Best Campgrounds near Hoonah, AK
Cabins and remote campgrounds dominate the camping options in the Hoonah area of Alaska's Inside Passage. The region includes several rustic Forest Service cabins like Eight Fathom Cabin and Kennel Creek Cabin, primarily accessible by boat or float plane rather than road systems. Nearby Bartlett Cove Campground in Glacier Bay National Park provides primitive tent camping with designated sites, while options for RV camping are more limited. Gustavus, approximately 30 miles from Hoonah, offers Hollywood Farms RV Park for travelers visiting Glacier Bay National Park. Most developed camping facilities in the area cater to wilderness enthusiasts seeking remote experiences rather than amenities.
Access to many camping areas requires careful transportation planning as road networks are limited in this part of Southeast Alaska. The primary means of reaching Hoonah and surrounding areas is by Alaska Marine Highway ferry service or small aircraft. "Due to all the bear activity, you need to attend an 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.," noted one visitor to Bartlett Cove. Camping seasons typically run from May through September, with many facilities closed during winter months. Most Forest Service cabins require advance reservations through Recreation.gov, particularly during summer months when demand is highest. Travelers should plan for changing weather conditions, as rainfall is common throughout the year in this temperate rainforest environment.
Campers consistently highlight wildlife viewing opportunities as a primary reason for visiting the area. At Bartlett Cove Campground, a visitor observed: "The trees were dripping with green mosses and vegetation. The provided wooden food caches made us feel secure, and the proximity to the national park could not be beat." Bear safety protocols are strictly enforced throughout the region, with food storage requirements at all camping areas. Forest Service cabins like Moser Island Cabin provide rustic accommodations with wood stoves for heating and basic amenities. The region's isolation creates opportunities for solitude and wilderness immersion, though it requires more extensive preparation than developed campgrounds elsewhere in Southeast Alaska. Marine wildlife viewing, including whales, sea lions, and otters, is frequently mentioned in reviews as a highlight of camping in the area.
