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.
$10 / night
"It's pretty close to the ferry terminal (4 miles?). Outhouse. Close to lots of trails, good fishing, and swimming. Ketchikan is adorable, but considerable fishing and tourism traffic."
"Beautiful forest & not far from Ward Lake. Conveniently near Ketchikan, 7 miles north of downtown, & just 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal."
"Great wild camping spot close to town. Beautiful views of Nichols Passage. You can often hear the blows of whales as you sleep at night. There is a fire ring and a pit toilet."
"It's only around 3 miles hiking, but the hike is continuously uphill. Views are stunning once reaching the top."
$60 / night
"Old growth trees I couldn't stretch my arms around! Not sure I'd wanna be caught our camping here in the rain but in the sun it was amazing!!!"
"With small to medium vessel anchorage just 8 miles South of Ketchikan, this is a conveniently located & beautiful getaway. Enjoy hiking Black Mountain Trail from shore."
$10 / night
$60 / night
TravelerGreat wild camping spot close to town. Beautiful views of Nichols Passage. You can often hear the blows of whales as you sleep at night. There is a fire ring and a pit toilet.
GuideEach space has a picnic table and fire pit. It's pretty close to the ferry terminal (4 miles?). Outhouse. Close to lots of trails, good fishing, and swimming. Ketchikan is adorable, but considerable fishing and tourism traffic. I would suggest going March-early April. The energy in tourism towns starts building but you get there before the tourists do. Also, there’s just something special about the crisp, spring air.
GuideWith small to medium vessel anchorage just 8 miles South of Ketchikan, this is a conveniently located & beautiful getaway. Enjoy hiking Black Mountain Trail from shore.
GuideBeautiful forest & not far from Ward Lake. Conveniently near Ketchikan, 7 miles north of downtown, & just 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. The campground is on Signal Creek & Ward Lake. Ward Lake used to have amazing fishing before a now defunct dam was placed on the creek. Hopefully it will be removed & the amazing runs of salmon will return!
GuideGreat tidal zone for exploring extreme minus tides.
TravelerBeautiful semI-remote location. Sleeping for six, beachfront and lots of places to explore. Accessible both by road or via ocean. Outhouse privy, counter space and wood stove. Views are breathtaking! Outdore fire ring and bench is a bonus!
ScoutStayed there numerous times, usually in fall for hunting. If this were private property it would be worth several million. Ranch style building was converted from a surveyor camp to a rental cabin 2 years ago. Drive right up to it on your own gated road. Call to get code, number below. The view of Polk Inlet is stunning. Fantastic crabbing and fishing at certain times. Easy to bring a boat or ATV's to cruise hundreds of miles of logging roads in the area. Cabin has running hot and cold water (as of last year...check before you go at 907-826-3271 Forest Service). A shower and sinks, but no toilet due to septic regulations. Sleeps as many as you want: 3 bedrooms with one bunk rack each. Wood stove.
ScoutI've stayed here numerous times. Your view is a majestic saltwater inlet with mountains as the backdrop. A gradual, wheelchair-accessible gravel path leads to a roomy, light cabin, done in local cedar. Many windows, large living area and adjoining room with 2 bunks. Young growth hemlock all around. Great crabbing in bay directly in front of cabin. All you need is a Canoe and a crab pot! Drive right to the trailhead, trail is an easy 5 min walk. Twelvemile Arm is a fantastic area for kayaking, and excellent hunting (deer and bear) as well. Wood stove.
RangerOne of our favorite sites in Alaska!
The cabin is big, cozy, and affordable. There are big rocky outcroppings that you can explore, hang hammocks, and watch the waves come in. It's really a magical place, the mossy growth on the ground makes for good tent camping if you have more people than can fit in the cabin. Lots of wildlife too, and you feel SO secluded. Worth every second.
Also, make sure you look UP because the night sky is amazing.
Camping sites near Ketchikan, Alaska span across the Tongass National Forest with options ranging from primitive tent sites to public use cabins. Most sites operate seasonally due to southeast Alaska's wet climate conditions, with rainfall averaging over 150 inches annually. Traditional campgrounds provide facilities while remote locations offer solitude amid dense rainforest and coastal landscapes.
Explore tide pools: Signal Creek Campground serves as an excellent base for coastal exploration. One camper noted, "Each space has a picnic table and fire pit. It's pretty close to the ferry terminal. Close to lots of trails, good fishing, and swimming" (Kate K.).
Hike mountain trails: The Deer Mountain Shelter provides access to alpine terrain with multiple small ponds nearby. "The shelter is cozy, enough space for 2 people with a tiny sitting area and built in table on the lower level and a small loft for sleeping as well," according to Rachel H., who also mentioned the "pretty basic outdoor toilet" available at this remote site.
Boat to secluded coves: Marine camping at Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area offers unique opportunities. "With small to medium vessel anchorage just 8 miles South of Ketchikan, this is a conveniently located & beautiful getaway. Enjoy hiking Black Mountain Trail from shore," writes Josiah P.
Old growth forest immersion: Settler's Cove State Rec Area Campground features massive trees that impress visitors. Angie G. shared, "Old growth trees I couldn't stretch my arms around! Not sure I'd wanna be caught out camping here in the rain but in the sun it was amazing!!!"
Diverse wildlife viewing: Campers routinely spot marine and forest wildlife throughout the region. Settler's Cove offers "Great tidal zone for exploring extreme minus tides" with "Curious eagles," according to Josiah P.
Lake recreation: Signal Creek Campground provides freshwater recreation opportunities. Shawna M. described it as having a "Gorgeous lake, great trail around the lake to walk (Easy for kids to do with you). Dog friendly. Places around the lake to see wildlife and scenery."
Trail difficulty: Mountain campsites require significant hiking effort. At Deer Mountain, "The hike to get up to the shelter is relatively difficult. It's only around 3 miles hiking, but the hike is continuously uphill," reports Rachel H.
Shoulder season advantages: Visiting during off-peak times provides a different experience. Kate K. suggests, "I would suggest going March-early April. The energy in tourism towns starts building but you get there before the tourists do. Also, there's just something special about the crisp, spring air."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds despite wilderness settings. Signal Creek Campground "was near the main road, so a bit noisy for Alaska.....but quiet overall," according to Shawna M.
Beginner-friendly trails: Ward Lake near Signal Creek Campground offers accessible recreation. "Great camping, stream fishing, hiking" with a "great trail around the lake to walk (Easy for kids to do with you)," note reviewers Larae S. and Shawna M.
Weather preparedness: Ketchikan's high rainfall requires extra planning. Angie G. warns about Settler's Cove: "Not sure I'd wanna be caught out camping here in the rain but in the sun it was amazing!!!"
Wildlife safety protocols: Bear activity requires proper food storage and awareness. While specific reports of wildlife encounters aren't detailed in reviews, camping in bear country necessitates appropriate precautions, especially with children present.
Ferry terminal proximity: For RVers arriving via the Alaska Marine Highway System, Signal Creek provides convenient access. "Conveniently near Ketchikan, 7 miles north of downtown, & just 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal," notes Josiah P., making it ideal for those traveling with vehicles on the ferry.
Hookup limitations: Most Ketchikan area campgrounds have minimal or no utility connections. Settler's Cove Public Use Cabin is an exception, offering electric hookups, water, and sewer connections for those needing facilities.
Road conditions: Access to camping areas can be challenging for larger vehicles. The narrow, winding roads of the North Tongass Highway require careful navigation, particularly during wet conditions common to the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Ketchikan, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ketchikan, AK is Signal Creek Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
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