Tent camping near Hoonah, Alaska requires preparation for frequent precipitation, with average summer rainfall exceeding 50 inches. Most sites lack developed facilities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient with water filtration systems and bear-resistant food storage containers. The region's temperature generally ranges from 45-65°F even during summer months, necessitating layered clothing and moisture-wicking materials.
What to do
Wildlife photography opportunities: Set up at Admiralty National Monument where campers report "amazingly beautiful & rugged island. Experiences with wildlife here are epically fulfilling." The monument contains the highest concentration of brown bears in North America, with dawn and dusk offering prime viewing hours.
Kayaking excursions: St. James Bay State Marine Park provides protected waters for paddlers approximately 45 miles south of Haines. One visitor noted, "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."
Creek hiking: At Bessie Creek Trailhead, campers can access waterside trails suitable for day hikes. A reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful wildlife, water, & forest! If you are up for a creekside hike, Cowee Creek is not far from this site." The trailhead serves as both a camping area and access point to multiple waterway trails.
What campers like
Park orientation sessions: Bartlett Cove Campground offers mandatory safety briefings that visitors find valuable. One camper wrote, "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."
Accessibility without isolation: The balance of convenience and wilderness appeals to many tent campers. A reviewer stated, "This isn't car camping since you have to walk less than a mile from the parking lot to the campsite... I think it'd be a great way to introduce kids or adults to backpacking, it adds some backcountry feel but you're not all that far from your car and civilization if needed."
Warming shelters: During inclement weather, the provision of warming facilities provides comfort. As one visitor explained, "As the weather can be cold and rainy anytime during the summer the park provides warming huts which are 3 sided shelters with wood stoves that a perfect place to hang out, dry off and warm up."
What you should know
Food management regulations: Strict protocols exist for food handling in bear country. A camper at Bartlett Cove noted, "All food needs to be prepared and consumed on the rocky beach, in the intertidal zone, away from the camping area so that all food smells and debris are carried away by the water and do not attract bear curiosity."
Limited supplies: Admiralty Island National Monument requires complete self-sufficiency. Visitors describe it as "Remote, Rugged, Spectacular" with "Inspiring wildlife." No supplies are available on the monument, necessitating thorough planning and packing.
Transportation logistics: Many sites require boat access or hiking in. For Bartlett Cove, "This is a walk-in campground and there are wheel barrows provided for use to haul gear from the parking lot (about 1/4 mile)." Plan accordingly for gear transportation.
Tips for camping with families
Introductory backpacking experience: Bartlett Cove serves as an ideal starter wilderness experience. A camper suggested, "I think it'd be a great way to introduce kids or adults to backpacking, it adds some backcountry feel but you're not all that far from your car and civilization if needed."
Educational programs: Bessie Creek Trailhead offers proximity to interpretive sites. "Beautiful wildlife, water, & forest!" reports one visitor, making it suitable for nature education opportunities for children.
Gear transportation planning: Families should plan for multiple trips when setting up camp. One visitor advised, "The park provides wheelbarrows to help tote your camping gear to the site. I point this out because we waited until arriving at the Visitor's Center to prep our gear and food... and the distance from our campsite and parking lot required a lot of schlepping gear, food and many, many steps."
Tips from RVers
Alternate accommodations: No RV camping exists within Glacier Bay National Park. A visitor noted, "No sites in the park can accommodate camping from your vehicle or trailer, though there is at least 1 small RV park in Gustavus about 10 miles away."
Fuel considerations: Special arrangements are needed for camping fuel. According to one camper, "The park gift shop as well as the town's general store does sell camping fuel in the small and green canisters – these cannot be brought on any airplane if you fly in."
Weather preparation: St. James Bay visitors recommend comprehensive rain gear. One reviewer warned, "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."
