Tent camping near Auke Bay, Alaska ranges from secluded forest sites to shoreline spots with views of Lynn Canal. The area receives over 50 inches of annual precipitation, with summer temperatures averaging 55-65°F. Most campgrounds in this rainforest region require visitors to follow specific guidelines due to the dense bear population that inhabits the temperate forest surrounding Juneau.
What to do
Wildlife photography opportunities: Admiralty National Monument offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities for tent campers. "Inspiring wildlife 🌊⛺️🎣🐟🦅 🦌 🐋 🐻" writes Josiah P., who also noted the island is "amazingly beautiful & rugged" with "epically fulfilling" wildlife experiences.
Kayaking excursions: St. James Bay State Marine Park provides tent campers with protected anchorages and beach landing areas ideal for kayaking. The bay is "easily accessed by small boat from the Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay, or Juneau" and is "a popular area for wildlife viewing, photography, waterfowl and big game hunting, sport fishing, boating, kayaking, and camping," according to visitor reviews.
Hiking forest trails: Bessie Creek Trailhead offers tent campers access to creekside hiking trails. As one visitor notes, "If you are up for a creekside hike, Cowee Creek is not far from this site." The area features "beautiful wildlife, water, & forest" and is located near the northern terminus of roads outside Juneau.
What campers like
Proximity to wildlife: Tent camping in the Auke Bay region provides opportunities to see wildlife in natural settings. Campers at Bartlett Cove report seeing "whales breaching (about a dozen times!), sea otters, sea lions, dozens of bald eagles, and brown bears on the coast" during kayak outings from their campsite.
Rustic amenities: Bartlett Cove Campground provides practical amenities despite its remote location. "The provided wooden food caches made us feel secure, and the proximity to the national park could not be beat," reports one reviewer. Another mentions the "warming huts which are 3 sided shelters with wood stoves that are perfect place to hang out, dry off and warm up. Firewood is both copious and free."
Accessibility with wilderness feel: The walk-in nature of campgrounds creates a backcountry experience without extreme isolation. One camper describes Bartlett Cove as "a great way to introduce kids or adults to backpacking, it adds some backcountry feel but you're not all that far from your car and civilization if needed."
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Tent campers must follow strict food handling procedures. At Bartlett Cove, "all food needs to be prepared and consumed on the rocky beach, in the intertidal zone, away from the camping area so that all food smells and debris are carried away by the water and do not attract bear curiosity."
Limited supplies and services: Campers should arrive prepared with necessary equipment. One visitor advises, "Supplies and food should be brought with you, as the options for purchasing in Gustavus are limited." For those flying in, note that "the park gift shop as well as the town's general store does sell camping fuel in the small and green canisters – these cannot be brought on any airplane."
Weather preparedness: Summer conditions can vary dramatically. At St. James Bay, "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." Rare summer highs reach 80°F, but temperatures typically remain in the 60s.
Tips for camping with families
Short-distance backpacking experience: Bartlett Cove offers an introduction to backcountry camping without difficult access. "This isn't car camping since you have to walk less than a mile from the parking lot to the campsite. Make sure to bring everything you need, including water and bear protection," advises Justin S., who recommends it as "a great way to introduce kids or adults to backpacking."
Educational programs: Glacier Bay National Park provides ranger-led activities suitable for families. One visitor notes there is "an array of ranger programs, kayak rentals, hiking trails, and great views of the bay from all around" making it suitable for families looking for structured activities.
Gear transport assistance: Families with young children appreciate the wheelbarrow system at walk-in sites. "This is a walk-in campground and there are wheel barrows provided for use to haul gear from the parking lot (about 1/4 mile)," explains Katy D., making the short trek manageable even with children and camping supplies.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most tent camping areas near Auke Bay do not accommodate recreational vehicles. One reviewer notes, "No sites in the park can accommodate camping from your vehicle or trailer, though there is at least 1 small RV park in Gustavus about 10 miles away" from Bartlett Cove Campground.
