Best Campgrounds near Ketchikan, AK
Camping options near Ketchikan, Alaska range from developed campgrounds to remote wilderness sites throughout the Tongass National Forest. Signal Creek Campground, located 7 miles north of downtown Ketchikan, provides tent and RV sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Settler's Cove State Recreation Site offers cabin accommodations with electric hookups approximately 12 miles from Ketchikan. Several public use cabins dot the surrounding forest and coastal areas, including the mountaintop Deer Mountain Shelter accessed via a 3-mile hiking trail. Both water-access sites like Black Sands Marine State Park and road-accessible campgrounds serve visitors to this rainforest region.
Most Ketchikan area campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-September. Winter camping is limited due to southeast Alaska's wet climate and cold temperatures. Primitive sites near Ward Lake provide access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities. Road conditions can be challenging in remote areas, particularly during rainy periods. A camper observed that "Signal Creek Campground is conveniently near Ketchikan, 7 miles north of downtown, and just 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal." Boaters can access several marine park camping areas, while drive-in campgrounds along North Tongass Highway provide more accessible options. Hikers should prepare for continuously uphill trails to reach backcountry shelters and campsites.
Waterfront access represents a distinctive feature of camping experiences in the Ketchikan area, with both saltwater and freshwater sites available. One visitor noted that Black Sands Marine State Park offers "great wild camping close to town with beautiful views of Nichols Passage. You can often hear the blows of whales as you sleep at night." Camping areas range from developed sites with amenities to primitive spots in the surrounding Tongass National Forest. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bears, eagles, and marine mammals. The Deer Mountain shelter provides a rustic mountain experience with stunning views from its elevated position. Most campgrounds in the region maintain pit toilets rather than flush facilities, and campers should prepare for limited services despite proximity to town.
