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Best Campgrounds near Douglas, AK

48 Reviews

The landscape surrounding Douglas, Alaska features diverse camping environments from established campgrounds to forest service cabins. Mendenhall Lake Campground serves as the primary developed camping area, located near Juneau with views of Mendenhall Glacier. The region includes several reservable public cabins like Peterson Lake Cabin, John Muir Cabin, and Dan Moller Cabin scattered throughout the Tongass National Forest. Most established campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, while the forest service cabins provide more remote accommodations accessible by hiking trails or boat.

Camping in the Douglas area operates seasonally, with most sites available from May through September. Reservations are essential, particularly for the popular Mendenhall Lake Campground and forest service cabins, which can be booked through recreation.gov. Weather conditions vary dramatically throughout the camping season, with temperatures ranging from cool to mild even in summer. Bear activity is prevalent throughout the area, requiring proper food storage in provided bear boxes at established campgrounds. Campgrounds near water bodies feature bear activity warnings, and visitors should maintain appropriate wilderness precautions. "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."

Many camping areas provide direct access to Mendenhall Glacier views, hiking trails, and water recreation opportunities. Auk Village Campground offers a more secluded experience with only 11 sites in a forested setting near Auke Bay. Campers consistently rate the glacier views from Mendenhall Lake Campground as exceptional, noting the campground's cleanliness and reasonable prices starting at $10 per night. Forest service cabins receive high ratings for their remote wilderness experience but require more planning and physical effort to reach. Several visitors mentioned the advantage of camping at Mendenhall to avoid the cruise ship crowds that frequent the visitor center during daytime hours. "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."

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Best Camping Sites Near Douglas, Alaska (46)

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4 Photos of 46 Douglas Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Douglas, AK

48 Reviews of 46 Douglas Campgrounds

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Eagle Beach State Recreation Area

    Eagle Beach Campground

    We were in Juneau with our pickup camper for a couple of weeks. We stayed three nights in the campground. $20 per night. Absolutely no cell service. There are some sites not completely in the trees. We were able to get good solar and Starlink service. There are pit toilets on site. There is water, with a boil direction to use. There is no trash service.
    No dump site. 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.

  • Angie G.
    May. 27, 2024

    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.
    May. 26, 2024

    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.
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Mendenhall 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2022

    Mendenhall 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2022

    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.
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Auk 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.

  • J
    Jul. 8, 2021

    Mendenhall 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.
    Jun. 19, 2021

    Mendenhall 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.

Guide to Douglas

Camping near Douglas, Alaska, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. With campgrounds nestled in the Tongass National Forest, you can enjoy everything from glacier views to serene lakes.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Mendenhall Lake Campground. One camper mentioned, "The trails are not far from the campground, so they are walkable," making it easy to get out and enjoy nature.
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle on Mendenhall Lake. A visitor shared, "We enjoyed paddling on the lake where we got great views of the glacier and Nugget Falls."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer at Auk Village noted, "Not unusual to find deer walking through the campsite."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A review from Mendenhall Lake Campground states, "It had a gorgeous view of the glacier," highlighting the stunning backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. One camper said, "It was a gorgeous site... a pretty quiet campground," which is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Affordable Rates: Campers love the low cost of camping. A visitor at Mendenhall Lake Campground mentioned, "Did I mention that camping here will only set you back $10 per night?"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Auk Village, lack certain amenities. A reviewer pointed out, "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."
  • Bear Safety: Be aware of bear activity in the area. One camper at Bartlett Cove Campground noted, "You need to attend an 'orientation' by the rangers to learn how to safely camp in this park."
  • Reservation Issues: Some campers have faced challenges with reservations. A visitor at Mendenhall Lake Campground mentioned, "The camp hosts do not mark each site with the booked reservations," which can lead to confusion.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campsite: Look for sites that offer privacy and space for kids to play. A family camper at Auk Village said, "The camping spots are very spread out and private."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games or outdoor gear to keep the kids entertained. One reviewer at Mendenhall Lake Campground suggested, "We enjoyed listening to all the birds," which can be a fun activity for kids to engage with nature.
  • Pack Snacks: Make sure to have plenty of snacks on hand. A camper at Auk Village mentioned, "We went to the picnic shelter at Lena Cove for our morning breakfast," which can be a great way to start the day.

Tips from RVers:

  • Arrive Early: To secure your spot, especially during peak season. A visitor at Mendenhall Lake Campground advised, "I recommend getting there early to make sure your reserved spot isn't taken."
  • Check for Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Auk Village, do not offer electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "There are no electric or water supplies at the sites."
  • Explore Nearby Amenities: Take advantage of local amenities. A camper at Bartlett Cove Campground mentioned, "The lodge also provides accommodation," which can be useful if you need a break from camping.

Camping in Douglas, AK, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking, kayaking, or just soaking in the views, there's something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Douglas, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, Douglas, AK offers a wide range of camping options, with 46 campgrounds and RV parks near Douglas, AK and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Douglas, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Douglas, AK is Mendenhall Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Douglas, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Douglas, AK.

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