Best RV Parks near Auke Bay, AK
Looking for the best RV campgrounds near Auke Bay? Finding a place to camp in Alaska with your RV is easier than ever. Each RV campsite offers quick access to one or more of Auke Bay's most popular destinations.
Best RV Sites Near Auke Bay, AK (4)
1. Auk Village
10 Reviews•28 Photos•16 SavesOverview
Auk Village Campground is located 15 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska, and 1.5 miles from the Alaska State Ferry terminal at Auke Bay. The area offers a variety of outdoor opportunities.
Recreation
The area offers fishing, wildlife viewing, kayaking, picnicking, motor boating, hiking, berry picking, rafting, sailing, bicycling, and glacier viewing.
Natural Features
The campground sits above Auk Bay in a western hemlock and Sitka spruce forested area. Views of the Chilkat Range and the ocean are spectacular. Bears frequent the area.
Nearby Attractions
Auk Recreation Area includes a large day use area on the shores of Auk Bay. The area includes shelters, picnic tables, drinking water, fire rings and a trail. At the Auk Bay Harbor, commercial operators offer sport fishing, kayak rentals, and whale watching tours.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$20 / night
2. Peterson lake campground
2 Reviews•19 Photos•8 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
3. Eagle Beach State Recreation Area
Be the first to review!•2 SavesEagle Beach is north of Juneau along the Glacier Highway with views of Lynn Canal, the Chilkat Mountains, and the Juneau Mountains. Eagle River flows through the area. This park unit has 16 primitive sites in the forested section of the park. There are several walk-in camping sites. Large beach and river bars offer excellent beach combing and fishing. Whales, sea lions, and seal frequent the ocean nearby.
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Drinking Water
$10 - $80 / night
4. Mendenhall Lake Campground
24 Reviews•74 Photos•37 SavesOverview
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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$34 / night
Recent RV Reviews In Auke Bay
36 Reviews of 4 Auke Bay Campgrounds
Angie G.
Ranger
Mendenhall Lake Campground
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.
- Angie G.Ranger
Auk Village
Wilderness Bliss
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. 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.
Melissa W.
LegendMendenhall Lake Campground
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.
Shari G.LegendMendenhall Lake Campground
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.
Bradee A.Ranger
Peterson lake campground
Beautiful views
4 spots with picnic tables and fire pits. Clean bathrooms and big trash cans that got emptied while we were there for 4 nights. Low GCI service. Water spout that didn’t work for us. Beautiful central location for the Kenai peninsula. Highly recommend.
Nikki S.
GuideAuk Village
Love Alaska
This is a favorite spot where our family has camped for years. Most recently we took 2 of the grandkids. No cabins, but beautiful beach to walk. Quiet paradise. Fire pits and we’ll maintained pit restrooms.
- JJenna E.
ScoutMendenhall Lake Campground
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.
Aubrey G.GuideMendenhall Lake Campground
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.
- Jacquline M.Scout
Mendenhall Lake Campground
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.
Tanya B.LegendPeterson lake campground
Never knew this was here
This campground has one site with a picnic table and a fire ring. However you can camp anywhere that there is parking. This is on a well-maintained road and would be great to bring a kayak. I look forward to spending a lot of time at this campground.
- MMike T.Scout
Mendenhall Lake Campground
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
- Dana G.
TravelerMendenhall Lake Campground
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.
- Lisa S.Ranger
Mendenhall Lake Campground
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
- Josiah P.Guide
Mendenhall Lake Campground
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.
- Josiah P.Guide
Mendenhall Lake Campground
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.
- Angie W.Traveler
Mendenhall Lake Campground
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!
- Sierra S.Ranger
Mendenhall Lake Campground
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!
- James L.Scout
Mendenhall Lake Campground
Awesome
Great place for the family, bears do frequent the area so keep site clean.
- James L.Scout
Mendenhall Lake Campground
Mendenhall campgrounds
This place is great!!!! Close to town yet out in nature.
- Kaylee M.Traveler
Auk Village
Nature is Beautiful
Absolutely loved this campground, It was very quite and the scenery was beautiful. This is a very quite spot tucked away from the city. We loved camping here and will be back!
