Camping spots near Gustavus, Alaska are concentrated around the edge of Glacier Bay National Park, where temperatures can dip to the 40s even in summer and rainfall averages 70-100 inches annually. Most campsites in the region require visitors to properly store food due to bear activity, with designated storage areas provided at established campgrounds. Campers should prepare for limited cellular service and extended periods of daylight during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking in Glacier Bay: From Bartlett Cove Campground, rent kayaks for wildlife viewing. "During our day on the water, we saw whales breaching, sea otters, sea lions, dozens of bald eagles, and brown bears on the coast," notes a visitor who found the one-day kayak rental worthwhile despite the cost.
Hiking forest trails: Walk the quarter-mile from parking to campsites at Bartlett Cove through temperate rainforest. A camper describes the area as having "trees dripping with green mosses and vegetation" and mentions that "the campsites themselves are simply bare spots on which to pitch your tent."
Whale watching from shore: At Auk Village Campground near Juneau, wildlife viewing requires no boat trips. One camper reported: "I went for two hours and saw 30 ish breaches. It was incredible." The campground offers beach access where visitors regularly spot marine mammals.
Beachcombing: Several sites provide beach access for collecting shells and observing intertidal life. At Blue Mussel Cabin, visitors can haul small boats onto a rocky beach and explore the shoreline of Lynn Canal, with cabin access via a 3.4-mile trail from Point Bridget State Park.
What campers like
Warming huts: Bartlett Cove Campground provides three-sided shelters with wood stoves. "The park provides warming huts which are perfect places to hang out, dry off and warm up. Firewood is both copious and free," writes a camper, noting these shelters should not be used for food preparation.
Privacy between sites: At Camping Cove Cabin, the protected cove with pebble beach offers isolation. According to a reviewer, it's "frequently used as a picnic site for those using small water craft as well as hikers and folks who like to fish from the rocks for salmon and char from April through October."
Wildlife viewing: Campers consistently mention diverse wildlife sightings as a highlight. "We didn't attend the Day Cruise from the lodge, but we thought the one-day kayak rental was completely worth the cost," writes one Bartlett Cove visitor who observed multiple species during their stay.
Food caches: Bear-proof storage facilities receive positive mentions. "The provided wooden food caches made us feel secure, and the proximity to the national park could not be beat," notes a camper about structures that are mandatory for food storage.
What you should know
Cooking restrictions: At Bartlett Cove, all food must be prepared in specific locations. "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," explains one camper.
Limited supplies: Bring most camping necessities with you. "Supplies and food should be brought with you, as the options for purchasing in Gustavus are limited. The park gift shop as well as the town's general store does sell camping fuel in the small and green canisters," advises a Bartlett Cove visitor.
Mandatory orientations: Permits and safety briefings are required at Glacier Bay. A visitor mentions the "mandatory backcountry briefing held twice a day (10am & 6pm at the Visitor's Center)" where rangers provide information on bear safety and campsite selection.
Weather preparation: The climate is consistently wet and often cold. "As the weather can be cold and rainy anytime during the summer the park provides warming huts," notes a camper who recommends bringing a rain fly for cooking areas.
Tips for camping with families
Mini backpacking experience: Mendenhall Lake Campground near Juneau offers a starter backpacking experience. "I think it'd be 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," suggests a visitor about Bartlett Cove's walk-in sites.
Educational opportunities: Multiple ranger programs are available for children. "We were pleased with how much there was to do at this seemingly empty park: an array of ranger programs, kayak rentals, hiking trails, and great views of the bay from all around," writes a visitor.
Wildlife safety teaching: Use camping requirements as learning opportunities. One camper notes the importance of the "orientation by the rangers to learn how to safely camp in this park, including using a quaint food cache cabin, where you're allowed to eat, etc."
Wheelbarrow assistance: Equipment transportation help makes camping with children easier. "There are wheel barrows provided for use to haul gear from the parking lot (about 1/4 mile)," mentions a visitor, helpful for families with young children and camping gear.
Tips from RVers
Consider leaving RVs behind: At Hollywood Farms RV Park Gustavus AK, a visitor notes: "Many people choose to leave their RVs in Juneau and walk on the ferry to Gustavus and stay at the lodge in the National Park. The lodge has a shuttle for guests arriving by plane or ferry so this is easy to do."
Transportation logistics: Ferry schedules dictate camping plans. "But if you want to bring your RV on the ferry to Gustavus when you visit Glacier Bay National Park, this is a good place to stay," suggests a camper who found Hollywood Farms "quiet and clean."
Town exploration benefits: The small town atmosphere adds to the experience. One RV camper reports: "We had a chance to explore a bit. It's a small town. Residents know each other. The Fireweed Gallery, Tea and Coffee House was lovely. We went there twice and met the mayor."
Limited RV facilities: Most campgrounds near Glacier Bay cannot accommodate RVs. A visitor 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."
