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Public Campground

El Capitan Campground — Tongass National Forest

Description

Overview

This waterfront campground offers a scenic view of the beautiful El Capitan Passage. This site has access to fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking, caving and marine dock. It provides a remote, scenic setting for recreation and relaxation on the Tongass National Forest.

Recreation

The El Capitan Campground is nearby many opportunities Prince of Wales island has to offer. Salmon fishing is popular during the summer months as well as fall deer hunting, beach combing and other marine sports including paddle craft and sea kayaking. The nearby El Capitan Cave offers guided tours during the summer season and is the longest mapped cave in Alaska at over two miles.

Facilities

There is access to an accessible outhouse as well as a nearby covered picnic pavillion and marine dock.

Natural Features

The El Capitan Campground is in an area of high geologic interest including the El Cap Cave. The surrounding forest boasts old growth species such as yellow cedar, red cedar, hemlock, and Sitka spruce. There is abundant wildlife viewing for both aquatic and terrestrial species including Sitka black tail deer, black bear, harbor seals, otters and many fish species. Prince of Wales Island has runs of every salmon species except chinook as well as populations of cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden.

Nearby Attractions

Prince of Wales Island Visitor Guide can be found on the Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce website.

Fee Info

$15 per night

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Location

El Capitan Campground — Tongass National Forest is located in Alaska

Detail location of campground

Directions

El Capitan Campground can be reached by vehicle, boat, or plane. By road, follow Forest Service Road 20 to Forest Service Road 15 and take a left for about a mile (1.6 km) to the cave. Watch for signs. From both Thorne Bay and Craig is an estimated 3-hour drive. There is a Forest Service dock for use by boats and planes, but they should not be left unattended. No boats over 24' are allowed. Boats over 24' will need to anchore out and skiff in.

Address

1312 Federal Way
Thorne bay, AK 99919

Coordinates

56.162489 N
133.321005 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there cell phone reception at El Capitan Campground — Tongass National Forest?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.

How hard is it to get a campsite at El Capitan Campground — Tongass National Forest?

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 El Capitan Campground — Tongass National Forest. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at El Capitan Campground — Tongass National Forest, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at El Capitan Campground — Tongass National Forest?

There are 3 campsites at El Capitan Campground — Tongass National Forest and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts