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The National Park Service maintains a free walk-in campground in Bartlett Cove. The campground features bear-proof food caches, a fire-pit and warming shelter (with firewood provided) located in a very scenic setting along the shore, 1/4 mile south of the Bartlett Cove dock. Stays are limited to 14 days
Admiralty National Monument ACTIVITIES Boating Fishing Hiking Hunting Wildlife Viewing Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight Swimming
An Adirondack style emergency shelter at Pinta Cove. The shelter is supplied with a wood stove, food preparation table, and sleeping bunks. This shelter is available for recreational use on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required. Firewood is not provided. ACTIVITIES Boating: Motorized boating and marine mammal viewing opportunities at Pinta Cove and Point Adolphus. Hunting: Big game hunting in season possible from this shelter. Refer to http://www.adfg.alaska.gov for species, permits and regulations. Picnicking: Picnic just outside the shelter or on the beach. Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight: This emergency shelter is available for recreational use on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required. Firewood is not provided. Swimming
The Picnic Shelter #5 is part of the Auk Recreation Area and is located adjacent to a scenic beach on the northern shoreline of Auk Bay, once a village site for the Auk Tlingit Natives. It is the last shelter on the west end of the picnic area. It is the largest of the five shelters in the recreation area.
The shelter overlooks Auk Bay and is surrounded by a western hemlock and Sitka spruce forested area.
The area offers fishing, water activities, picnicking, hiking, and berry picking.
Auk Recreation Area includes a large day use area on the shores of Auk Bay. The area includes five different shelters, picnic tables, drinking water, fire rings and a trail. At the Auk Bay Harbor commercial operators offer sport fishing, kayak rental, and whale watching tours.
Shelter #5 has a maximum capacity of 40 people. The maximum group size allowed with this reservation is 74 people. Parking can be limited on sunny days due to crowds and is available above the shelter next to the highway (use caution loading and unloading). The shelter is accessed by a metal staircase or a fully accessible ramp. There are three picnic tables inside the shelter and a fire place. There are two grills next to the shelter, and a fire pit on the beach. There is a two-hole vault toilet a couple hundred feet from the shelter, and water spigot with city water on site. The path in front of the shelter leads to Auk Village Campground and Pt. Louisa. The opposite way leads to the restroom and another shelter.
$40 / night
An Adirondack style emergency shelter at the mouth of Bohemia Creek on the north end of Lisianski Strait. The shelter is supplied with a wood stove, food preparation table, and sleeping bunks. This shelter has an outside deck with an assessable ramp and access to a rock fire ring with a bench. Access to the shelter is by floatplane or boat to a small boat dock and gangway managed by the City of Pelican. This is also the trail head for the 4.0 mile primitive trail to Takanis Lake. This shelter is available for recreational use on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required. Firewood is not provided. ACTIVITIES Boating: A small boat dock is available for use at the shelter. This dock is managed by the City of Pelican. Hunting: Big game hunting in season possible from this shelter. Refer to http://www.adfg.alaska.gov for species, permits and regulations. Picnicking: Picnic on the deck of the shelter or the designated fire ring with a bench. Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight: This emergency shelter is available for recreational use on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required. Firewood is not provided. Swimming
Skater's Cabin Shelter is located on the shore of the southwest corner of Mendenhall Lake, near the Mendenhall Glacier. The cabin was constructed in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is made with natural stone.
The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery, biking, picnicking, and hiking.
The Shelter has a maximum capacity of 20 people. The maximum group size allowed with this reservation is 74 people. The cabin is equipped with a covered porch and two movable picnic tables along with a wood stove. Outside facilities include a large group fire ring in front of the cabin and a stationary wood picnic table and a fire ring adjacent to the southwest corner of the cabin. The area is accessed by a trail that meets accessibility guidelines and leads to the beach.
A potable water hydrant and accessible vault toilets are also provided. The picnic area has two additional picnic sites with fire rings and tables designated for non-group use (they are not a part of this reservable site).
Skater's Cabin is on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of massive Mendenhall Glacier that is surrounded by mountains that rise from 4,000 to 7,000 feet above the glacier.
