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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Haines State Forest (27)

    1. Portage Cove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Haines, AK
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    "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."

    "Very close walk to town."

    2. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

    3 Reviews
    Haines State Forest, AK
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site

    4 Reviews
    Haines, AK
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    "The mountains in this part of Alaska are towering and incredible."

    "If anything in Haines can convince you it's one of Alaska's finest spots, it's Chilkoot Lake state recreation area."

    4. Oceanside RV Park

    1 Review
    Haines, AK
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (907) 766-3730

    $46 - $65 / night

    "The location is extremely convenient. We enjoyed our stay and look forward to coming back."

    5. Chilkat State Park

    1 Review
    Haines, AK
    6 miles

    "South of Haines, maybe a 15-20 minute drive. Nice clean campground, pit toilets, water pump. Great first night place to stay near Haines."

    6. Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

    6 Reviews
    Skagway, AK
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 983-9200

    "It’s about a twenty-thirty minute drive from town. The tougher your vehicle, the better, but 4wd not needed."

    "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."

    7. Garden City RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Skagway, AK
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 983-2378

    "It’s easy to walk to downtown Skagway and close to the library for free WiFi. No fire pits is the only downside."

    "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."

    8. Yakutania Point

    1 Review
    Skagway, AK
    16 miles

    "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."

    9. Smuggler's Cove

    1 Review
    Skagway, AK
    16 miles

    "Also great for trail running. I love this spot! Great afternoon hike that can turn into an overnight stay. Pet friendly too!"

    10. Pullen Creek and RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Skagway, AK
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 983-2768
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Recent Reviews near Haines State Forest

32 Reviews of 27 Haines State Forest Campgrounds


  • Vicky S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Oceanside RV Park

    Beautiful, clean, comfortable

    This RV park is on the water with lovely views of water and mountains. Check-in was easy, everything worked, everything was super clean, the gathering area and bathrooms were spotlessly clean and comfortable. The staff was friendly. The location is extremely convenient. We enjoyed our stay and look forward to coming back.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Chilkat State Park

    Perfect spot when you get off the ferry!

    South of Haines, maybe a 15-20 minute drive. Nice clean campground, pit toilets, water pump. Great first night place to stay near Haines.

  • E
    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.

  • Norton E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Portage Cove Campground

    Sadly no longer a campsite

    I don't know when it was shut down but it is day use only now.

  • A
    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
    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
    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
    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

  • Ioan P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2020

    Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site

    Like this

    Nice, very vooded place but, very tight. You can see eagles activities in the sky. You have to go out of camp for a view. Haines is 20 minutes drive.


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

Which is the most popular campground near Haines State Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Haines State Forest is Portage Cove Campground with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.