Best Camping near Haines State Forest

Haines State Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Haines State Forest, AK (23)

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Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Haines State Forest

Recent Reviews in Haines State Forest

30 Reviews of 23 Haines State Forest Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Garden City RV Park
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Garden City RV Park

    Great Campground

    Hot showers, laundry, and a great price. It’s easy to walk to downtown Skagway and close to the library for free WiFi. No fire pits is the only downside.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

    Dyea Flats

    Take Dyea road all the way down over the the Taiya River bridge. It says the max height is 11’2” - That’s not correct - Mack Trucks fit over this bridge and drive it regularly. Take a left after the bridge and go past the town historic site and campground. You’ll likely already see other RVs on the flats. They’re not monitored by the campground other than someone coming by occasionally to check the site for clean up.

    Do not park too close to the beach - it has a infamously high tide. You’ll see the algae lines from past tides. It is beautiful and quiet but is frequented by tourists during the day and ATVs.

    There are two brown tipped black bears that frequent the area. You can see them looking for fish at low tide or playing together in the meadow. They are small but not cubs. Most black bears in the area are very small.

    There is a long to do around this area of Dyea and you’re about a 20-25 min drive from Skagway.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
    Oct. 6, 2022

    Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

    Tucked Away & Gorgeous!

    Just a few miles south of downtown Haines, this campground offers an amazing launching site for adventures in the Chilkat Inlet and around the peninsula. We arrived here without any reservation in late June on our way to Juneau and Glacier Bay and were delighted by this quiet and lovely campground. If you’re on foot or bike, there is a much closer walk-in campground just south of downtown. The approach to the Chilkat campground is on a steep dirt road which is pretty good by Alaskan standards, but the campsites cannot accommodate larger rigs. There are plenty of downtown RV parks for those. 

    There are a few pull-through sites, but the rest have a double-parking set up, where two campsites share a paved parking area and the campsite is to the left or right of the pavement, perfect for small groups. Bathrooms are vault-style and we found them clean and well stocked. Water spigots are scattered throughout the loop. For walk-in fans, there are a few lovely sites down near the water. We were without our trailer on this trip so found a lovely spot to pitch our tent. These sites don’t offer electrical hookups, so bring your solar panels and/or solar generator and you’ll be all set. 

    There is a day use area down by the water with a full boat launch, picnic tables, and vault toilet. The views of the surrounding coastal mountains here are stunning. The park would make the perfect place to launch your sea kayaking adventures in the area. There appear to be some longer-term parking areas just up the hill next to the Ranger/ Camp Host cabin. 

    With downtown Haines just a few miles away, you have access to everything you might need: full grocery store, liquor store, restaurants and coffee shops as well as an excellent Visitor’s information center right in the middle of town.

  • SJ D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Portage Cove Campground
    Sep. 24, 2021

    Portage Cove Campground

    Great tent spot by town

    Beautiful views of the ocean, recommend an extra tarp above and below for when it rains. Very close walk to town.

  • SJ D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
    Sep. 24, 2021

    Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

    Gift on a sunny day

    Beautiful park and campground. During busy months this place will be packed but on the shoulder season I had almost the whole campground to myself. Clean facilities, AT&T cell service as good as in town when in the day use area

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garden City RV Park
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Garden City RV Park

    Tent city!

    Super Expensive! Most summer seasonal workers. Too crowded and not many facilities. Trash, outhouses. Though, a plus, it's just a short walk to downtown. RV or tent camping. But I suggest finding another place in Skagway.

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Smuggler's Cove
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Smuggler's Cove

    Great afternoon

    Start like you're heading to Yakutania Point, and follow the signs for Smugg's. You'll pass trashcans and facilities along the way. At Smugg's, you'll find a picnic table and fire pit. It's much quieter than the Point and better for tent camping. Also great for trail running. I love this spot! Great afternoon hike that can turn into an overnight stay. Pet friendly too! I went bush whacking on the other side of the cove and found some cool spots up the goat trail. But watch out for bears if you’re out in peak season.

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pullen Creek and RV Park
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Pullen Creek and RV Park

    Not ideal

    Maybe in the winter this would be a better spot. Though beautiful, it's very busy. It's right next to the small boat harbor, and the rail road dock, so there's traffic from fishing boats, the small ferry, and the cruise ships. It's convenient to town, close to the liquor store. The plus side-it's close to Pullen Creek where the salmon run, there are plenty of facilities, and it's close to the trailhead for lower and upper lake.

