## Overview

 Starrigavan Campsites lie within Starrigavan Recreation Area about seven miles north of Sitka. Visitors enjoy hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, picnicking, fishing and kayaking. Learn more about the campsites [here][1]. Access to Sitka is by boat or airplane. The campsites are a two-minute drive from the Alaska Marine Highway Sitka Ferry Terminal or a seven-mile drive from downtown Sitka or the airport. 
## Recreation

 Hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing are popular pursuits at Starrigavan. Visitors also enjoy fishing in saltwater and freshwater areas. Many bird and wildlife viewing opportunities exist. Hiking options include the Estuary Life Boardwalk Trail, Forest and Muskeg Trail, the Mosquito Cove Trail and numerous intertwining path and roadways of the recreation area. For information about fishing permits and seasons, visit the [ Alaska Department of Fish and Game ][2]. 
## Facilities

 This primitive camping area is fully accessible and offers a variety of accommodations, including group tent sites, individual campsites (both drive in, one is pull through, and hike-in) and [ Starrigavan Creek Cabin][3]. Several sites overlook Starrigavan Bay; others are close to Starrigavan Creek. Maximum RV length accommodated is 38 feet. Two small group tent sites accommodate up to 20 people, offering twice the amount of tent space and vehicle parking as individual campsites. They also have covered cooking shelters with two picnic tables, a large grill and a fire ring with two log benches. Picnic tables, campfire rings, gravel tent pads and gravel parking spurs are furnished at the individual sites. Vault toilets, drinking water, bear-proof food lockers and seasonal trash collection are provided. Firewood is provided for a small fee. A dump station is located in Sitka, seven miles away. 
## Natural Features

 The campsites are situated within a typical temperate rainforest of hemlock and spruce trees with salmonberry bushes, low shrubs and mosses covering the forest floor. The Starrigavan Recreation Area is home to a diverse range of forest, estuary and marine habitats. Depending on the season, visitors might spot brown bear, spawning coho (silver) and pink (humpy) salmon, common merganser, bufflehead, bald eagle, great blue heron, kingfisher, river otter or Sitka black-tailed deer. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The State of Alaska\'s Old Sitka State Historic Site is nearby. Visitors can take half or full-day kayak trips to Katlian Bay and Siginaka Islands. 

[1]: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/districts/?cid=stelprdb5396292
[2]: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/
[3]: http://www.recreation.gov/camping/starrigavan-creek-cabin/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&amp;parkId=72073

Starrigavan Campsites

This is our hometown campground and we love it. It’s just a few miles from town, and within walking distance from the ferry terminal. Cell service is limited, so you can feel like you’re away from it all but still go in to work in the morning, or pick up some extra supplies. 

Our favorite sites are the three “walk in” sites on the ocean side. We love to have birthday parties with a couple other families out there. The walk isn’t far at all, but the bathroom is just a bit further.

Our next favorite sites are the hike-in sites in the estuary side. These are a bit longer walk, but there’s a great little shared shelter with picnic tables, and the sites are so pretty and rustic feeling. There’s lots of trees but plenty of level sites, and they aren’t used much. Only bummer is that a new road is being built just behind this area, it’s hard to tell how disruptive that will be. 

Regular drive in sites are fine, there are a couple pull-through but most are pull-in. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table, and they’re all pretty good and a short walk to water and pit toilets. There are also a couple of group sites with shelters that are great for bad weather camping. 

The campground is within walking distance of several nice, short trails, Old Sitka historical site &amp; boat launch, and the shooting range and ATV trails. It’s pretty quiet and there is lots of wildlife- you have to keep your food abc other smelly things locked in your car or in the bear proof food lockers. You’ll definitely see bald eagles, and please don’t feed the ravens. Pink salmon run up the creek in August, you can catch them at the mouth. 

Check out my other review to learn about the cabin that’s in the same campground!