- Eric M.Scout
Auk Village
a hidden jewel!
great site, nice woods, if you have a fishing license you can fish off the beach, great for swimming as well because it is a protected cove. Great historical site, an ancient village with historical marker as well as a beautiful totem nearby that tells an interesting story. Nearby in auk harbor is a milkshake to die for. People are friendly, easy to find firewood to have a nice cookout. Not unusual to find deer walking through the campsite. If you are into exercise the University has a gym up the road that you can use for a couple of bucks. Also the bar nearby has a great dart room for those into those kind of things. A couple of mile drive to Eagle River (brown bear) or the glacier (black bear) . you can find bears visiting the creeks and streams this time of year through september. As an afterthought you can rent a kayak and have some fun on the water.
- JJustin S.Guide
Mendenhall Lake Campground
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.
- JJustin S.Guide
Auk Village
Good simple basecamp
We stayed here when some of the other area campgrounds were full. It is easy to get to the water or trails. There was a guy renting kayaks out of the back of a truck which made our whole day. It’s not a far walk to the water, where you could see otters, seals, whales, cool ducks, starfish, etc. The camping spots are very spread out and private. Some have views and some don’t. We did see bald eagles right on site. All and all a nice place in the National Forest.
- JJonathan T.Traveler
Mendenhall Lake Campground
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.
Julie S.ScoutMendenhall Lake Campground
Fall visit
Stayed early September for 2 nights. Great views of the mountains and Glacier, and got to see the Northern lights!
Fain H.RangerMendenhall Lake Campground
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.
- HHarry H.Ranger
Auk Village
Tongass National Forest
A small basic campground close to the harbor and downtown with lots of trees. Each site is very private, ours was built up on a little ring of rocks with stairs leading down from the car. If you need accessibility check with the rangers/website for the best options. There’s nothing to really do in the immediate area, but so much close by: kayaking with marine mammals, hiking. This isn’t our top choice in this area but it’s still lovely.
Guide to Auke Bay
Camping near Auke Bay, Alaska, offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique charm.
What to do:
- Explore Mendenhall Glacier: Just a short drive from the Mendenhall Lake Campground, you can hike trails that lead to breathtaking views of the glacier. One camper mentioned, "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."
- Kayaking Adventures: Rent a kayak at the nearby Auk Village and paddle around Auke Bay. A visitor shared, "There was a guy renting kayaks out of the back of a truck which made our whole day."
- Wildlife Watching: Head to Bartlett Cove Campground for a chance to see bears, sea otters, and eagles. One reviewer noted, "During our day on the water, we saw whales breaching, sea otters, sea lions, dozens of bald eagles, and brown bears on the coast."
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site. One camper said, "Beautiful wooded campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and flat areas for tents... a beautiful show occurs each time the sun sets."
- Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness at Auk Village. A family shared, "Absolutely loved this campground, it was very quiet and the scenery was beautiful."
- Affordable Camping: The Mendenhall Lake Campground offers great value, with sites starting at just $10 per night. One camper exclaimed, "Did I mention that camping here will only set you back $10 per night?"
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bartlett Cove, have no electric hookups or showers. A visitor mentioned, "There is no water but there are vault toilets."
- Bear Safety: Always be cautious about bears in the area. At Auk Village, one camper advised, "We didn’t put any hammocks in the trees or do any cooking on site, as it is black bear country."
- Reservation Issues: At Mendenhall Lake Campground, some campers faced issues with unreserved sites being occupied. One reviewer noted, "We attempted to solicit the camphosts help but in the 4 nights we stayed there, we never saw the hosts available once."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Auk Village is great for families, with a beautiful beach for kids to explore. A camper shared, "This is a favorite spot where our family has camped for years."
- Plan for Activities: Bring along games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One family mentioned, "We went to the picnic shelter at Lena Cove for our morning breakfast and hung our hammocks in the shelter for the morning."
- Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially near water. A camper at Mendenhall Lake Campground advised, "Choose your site wisely if camping with kids, pets or partiers!"
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. One reviewer at Mendenhall Lake Campground noted, "This campground has backpacker sites, RV sites, and car sites as well."
- Early Arrival Recommended: Arriving early can help secure your spot. A camper mentioned, "I recommend getting there early to make sure your reserved spot isn't taken."
- Bring Your Own Firewood: Many campgrounds, like Auk Village, require you to bring your own firewood. A visitor noted, "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."
Camping near Auke Bay, Alaska, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery to make your trip memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Auke Bay, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Auke Bay, AK is Auk Village with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Auke Bay, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 RV camping locations near Auke Bay, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.