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yakutania Point
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Yakutania Point

    Short hike

    Cross the foot bridge over the Skagway River by the airport and follow the signs left. It's an easy trail with a few places to explore and hang out by the water along the way. If you follow it to the Point, you'll pass outhouses and trashcans about half way. There is a picnic table under the trees, then a fire pit close to the shore line. Plenty of places to hang a hammock. For the best views, check out the rocks to the right. Plenty of locals in the evening. Great place to meet people. Pet friendly, as long as your pets are friendly!

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Portage Cove Campground
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Portage Cove Campground

    Scenic

    Lots of benefits to this spot-- Haines is one of my most favorite towns in the South East because it's small, residential, and not as touristy. There are plenty of affordable RV parks in the area, but I prefer pitching it on the coast at Portage Cove (no RVs, walking or bike only). It's not far from the ferry terminal or downtown. There are public restrooms. Plus the view of the Chilkat Inlet is perfect to wake up to. Lots of spaces! Though it’s quieter before and after the tourist summer season, the Haines state fair is a blast!!! Art, music, food. Great time to go!

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garden City RV Park
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Garden City RV Park

    Great location and facilities

    Location is convenient next to the rec center and a few blocks from town. The restrooms are clean. There’s a coin operated shower and coin operated laundry on site. There are picnic tables and vending machines as well. Skagway is a great place to stop and this is definitely my favorite rv park. The rate is pretty reasonable in comparison to other parks in town. Plus, you can't beat the view. More spots available during "shoulder seasons" (April or October)

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
    Oct. 9, 2018

    Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

    Dyes Flats are like a dream

    Private spaces, beautiful views, northern lights, eagles, bears, river, ocean….all the things. Perfect for an over-night or several days in seclusion. It’s about a twenty-thirty minute drive from town. The tougher your vehicle, the better, but 4wd not needed. You can camp on the outskirts of the grounds for an open view of the flats, or get a more secluded spot in the trees. It’s a dream. Dyea has such amazing history. There’s a bar/restaurant/Airbnb on the way. The sweetest woman runs it and she’ll tell you all you need to know about the area.

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
    Oct. 9, 2018

    Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

    Everything you need.

    The camping spaces are a little close together, though there are enough it’s easy to get to some privacy. It’s got everything you need, though for better views and further privacy, I’d recommend driving a little further toward the flats. Dyea always seems like the perfect kind of quiet, though it gets the most traffic during the summer and both US and Canadian holidays. I suggest going in September. The weather is perfect-not too cold, solid breeze but warm sunshine. The leaves start to change to a beautiful yellow.

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from St. James Bay State Marine Park
    Sep. 1, 2018

    St. James Bay State Marine Park

    St. James State Marine Park

    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.

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping Cove Cabin
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Camping Cove Cabin

    Beautiful Camping on the Cove

    The protected cove with a nice pebble beach is 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. Sleeps a max of 6 with a max stay of 3 consecutive nights. Cabins are not furnished with mattresses. Summer access: by foot or by small boats. The foot trail begins at Point Bridget State Park Trailhead parking area at Mile 39 Glacier Highway. The trail is 3.75 miles to the cabin. Winter access**:** the same trail is open in the winter. Visitors can ski or snowshoe the first 2.5 miles, but no ATV's or other motorized vehicles are allowed. Primary heat at the cabin is kerosene with an emergency wood-stove.

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mussel Cabin
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Blue Mussel Cabin

    Amazing Views of Lynn Canal

    This cabin is at the end of the road going North of Juneau. The cabin is not furnished with mattresses & sleeps a max of 8 for a max of 3 nights. Summer access by foot or boat (can haul onto a rocky beach). The foot trail begins at Point Bridget State Park Trailhead parking area at Mile 39 Glacier Highway. The trail is 3.4 miles to the cabin. Winter access**:** the same trail is open in the winter. Visitors can ski or snowshoe in, but no ATV's or other motorized vehicles are allowed. Primary heat at the cabin is kerosene with an emergency woodstove.

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowee Meadow Cabin
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Cowee Meadow Cabin

    Beautiful Camping on a Glacial Creek

    Epic access to Lynn Canal & Cowee Creek. Brown Bears & Moose have moved back into the area after an absense of several decades. Beautiful Wildflowers abound in late-Spring - early-Summer.

    The Cabin is 12' X 16' with room for a maximum of 8 people & a maximum stay of 3 consecutive nights. $50 per night. Cabins are not furnished with mattresses. Summer access: by foot or by small boats (can haul onto a beach). The foot trail begins at Point Bridget State Park Trailhead parking area at Mile 39 Glacier Highway. The trail is 2.5 miles to the cabin. Winter access: the same trail is open in the winter. Visitors can ski or snowshoe in, but no ATV's or other motorized vehicles are allowed. Primary heat at the cabin is kerosene with an emergency woodstove. It is recommended the user bring a minimum of 1 gallon of kerosene per day to supply heat for the cabin (2 gallons per night in the winter). The fuel storage tank for the stove is on the rear of the cabin. Water supply is from the creek. Please purify before using. GPS 058° 40' 20.48"N, 134° 57' 47.18"W.

