Best Tent Camping near Haines State Forest
Tent camping opportunities near Haines State Forest in Alaska include several primitive walk-in sites with scenic views. Portage Cove Campground provides walk-in tent sites with views of the ocean and is located close to downtown Haines. Several backcountry camping areas within Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, including Finnegan's Point, Canyon City, Pleasant Camp, and Sheep Camp, offer hike-in tent sites for more adventurous campers.
Most tent campgrounds in the Haines area have minimal amenities. Portage Cove features picnic tables, drinking water, and trash service, but most other sites require campers to pack in all necessities and pack out all waste. The hike-in sites along the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park do not permit fires and provide no toilets or drinking water sources. St. James Bay State Marine Park, accessible only by boat, offers more facilities including toilets and allows both fires and pets, making it suitable for tent campers looking for a more remote experience with some basic amenities.
The area's tent camping experiences vary significantly with location and season. Sites near Portage Cove provide convenient access to town while maintaining natural surroundings. One camper described it as "a wonderful view of Haines and the fjords and mountains" with "easy access to the beach." Weather preparedness is essential for tent camping in this region, as conditions can change rapidly. Some locations offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at St. James Bay State Marine Park, which attracts visitors for photography and wildlife observation. However, a recent review noted that Portage Cove "is day use only now," suggesting that camping availability may have changed, so confirming current status before planning a trip is advisable.
