If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Douglas, look no further. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Douglas campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Admiralty National Monument ACTIVITIES Boating Fishing Hiking Hunting Wildlife Viewing Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight Swimming
Skater's Cabin Shelter is located on the shore of the southwest corner of Mendenhall Lake, near the Mendenhall Glacier. The cabin was constructed in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is made with natural stone.
The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery, biking, picnicking, and hiking.
The Shelter has a maximum capacity of 20 people. The maximum group size allowed with this reservation is 74 people. The cabin is equipped with a covered porch and two movable picnic tables along with a wood stove. Outside facilities include a large group fire ring in front of the cabin and a stationary wood picnic table and a fire ring adjacent to the southwest corner of the cabin. The area is accessed by a trail that meets accessibility guidelines and leads to the beach.
A potable water hydrant and accessible vault toilets are also provided. The picnic area has two additional picnic sites with fire rings and tables designated for non-group use (they are not a part of this reservable site).
Skater's Cabin is on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of massive Mendenhall Glacier that is surrounded by mountains that rise from 4,000 to 7,000 feet above the glacier.
The Picnic Shelter #5 is part of the Auk Recreation Area and is located adjacent to a scenic beach on the northern shoreline of Auk Bay, once a village site for the Auk Tlingit Natives. It is the last shelter on the west end of the picnic area. It is the largest of the five shelters in the recreation area.
The shelter overlooks Auk Bay and is surrounded by a western hemlock and Sitka spruce forested area.
The area offers fishing, water activities, picnicking, hiking, and berry picking.
Auk Recreation Area includes a large day use area on the shores of Auk Bay. The area includes five different shelters, picnic tables, drinking water, fire rings and a trail. At the Auk Bay Harbor commercial operators offer sport fishing, kayak rental, and whale watching tours.
Shelter #5 has a maximum capacity of 40 people. The maximum group size allowed with this reservation is 74 people. Parking can be limited on sunny days due to crowds and is available above the shelter next to the highway (use caution loading and unloading). The shelter is accessed by a metal staircase or a fully accessible ramp. There are three picnic tables inside the shelter and a fire place. There are two grills next to the shelter, and a fire pit on the beach. There is a two-hole vault toilet a couple hundred feet from the shelter, and water spigot with city water on site. The path in front of the shelter leads to Auk Village Campground and Pt. Louisa. The opposite way leads to the restroom and another shelter.
$40 / night
Sportsmen Cabin offers guests recreation, relaxation and a rustic wilderness lodging experience in the central part of Admiralty Island in the Tongass National Forest. The remote site offers a scenic setting for hiking, fishing, canoeing and wildlife viewing, all within the vicinity of the cabin.
This is one of two cabins on Distin Lake. It is located on the north side of the lake and within the Admiralty Island Canoe Route.
Access to the cabin is float plane or canoe with portage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.
The cabin is situated under a dense towering canopy of old-growth trees at an elevation of 312 feet, just steps away from scenic Distin Lake.
The Kootznoowoo Wilderness encompasses nearly a million acres of Admiralty Island. Dense spruce and hemlock forests, lakes and muskeg openings define the landscape, while distant rocky peaks tower along the islands high crest, reaching elevations of more than 3,000 feet.
Wildlife in the area abounds, including Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, waterfowl and brown bear.
Anglers enjoy Distin Lake for catching cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and kokanee salmon.
Visitors are welcome to use the skiff with oars available at the cabin and may choose to bring a small outboard motor. The motor must be less than 10 horsepower due to wilderness regulations, and visitors are responsible for bringing and using their own personal floatation devices. The lake is normally ice free from mid-May through November.
Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, the [Admiralty Island Canoe Route] features portages of varying difficulty linking seven mountain lakes in the heart of Admiralty Islands Kootznoowoo Wilderness between Angoon and Seymour Canal. Several trails are accessible by boat along the route, offering guests access to pristine wilderness settings.
Trails accessible from Distin Lake go to Thayer Lake (3 miles from Distin Lake cabin), Lake Guerin (.4 mile from the trailhead), and Davidson Lake (.2 mile from the trailhead). Some of the original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) trail construction is visible along the trail. A small boat at the nearby Guerin Lake shelter provides an opportunity to explore another lake.
Sportsmen Cabin is a small, log cabin in hunter-style, furnished with four bunkbed(s) without mattresses, and can sleep up to six guests. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a small cook area, a wood stove for heat and an outside toilet. Firewood is stacked in a woodshed near the cabin. Additional amenities include an axe, splitting maul and broom.
The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Visitors must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stoves, matches, cooking gear/utensils, light source, toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Water from any natural site must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated before drinking.
Admiralty Island has a rich cultural heritage, which is evident in the traditional native village of [Angoon]
An Adirondack style emergency shelter at Pinta Cove. The shelter is supplied with a wood stove, food preparation table, and sleeping bunks. This shelter is available for recreational use on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required. Firewood is not provided. ACTIVITIES Boating: Motorized boating and marine mammal viewing opportunities at Pinta Cove and Point Adolphus. Hunting: Big game hunting in season possible from this shelter. Refer to http://www.adfg.alaska.gov for species, permits and regulations. Picnicking: Picnic just outside the shelter or on the beach. Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight: This emergency shelter is available for recreational use on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required. Firewood is not provided. Swimming
Ranger
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.
Ranger
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.
LegendTent 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.
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.
Ranger
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.
GuideThis 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.
ScoutStayed here two nights - reservations must be made in advance on recreation.gov. Hot showers available, as well as a stocked bathroom. 12/10 recommend.
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.
LegendThis 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.
ScoutThe 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
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.
RangerExcellent 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
Guide
St. 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.
Guide
The Bessie Creek Trailhead & Camping Area is near the end of the road North of Juneau. Beautiful wildlife, water, & forest! If you are up for a creekside hike, Cowee Creek is not far from this site.
GuideEasy 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.
GuideExplore 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.
Guide
Amazingly beautiful & rugged island. Experiences with wildlife here are epically fulfilling.
GuideInspiring wildlife 🌊⛺️🎣🐟🦅 🦌 🐋 🐻
TravelerIt 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!
RangerMust 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!
ScoutGreat place for the family, bears do frequent the area so keep site clean.
ScoutThis place is great!!!! Close to town yet out in nature.
TravelerAbsolutely 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!
Scoutgreat 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.
GuideThis 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.
GuideWe 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Douglas, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Douglas, AK is Admiralty National Monument with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Douglas, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Douglas, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
