The Tongass National Forest surrounds Hoonah, Alaska, covering much of the Inside Passage region with temperate rainforest. Black bears frequent camping areas around Hoonah, requiring proper food storage in approved containers. Most campgrounds and cabins in this region operate seasonally from May through September due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Eagle Beach: Eagle Beach State Recreation Area provides access to river areas with black bear activity. As camper James B. notes, "We had a black bear next to our campground eating grass one evening."
Kayaking from shore: At Auk Village Campground, visitors can arrange impromptu water adventures. One camper explains, "There was a guy renting kayaks out of the back of a truck which made our whole day. It's not a far walk to the water, where you could see otters, seals, whales, cool ducks, starfish, etc."
Hiking glacier trails: Trails around Mendenhall Lake Campground offer varying difficulty levels and crowd conditions. "Half way up nugget falls trails there are a few cut through's to the lake where you can find nice private beaches," shares Fain H., adding that "Photo point trail and Nugget Falls trail are a must and have the heaviest foot traffic from 10am to 2pm."
What campers like
Quiet, private sites: The campsites at Auk Village Campground provide seclusion. "Each site is very private, ours was built up on a little ring of rocks with stairs leading down from the car," reports Harry H.
Beach access for fishing: With proper licensing, campers can fish directly from campground beaches. Eric M. from Auk Village Campground shares: "If you have a fishing license you can fish off the beach, great for swimming as well because it is a protected cove. Great historical site, an ancient village with historical marker as well as a beautiful totem nearby that tells an interesting story."
Proximity to glaciers: Blue Mussel Cabin offers views of Lynn Canal and requires a 3.4-mile hike from Point Bridget State Park Trailhead. According to Josiah P., "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)."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most cabins and campsites near Hoonah lack basic utilities. At Camping Cove Cabin, visitors can stay "a max of 6 with a max stay of 3 consecutive nights. Cabins are not furnished with mattresses."
No cell service: Communication can be limited in more remote areas. James B. reports from Eagle Beach State Recreation Area: "Absolutely no cell service. There are some sites not completely in the trees. We were able to get good solar and Starlink service."
Water availability: Water sources may be unreliable depending on seasonal conditions. At Blue Mussel Cabin, Stephanie S. advises: "Be sure to bring enough water for the night because the creek by the cabin is currently dried up."
Tips for camping with families
Bear safety education: Before bringing children to pet friendly camping near Hoonah, Alaska, teach them proper bear safety protocols. At Eagle Beach, "There is a large amount of bear activity in area" according to James B.
Select sites with beach access: Families benefit from camping areas with protected water access. As Eric M. notes about Auk Village, "great for swimming as well because it is a protected cove."
Visit during off-peak hours: Avoid cruise ship crowds at popular attractions by timing your visits carefully. Fain H. advises Mendenhall visitors to "go early or late. Photo point trail and Nugget Falls trail... have the heaviest foot traffic from 10am to 2pm."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most pet-friendly cabins near Hoonah lack standard RV amenities. Eagle Beach State Recreation Area offers "pit toilets on site. There is water, with a boil direction to use. There is no trash service. No dump site."
Solar considerations: Some camping areas have limited sun exposure due to forest cover. James B. notes that at Eagle Beach, "There are some sites not completely in the trees. We were able to get good solar and Starlink service."
Advance booking required: Mendenhall Lake Campground fills quickly during peak season. "Before you go: you must reserve a spot online in advance & spots tend to fill up quickly in July & August," warns Josiah P.