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bessie Creek Trailhead
    Aug. 27, 2018

    Bessie Creek Trailhead

    Beautiful camping area & hike

    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.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site
    Aug. 3, 2018

    Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site

    Gorgeous!!

    If anything in Haines can convince you it's one of Alaska's finest spots, it's Chilkoot Lake state recreation area. Beautiful wooded campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and flat areas for tents.. and a short walk (often can see from your site) to the lake where a beautiful show occurs each time the sun sets. I never wanted to leave!

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

    Amazing blues out on a long peninsula

    This site is a great basecamp for boating but there are also some great trails within the park. You can see to the mainland on both sides of the fjords so bring the best binoculars you can afford. This area is also famous for its Bald Eagle Preserve, salmon, and everything else you think of when you think of Alaska. There’s a nice nature center and rangers who offered tips on where to see the latest wildlife and which trails to try. The campsites are fairly open which makes for stunning views in all directions and an opportunity to get to know a few of your neighbors. Absolutely recommended, especially if you have a boat.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Portage Cove Campground
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Portage Cove Campground

    Lovely little tenting site

    Just a short walk from 'downtown' Haines, this lovely little campground is just great! There is easy access to the beach, with a wonderful view of Haines and the fjords and mountains. It is a very basic walk-in tent campground, which was absolutely perfect!

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site
    Aug. 25, 2016

    Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site

    Went for the day

    I biked here from Haines in June, it is such a lovely area! I did a tour of the campground and it looks very nice. The boat launch area is perfect for a picnic, and the lake is perfect for a paddle! They even have childrens PFDs to borrow, should you forget to bring some. Keep an eye out for wildlife, there are lots of grizzlies around.


Drive Time


Guide to Haines State Forest

Camping near Haines State Forest, Alaska, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore the trails: Hiking is a must in this beautiful region. As one camper noted about the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site, "Beautiful wooded campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and flat areas for tents... a beautiful show occurs each time the sun sets."
  • Wildlife watching: Keep your eyes peeled for eagles and bears. A visitor at the same site mentioned, "You can see eagles activities in the sky. You have to go out of camp for a view."
  • Kayaking: The waters around Haines are perfect for paddling. One reviewer shared, "The boat launch area is perfect for a picnic, and the lake is perfect for a paddle!" at the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site.

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. A visitor at Dyea Campground said, "It is beautiful and quiet but is frequented by tourists during the day and ATVs."
  • Privacy: Many appreciate the secluded spots available. One camper remarked about the Dyea Campground, "Private spaces, beautiful views, northern lights, eagles, bears, river, ocean… all the things."
  • Rich history: The area is steeped in history. A reviewer noted, "Dyea has such amazing history," which adds to the camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Many campgrounds, like Portage Cove Campground, have basic facilities. One camper mentioned, "It is a very basic walk-in tent campground, which was absolutely perfect!"
  • Wildlife precautions: Bears are common in the area. A visitor at Bartlett Cove Campground emphasized, "You need to attend an 'orientation' by the rangers to learn how to safely camp in this park."
  • Road conditions: Some roads can be rough. A camper at Dyea Campground warned, "Road is curvy and rough with a low bridge, so don’t attempt if you're over 11’1”."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right campground: The Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site is family-friendly with plenty of activities. One parent shared, "They even have children's PFDs to borrow, should you forget to bring some."
  • Plan for weather: Be prepared for rain. A camper at Portage Cove Campground suggested, "Recommend an extra tarp above and below for when it rains."
  • Engage in nature: Encourage kids to explore. A visitor at Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site said, "Keep an eye out for wildlife, there are lots of grizzlies around."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check vehicle height: If you're driving an RV, be cautious of low bridges. A camper at Dyea Campground mentioned, "It says the max height is 11’2” - That’s not correct - Mack Trucks fit over this bridge."
  • Look for secluded spots: RVers can find quieter areas by driving a bit further. One reviewer noted, "For better views and further privacy, I’d recommend driving a little further toward the flats" at Dyea Campground.
  • Stay connected: Some campgrounds may have limited cell service. A visitor at Portage Cove Campground said, "It’s quieter before and after the tourist summer season."

Camping near Haines State Forest, Alaska, is a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors. With stunning views, abundant wildlife, and a variety of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and adventurers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions