Mendenhall Lake Campground operates 69 sites approximately 13 miles from downtown Juneau, situated directly on the lake with views of Mendenhall Glacier. The campground sits at 200 feet elevation in a coastal temperate rainforest environment, with typical summer temperatures ranging from 50-65°F. Some camping sites are constructed on elevated rock platforms with stairs for access, while others feature level, gravel parking pads.
What to do
Kayak on Mendenhall Lake: Visitors can rent kayaks near the campground for paddling excursions offering unique glacier views. "Explore the lake via kayak, hike the short park trails, explore the far side of the lake - this is a great spot just minutes from the Juneau Airport," notes camper Josiah P.
Beach exploration at Auk Village: The protected cove at Auk Village Campground provides excellent beachcombing opportunities. "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," writes Eric M.
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Eagle Beach offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. Campers frequently spot otters, seals, and various marine birds. "Whales Everywhere! Great place to go whale watching. Seriously! I went for two hours and saw 30 ish breaches," reports Carly S.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the thoughtful spacing and natural barriers between campsites. "The campground is nice, with great tent sites! The tent sites were nicely separated, giving you that feeling that you're further away than you really are," shares Krista R. about Mendenhall Lake.
Off-peak visiting: Early morning or late evening visits help avoid cruise ship crowds. "Best way to avoid the cruise ship crowds is to go early or late. Photo point trail and Nugget Falls trail are a must and have the heaviest foot traffic from 10am to 2pm," advises Fain H.
Marine wildlife sightings: The coastal location provides opportunities to view diverse marine animals. "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," notes Justin S. about Auk Village.
What you should know
Black and brown bear activity: Bears frequent all camping areas, especially during salmon runs. "Great place for the family, bears do frequent the area so keep site clean," advises James L.
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "Low GCI service," reports Bradee A. at Peterson Lake Campground. Some campgrounds have no service at all.
Advance reservations required: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "Before you go: you must reserve a spot online in advance & spots tend to fill up quickly in July & August," warns Josiah P.
Weather variability: Coastal conditions can change rapidly with frequent precipitation. "The bugs are manageable. The campground is clean and well organized. You have to reserve before you arrive, cannot pay when you get there," notes Angie W.
Tips for camping with families
Best trails for children: Several shorter trails accommodate younger hikers. "The Trail of Time which is longer. Half way up nugget falls trails there are a few cut through's to the lake where you can find nice private beaches," recommends Fain H.
Education opportunities: The glacier visitor center offers junior ranger programs. "The Glacier viewing center is nearby. We loved it!" shares Angie W.
Safety precautions: Keep children close on trails due to wildlife activity. "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," notes Eric M. from Eagle Beach State Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for connectivity: Some campers recommend requesting specific sites for better satellite reception. "There are some sites not completely in the trees. We were able to get good solar and Starlink service," advises James B.
Dump station limitations: RV sites near Juneau, Alaska have limited dump station facilities, with main services concentrated at Mendenhall Lake. "We stayed three nights in the campground. $20 per night. Absolutely no cell service," reports James B.
Size restrictions: Most rv sites near Juneau, Alaska cannot accommodate very large vehicles. "This 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," shares Angie G. about Auk Village.