Located near Appleton Cove Cabin; available on a first-come, first-served basis for boat anchorage. Cabin reservation does not include exclusive use of this mooring buoy. ACTIVITIES Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight
Guide
The campground is nice, with great tent sites! The car sites looked nice too, but I didn't stay there. The tent sites were nicely separated, giving you that feeling that you're further away than you really are. I loved staying here, and loved the things to do nearby. We explored the glacier and went on a hike. Juneau is a lovely town as well.
TravelerIt was a wonderful campground! Right on the lake overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier. The bugs are manageable. the campground is clean and well organized. you have to reserve before you arrive, cannot pay when you get there. The bathrooms are clean and well interspersed. There are showers with hot water. There is a section for tent camping, RV camping, and backpack camping. The campground itself is located near tons of hiking trails, kayaking/rafting opportinities, and the Glacier viewing center is nearby. We loved it!
RangerAfter being unable to find good reviews of campsites here, I took what I could find and gambled on a site. We were in tent site 021. It was a gorgeous site, had a large picnic table, bear box, water spigot between us and the site next to us, fire pit, clean pit toilets and a clean bath house. This campground has backpacker sites, RV sites, and car sites as well. We had a short walk through the moss on a trail that led down to Mendenhall Lake. It had a gorgeous view of the glacier. We enjoyed listening to all the birds and it was a pretty quiet campground.
There are a few sites close to boggy areas and they can be mushy and muddy, especially after a rain. There is a map on the reservation website where you can kind of see it. Our site was fabulous.
The trails are not far from the campground, so they are walkable.
LegendTent camping review. This was a great camp ground. Very clean and quiet. You can't beat the proximity to the park and hiking. Some of the sites even have great views. Each site has plenty of privacy, so even with intermixed RV's it stays pretty quiet. The showers were okay, not the cleanest and not the hottest but got the job done. My only complaint was coming after dark the first night to someone clearly squatting with their RV in our site. The camp hosts do not mark each site with the booked reservations (even though the posts clearly say that the section we were in were "reservation only". So people just drop in and take sites, assuming they aren't reserved. We attempted to solicit the camphosts help but in the 4 nights we stayed there, we never saw the hosts available once. We asked the people to move the next morning in daylight- not wanting to start anything or end up shot by knocking on their door and asking them to move that first night. However, that meant that we set up in someone else's potentially reserved site and started a huge domino effect. So I recommend getting there early to make sure your reserved spot isn't taken.
Ranger
I always visited Juneau by ferry. This campground is accessible from the slow ferry, but it is a distance from the cruise ships or airports (as you know Juneau is very spread out for its small population). There is nothing Alaska spectacular about this campground, but it is quaint and nice. It is very RV-oriented.
GuideEasy access to epic beauty from the airport. The glacier brings the temperature down significantly from the surrounding area ❄️ All of the campsites are furnished with picnic tables, tent pads & fire rings with grills. Water faucets & accessible vault toilets are provided, as are two accessible flush toilets and shower facilities. A dump station & trash dumpster are located on-site.
TravelerThis is a very nice campground set back from Mendenhall lake and the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Bears frequent this area and sometimes wolves too. If you are looking for that wild Alaska experience you can have it here. Lots of hiking around there. Once that salmon start running you can walk on the man made walkway next to the creek and watch bears catch salmon to feed their cubs! Truly an amazing experience! If you make it there during the winter bring your cross country skis and ski through the campground, or across the lake to the glacier.
LegendUnfortunately, we were unable to stay at this campground (due to scheduling issues) but we did drive around and check it all out so we can know for next time :) The campground doesn't have many sites which make it a very quiet place (at least during the day by our observation). Sites seemed somewhat geared towards RV's but a tent would be fine too. Sites were spacious and quite private. Beautiful area. We plan to come back here and stay a couple nights on another visit!
RangerThere is diverse and plentiful wildlife and plant life that is a hybrid between the PNW rainforests and AK fjords. Only open in summer and dominated by tent-only sites, this campground isn’t quite on the bay but is on a small lake close to the inland part of the bay. The campground itself meanders along the lake and a number of smaller lakes, so you have lots of choices for waterfront camping. Sites vary in their views and amenities---everything is perfectly basic but clean. Make a reservation. There is a bus from the harbor.
LegendWe’ve been full-time camping in our vintage camper for over10 years, and in that time we’ve taken some “camping trips” without our rig, Hamlet. This time we hopped on the ferry from Haines down to Juneau and pulled out the tent for a few days in this amazing campground. We were just looking for the least expensive place that was close to the ferry terminal in Auke Bay, but struck gold in the hills just above. This might be one of the best traditional campgrounds we've ever stayed in with some of the most stunning views in our "backyard."
