Best Tent Camping near Craig, AK
Tent campgrounds surrounding Craig, Alaska are primarily located within the Tongass National Forest on Prince of Wales Island. Several established options exist for primitive camping, including Eagles Nest (operational mid-May through mid-September), Horseshoe Hole Campground, and Lake No. 3 Campground. The Staney Bridge Campground offers year-round tent camping access near Thorne Bay, approximately 30 miles from Craig. These sites provide basic accommodations in remote settings typical of Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest environment.
Most tent camping areas near Craig lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and trash service. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Sites typically feature unimproved surfaces with minimal site preparation. The campgrounds do not provide picnic tables, and most prohibit fires or have strict regulations on fire use due to forest conditions. While some locations like Eagles Nest accept reservations, others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cellular service is unreliable throughout the region, so advance planning is essential before heading to these remote tent camping areas.
The primitive tent camping experience around Craig offers exceptional solitude and immersion in the Tongass ecosystem. Sites are typically situated in dense forest with access to streams, lakes, or shoreline. Campers frequently use these locations as base camps for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper noted that these primitive tent sites provide genuine wilderness experiences with minimal human distraction. The seasonal nature of some campgrounds means summer offers the most reliable access, though year-round sites like Staney Bridge provide options during shoulder seasons when weather permits. Walk-in tent locations may require short hikes from parking areas, adding to their secluded character. The lack of facilities reinforces the self-sufficient nature of camping in this remote Alaskan region.
