## Overview

 Signal Creek Campground is a year-round facility located in the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 7 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and about 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. The campground straddles Signal Creek and lies on the banks of Ward Lake, with easy access to fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing.
## Recreation

 Hiking is a popular option, as the Ward Lake Recreation Area boasts seven trails. The Ward Lake Nature Travel meanders 1.3 miles around the lake. A large day-use complex with picnic sites and shelters is also available. Freshwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and scenery are favorite draws at Ward Lake.
## Facilities

 Signal Creek Campground\'s sites can accommodate up to 10 people. Each campsite contains a picnic table, a campfire ring with grill and a gravel parking spur. Two hand pumps for drinking water and three vault toilets are provided. Water is provided during the peak season only. During the winter season, only the outhouse closest to sites 1-5 is open. Firewood may be provided but is not guaranteed.
## Natural Features

 The campground is surrounded by an old-growth temperate rainforest comprised primarily of western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Signal Creek flows through the campground, and Ward Lake is adjacent. 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 buffers 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 abound.

Signal Creek Campground

Stayed at the Signal Creek Campground, next to Ward Lake.  Gorgeous lake, great trail around the lake to walk (Easy for kids to do with you).  Dog friendly.  Places around the lake to see wildlife and scenery.

Campground was near the main road, so a bit noisy for Alaska.....but quiet overall.  

Beautiful Alaska campground

Signal creek Ketchikan alaska

Camping and wildlufe

Beautiful forest &amp; not far from Ward Lake. Conveniently near Ketchikan, 7 miles north of downtown, &amp; just 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. The campground is on Signal Creek &amp; Ward Lake. Ward Lake used to have amazing fishing before a now defunct dam was placed on the creek. Hopefully it will be removed &amp; the amazing runs of salmon will return!

Beautiful Tongass National Forest

Each space has a picnic table and fire pit. It's pretty close to the ferry terminal (4 miles?). Outhouse. Close to lots of trails, good fishing, and swimming. Ketchikan is adorable, but considerable fishing and tourism traffic. I would suggest going March-early April. The energy in tourism towns starts building but you get there before the tourists do. Also, there’s just something special about the crisp, spring air.