The campground is laid out along the southern bank of Mendenhall Lake, and offers drinking water, flush, and vault toilets and hot showers -- at no extra charge. Did I mention that camping here will only set you back $10 per night? We cannot remember such an inexpensive camping experience that offered showers. These $10 sites don’t offer electrical hookups, so bring your solar panels and solar generator or power bank and you’ll be all set.
The western trailhead is a short walk from the campground, but the Mendenhall Visitor's Center on the east side of the lake is just a few miles away. There are many trails, photographic viewpoints and opportunities to paddle on this side of the lake, but parking is competitive because it is such a popular area- including with the busses from the cruise ships docked in town. So, get there early. We enjoyed paddling on the lake where we got great views of the glacier and Nugget Falls, but keep your distance from icebergs. We watched one crack and roll not too far from where we were paddling, had we been closer I might not be writing this review.
The Mendenhall Valley has all the amenities you could expect from the Juneau suburbs, grocery stores, malls and restaurants. Downtown has a few more options as well as Douglas Island, just across the bridge.
Legend
This “semi-developed” campground in the park at Bartlett Cove near the Visitor’s Center is simply stunning. Campsites are free but require a permit and short briefing at the Visitor’s Center on the backcountry bear protocol. The campground has 36 individual walk-in sites (3-group sites) and the closest are around 1/4 miles from the parking lot. 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 for our sea kayak trip and the distance from our campsite and parking lot required a lot of schlepping gear, food and many, many steps. It did, however, contribute to the remote feel of the campground.
The campsites themselves, are simply bare spots on which to pitch your tent – no picnic tables or fire rings, but there are composting toilets in the campground. 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.
Supplies and food should be brought with you, as the options for purchasing in Gustavus are limited. 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. At the campground, 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. Regardless of the weather, you must cook here so bringing a small rain fly is a good idea. Food must be stored in the food cache shelters scattered along the trail winding through the campsite.
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. Firewood is both copious and free. No food consumption or preparation should be done in these shelters. Back Country camping is available anywhere within the park except areas that are closed. Rangers will provide information on campsite selection as well as a lot of other information in the mandatory backcountry briefing held twice a day(10am& 6pm at the Visitor's Center).
Check out our video of our backcountry experience in Glacier Bay here: https://youtu.be/bYmf6GKT5kA
ScoutThis is a walk-in campground and there are wheel barrows provided for use to haul gear from the parking lot (about 1/4 mile). There is filtered water and restrooms available by the backcountry office where you obtain your free permit, but there is no running water in the campground. There are 3 caches to store food and scented items in. There are 2 outhouses and a composting toilet. Firewood is provided for use in the warming shelter or the fire ring on the beach. It is located in a temperate rainforest, so bring your rain gear! Upon arrival you should go to the backcountry office to get a permit and attend an orientation about general regulations and about staying safe in bear country.
RangerGreat primitive campground a short walk (less than 1/2 mile) from the parking lot. 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. There is no water but there are vault toilets. This is the only place to camp here (most stay in the cabins/lodge) and one of my favorite places I’ve ever been.
LegendAlmost 90% of Glacier Bay visitors never step foot on the land; they simply visit by cruise ship, so being able to camp in this lush and rugged park was a real treat.
At the campsites, 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.
Since you cannot drive to this park, it was important to us to stay very close by. The lodge also provides accommodation, but the free campground cannot be beat. A free permit is required, which includes a 30-minute camper orientation that ensures you follow all the safety guidelines (such as cooking and eating out on the rocks at low tide, storing food in provided caches, etc.)
We were pleased with how much there was to do at this seemingly empty park: an array of ranger programs, kayak rentals, hiking trails, and great views of the bay from all around.
We didn’t attend the Day Cruise from the lodge, but we thought the one-day kayak rental was completely worth the cost. During our day on the water, we saw whales breaching (about a dozen times!), sea otters, sea lions, dozens of bald eagles, and brown bears on the coast. We were blown away by the wildlife.
You can read much more about our three days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Glacier Bay)
GuideBeautiful place in Glacier Bay with lots of critters, historic cabin, views, trails, etc. This isn’t car camping since you have to walk less than a mile from the parking lot to the campsite. Make sure to bring everything you need, including water and bear protection, and definitely stop into the ranger station to learn bear safety and to secure your spot. This campsite had so much character. 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. Highly recommended!
GuideAbundance of wildlife. Trails to hike. What an amazing place to visit.
Guide
I've stayed at this cabin twice and absolutely love going here. It is perfect place to camp with the family or make it a boys trip. Easiest way to get to the cabin is from Sitka, takes little under 2 hours by boat. Near the cabin, there is great crabbing across the bay and decent shrimping within a 10 minute boat ride. There is one mooring buoy to tie up to so bring a raft to get to shore. Outside the cabin, there is a couple benches around the fire pit and a rope swing. There is some pre-cut wood alongside the cabin, otherwise you can always scavenge for more wood. I would bring an ax. There is also a tire swing next to the fire pit. Inside the cabin, it is small but easily slept all of us (5 guys). Bring all your own camping gear. There is also a little wood stove inside the cabin to help warm it up at night. Only warning, be on the lookout for bears, there was multiple signs of them so don't leave anything outside
GuideThis is a favorite spot where our family has camped for years. Most recently we took 2 of the grandkids. No cabins, but beautiful beach to walk. Quiet paradise. Fire pits and we’ll maintained pit restrooms.
RangerThis campground has 11 sites and we were lucky to get #5, right across from the pit toilets so we didn’t have to walk far. We had a great site, bear box, campfire pit, and a fabulous view when you walk to the edge right behind your site! We didn’t put any hammocks in the trees or do any cooking on site, as it is black bear country and you don’t want any uninvited guests. We went to the picnic shelter at Lena Cove for our morning breakfast and hung our hammocks in the shelter for the morning. We had great views of Auke Bay and Lena Cove.
I could not find any reviews to pick a site but I reserved this one and it was gold! We had a water spigot close to us in the campground, but there are no electric or water supplies at the sites. You need to bring your own firewood because some sites say it was supplied, however, due to low crew numbers they can’t keep up with demand.
RangerStayed here during a few visits to Juneau and really happy I had a rental car as it isn't too conveniently located from downtown Juneau but that was part of the appeal. Quiet because there weren't many campsites and lots to do in the surrounding areas. Well maintained sites. I recommend whale watching if you get the chance and I also did a lot of beach combing in the area.
GuideGreat place to go whale watching. Seriously! I went for two hours and saw 30 ish breaches. It was incredible. Campgrounds are well kept and well worth your time.
RangerA small basic campground close to the harbor and downtown with lots of trees. Each site is very private, ours was built up on a little ring of rocks with stairs leading down from the car. If you need accessibility check with the rangers/website for the best options. There’s nothing to really do in the immediate area, but so much close by: kayaking with marine mammals, hiking. This isn’t our top choice in this area but it’s still lovely.
GuideWe stayed here when some of the other area campgrounds were full. It is easy to get to the water or trails. 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. The camping spots are very spread out and private. Some have views and some don’t. We did see bald eagles right on site. All and all a nice place in the National Forest.
Scoutgreat site, nice woods, 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. Nearby in auk harbor is a milkshake to die for. People are friendly, easy to find firewood to have a nice cookout. Not unusual to find deer walking through the campsite. If you are into exercise the University has a gym up the road that you can use for a couple of bucks. Also the bar nearby has a great dart room for those into those kind of things. A couple of mile drive to Eagle River (brown bear) or the glacier (black bear) . you can find bears visiting the creeks and streams this time of year through september. As an afterthought you can rent a kayak and have some fun on the water.
TravelerAbsolutely loved this campground, It was very quite and the scenery was beautiful. This is a very quite spot tucked away from the city. We loved camping here and will be back!
Legend
This campground has one site with a picnic table and a fire ring. However you can camp anywhere that there is parking. This is on a well-maintained road and would be great to bring a kayak. I look forward to spending a lot of time at this campground.
Ranger4 spots with picnic tables and fire pits. Clean bathrooms and big trash cans that got emptied while we were there for 4 nights. Low GCI service. Water spout that didn’t work for us. Beautiful central location for the Kenai peninsula. Highly recommend.
Tent camping near Hoonah, Alaska, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hoonah, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hoonah, AK is Bartlett Cove Campground — Glacier Bay National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Hoonah, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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