Auke Bay, AK is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Auke Bay is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Auke Bay, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$20 - $36 / night
"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."
"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."
$20 / night
"This campground has 11 sites and we were lucky to get #5, right across from the pit toilets so we didn’t have to walk far."
"This campground is accessible from the slow ferry, but it is a distance from the cruise ships or airports (as you know Juneau is very spread out for its small population)."
$60 - $100 / night
"Great access to river area. There is a large amount of bear activity in area. We had a black bear next to our campground eating grass one evening."
$60 / night
"The foot trail begins at Point Bridget State Park Trailhead parking area at Mile 39 Glacier Highway. The trail is 3.4 miles to the cabin. Winter access**:** the same trail is open in the winter."
"The foot trail begins at Point Bridget State Park Trailhead parking area at Mile 39 Glacier Highway. The trail is 3.75 miles to the cabin. Winter access**:** the same trail is open in the winter."
RangerThis campground has 11 sites and we were lucky to get #5, right across from the pit toilets so we didn’t have to walk far. We had a great site, bear box, campfire pit, and a fabulous view when you walk to the edge right behind your site! We didn’t put any hammocks in the trees or do any cooking on site, as it is black bear country and you don’t want any uninvited guests. We went to the picnic shelter at Lena Cove for our morning breakfast and hung our hammocks in the shelter for the morning. We had great views of Auke Bay and Lena Cove.
I could not find any reviews to pick a site but I reserved this one and it was gold! We had a water spigot close to us in the campground, but there are no electric or water supplies at the sites. You need to bring your own firewood because some sites say it was supplied, however, due to low crew numbers they can’t keep up with demand.
GuideSt. James State Marine Park is located approximately 35 miles northwest of Juneau and 45 miles south of Haines. The park encompasses St. James Bay, Boat harbor, and continues north up the valley which drains the area. The area has abundant protected anchorages, concentrations of fish and wildlife, and beach landing areas.
The average temperatures in the summer are in the 60's, rare highs hitting 80, which I was blessed to experience. Have warm clothing and quality rain gear, as inclement weather can set in quickly and last for days. Snow can begin to accumulate as early as October.
The recreational use of St. James Bay is extremely high. The bay, easily accessed by small boat from the Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay, or Juneau, is a popular area for wildlife viewing, photography, waterfowl and big game hunting, sport fishing, boating, kayaking, and camping.
LegendWe’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.
GuideSo 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.
ScoutI 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.
TravelerThis 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.
RangerI always visited Juneau by ferry. This campground is accessible from the slow ferry, but it is a distance from the cruise ships or airports (as you know Juneau is very spread out for its small population). There is nothing Alaska spectacular about this campground, but it is quaint and nice. It is very RV-oriented.
LegendAlmost 90% of Glacier Bay visitors never step foot on the land; they simply visit by cruise ship, so being able to camp in this lush and rugged park was a real treat.
At the campsites, the trees were dripping with green mosses and vegetation. The provided wooden food caches made us feel secure, and the proximity to the national park could not be beat.
Since you cannot drive to this park, it was important to us to stay very close by. The lodge also provides accommodation, but the free campground cannot be beat. A free permit is required, which includes a 30-minute camper orientation that ensures you follow all the safety guidelines (such as cooking and eating out on the rocks at low tide, storing food in provided caches, etc.)
We were pleased with how much there was to do at this seemingly empty park: an array of ranger programs, kayak rentals, hiking trails, and great views of the bay from all around.
We didn’t attend the Day Cruise from the lodge, but we thought the one-day kayak rental was completely worth the cost. During our day on the water, we saw whales breaching (about a dozen times!), sea otters, sea lions, dozens of bald eagles, and brown bears on the coast. We were blown away by the wildlife.
You can read much more about our three days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Glacier Bay)
RangerMy boyfriend and I were recommended to do the John Muir Cabin and the hike in Juneau, and we were beside ourselves. The cabin at the end is cozy and the views of the mountains are spectacular. You do not want to miss this. The boardwalks over the muskegs and the flora and fauna are unreal and so, so Alaska. Highly recommend!
Camping with your furry friends near Auke Bay, Alaska, offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your pets. Here are some great options for pet-friendly camping in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Auke Bay, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Auke Bay, AK is Mendenhall Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Auke Bay, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 dog-friendly camping locations near Auke Bay, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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