Best Tent Camping near Haines State Forest, AK

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!

Everything about Haines is amazing. The mountains in this part of Alaska are towering and incredible. There are lots of camping opportunities in Haines including a small rustic campground right in town a short walking distance of the fast ferry. That campsite is about $5 and based on the honor system. This Chilkoot Lake area is much farther from the ferries, but a beautiful area. You will need to find a car to drive you out to the area. The area features a wide river and scenic mountain hikes and views.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

The Dyea campground is the trail head for the Chilkoot Trail. The Chilkoot Trail was my first backpacking experience and pure heave. Spend time on the Canada side (in the rain shadow and sunny and amazing). Bring bear mace. Grizzlies love Dyea.

This campground is unbelievable and makes me always want to to stay out longer when I come out here. There are tables and is really chilly at night. It is really depressing seeing the ice glaciers melt right in front of you because of global warming.

we loved this campground, road is curvy and rough with a low bridge, so don’t attempt if your over 11’1”. short drive to town, great views, and an interesting walk through the interpretive part of the park, lots of history there!

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.

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.

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.