RV camping, and backpack camping. The campground itself is located near tons of hiking trails, kayaking/rafting opportinities, and the Glacier viewing center is nearby. We loved it!

  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Angie W., July 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Angie W., July 26, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2018

Crystal blue just for you

Must see beauty in Juneau. This beautiful site is not only spectacular but conviently close to town. After setting up camp you can explore the trail to get close to the glacier and see beautiful waterfalls!

  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Sierra  S., July 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Sierra  S., July 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Sierra  S., July 13, 2018
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2018

Awesome

Great place for the family, bears do frequent the area so keep site clean.

Site37,46
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2017

Favorite place in AK so far

This area is exceptional, everywhere you look is a postcard-worthy scene. This campground is very well designed, almost all of the sites are along the water. Many have amazing views but all are within the trees. I don’t think there were any RVs, not sure if it was an off week or the road here is too much. You will love it here.

  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Justin S., October 1, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2017

Staring Into The Past

After a month of kayaking in Glacier Bay, stumbling off the ferry and taking the bus to the campground Mendenhall campground felt like luxury. Without a doubt the best hot showers I've ever had camping. The proximity to the glacier and the views from around the lake are astounding. Mt McGinnis on the west and Mt Bullard and Thunder Mountain to the East. The shark fin and the towers piercing out of the ice field. It's all jaw dropping regardless of what direction you turn your head.

The campground is walking distance to multiple trails including the west glacier trail that approaches the glacier or splits off and climbs to summit Mt McGinnis as well as the visitor center. Also big heads up there were the famed ice caves but those have long collapsed and as of my visit no new caves have formed.

Bear boxes are at each campsite as well as fire pits. By far my favorite established campground in Juneau. Only downer in my opinion is having to reserve online first.

Site14
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Jonathan  T., July 28, 2017
  • Around 9pm from the same site.
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  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Jonathan  T., July 28, 2017
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2017

Fall visit

Stayed early September for 2 nights. Great views of the mountains and Glacier, and got to see the Northern lights!

  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Julie S., January 30, 2017
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2016

Glaciers, Mountains, Waterfalls and lakes, yes please!

Mendenhall Campground is right on Mendenhall Lake and keeps you away from the crowds that come into the ranger station and visitor center. Best way to avoid the cruise ship crowds is to go early or late. Photo point trail and Nugget Falls trail are a must and have the heaviest foot traffic from 10am to 2pm. There's way more seclusion on the East Glacier trail and the Trail of time which are both longer. Half way up nugget falls trails there are a few cut through's to the lake where you can find nice private beaches.

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  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Fain H., October 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Fain H., October 27, 2016
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2016

Classic AK landscapes

There is diverse and plentiful wildlife and plant life that is a hybrid between the PNW rainforests and AK fjords. Only open in summer and dominated by tent-only sites, this campground isn’t quite on the bay but is on a small lake close to the inland part of the bay. The campground itself meanders along the lake and a number of smaller lakes, so you have lots of choices for waterfront camping. Sites vary in their views and amenities---everything is perfectly basic but clean. Make a reservation. There is a bus from the harbor.

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2016

Great campground

The campground is nice, with great tent sites! The car sites looked nice too, but I didn't stay there. The tent sites were nicely separated, giving you that feeling that you're further away than you really are. I loved staying here, and loved the things to do nearby. We explored the glacier and went on a hike. Juneau is a lovely town as well.

  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Krista  R., September 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Krista  R., September 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Mendenhall Lake Campground by Krista  R., September 1, 2016
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2016

Juneau camping

If you fly into Juneau, the towering Mendenhall Glacier is sure to impress. The glacier is huge and dangles right near town. I took a cheap blue bus from the cruise ship down to Mendenhall. It's a pure Alaskan experience to camp near Mendenhall. A state capital with a huge glacier. Awesome. The campsite has flush toilets and a shower house, as well as some covered shelters. Sites can be reserved on Recreation.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Mendenhall Lake Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Mendenhall Lake Campground has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Mendenhall Lake Campground?

    Mendenhall Lake Campground allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Mendenhall Lake Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Mendenhall Lake Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Mendenhall Lake Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Mendenhall Lake Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Mendenhall Lake Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Mendenhall Lake Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Mendenhall Lake Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Mendenhall Lake Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Mendenhall Lake Campground?

    There are 70 campsites at Mendenhall Lake Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts