Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Juneau, AK
Mendenhall Lake Campground's pet-friendly sites feature bear boxes at every campsite, allowing campers to safely store pet food away from wildlife. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabin options where pets are welcome. Auk Village Campground provides 11 secluded sites with bear boxes and fire pits in a quiet area tucked away from the city. Both campgrounds require pets to be leashed at all times due to frequent wildlife activity, including bears and occasionally wolves. Eagle Beach State Recreation Area and Blue Mussel Cabin also welcome pets, though specific pet amenities vary. Campers report the sites at Mendenhall are nicely separated, creating privacy between neighbors while maintaining access to clean facilities including pit toilets, flush toilets, and shower facilities.
Trails near Mendenhall Lake provide excellent opportunities for dog walking with views of the glacier, though owners should remain vigilant as bears frequent the area, especially when salmon are running. The West Glacier Trail is accessible by a short walk from the campground, while the East Glacier Trail offers more seclusion from tourist crowds. During summer months, temperatures typically remain in the 60s with rare highs reaching 80 degrees, making for comfortable camping conditions with pets. Campers should prepare for quick weather changes and bring appropriate rain gear for themselves and their animals. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the Juneau area campgrounds, with black bears often seen eating grass near campsites at Eagle Beach, requiring strict adherence to proper food storage protocols for both human and pet supplies.