8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Settler's Cove State Recreation Site accommodates pets at both its campground and public use cabin. Located 17 miles north of Ketchikan on North Tongass Highway, the site features electric hookups, water connections, and picnic tables at pet-friendly sites. The secluded camping areas are surrounded by old growth trees so massive visitors can't stretch their arms around them. Deer Mountain Shelter allows pets and offers free camping with access via a moderately difficult 3-mile uphill hike. The shelter has enough space for two people with a tiny sitting area, built-in table, and small sleeping loft.
Black Sands Marine State Park on Blank Island provides boat-in tent camping where pets are welcome. Visitors can often hear whale blows at night while camping with their dogs. Wolf Lake Shelter Site offers another free, pet-friendly option accessible by hiking. For visitors seeking cabin accommodations, Grindall Cabin in Grindall Island State Marine Park accepts pets and provides electric hookups, picnic tables, and water connections. Great tidal zones for exploring extreme minus tides offer natural entertainment for both campers and their pets. Dog-friendly campgrounds near Ketchikan consistently offer ocean views, beachcombing, and water access that make them well suited for campers traveling with dogs.
"Stayed at the Signal Creek Campground, next to Ward Lake. Gorgeous lake, great trail around the lake to walk (Easy for kids to do with you). Dog friendly."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!!!"
from $60 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $60 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $60 / night
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GuideStayed at the Signal Creek Campground, next to Ward Lake. 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.
Campground was near the main road, so a bit noisy for Alaska.....but quiet overall.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
TravelerThe hike to get up to the Deer Mountain shelter is relatively difficult. It's only around 3 miles hiking, but the hike is continuously uphill. Views are stunning once reaching the top. 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. A few yards away from the shelter, there's a pretty basic outdoor toilet, but it was nice to have that as an option! Not every day that you get to answer nature's call on a mountaintop loo nestled between several small ponds.
The only downfall is that the small stove inside of the shelter was busted when I stayed there (in July), and I'm not sure when it will be fixed up again. The shelter is also first come first serve, so it could be an issue if someone's already claimed it for the day. Though there are plenty of open, flat areas nearby that could easily be camped on as well.
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.
RangerManaged to visit for an overnight on a sunny weekend-a miracle! Beautiful views and great secluded camping areas. Great little hikes with beautiful water features (not quite what I would consider waterfalls). Great views of the ocean too and beach combing if your up for exploring. 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!!!
Pet friendly camping near Ketchikan, Alaska centers around several key locations in this temperate rainforest region that receives over 150 inches of precipitation annually. The Tongass National Forest surrounds the area, containing some of the oldest Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees in Southeast Alaska, many exceeding 500 years in age. Winter camping options are limited due to heavy rainfall and temperatures averaging 30-40°F from November through March.
Explore tide pools: Visit Black Sands Marine State Park with your pet to discover marine life during low tide. According to camper Eric L., this is a "great wild camping spot close to town" where "you can often hear the blows of whales as you sleep at night."
Summit hiking: The trail to Deer Mountain Shelter offers challenging terrain but rewarding views. Rachel H. notes, "The hike to get up to the Deer Mountain shelter is relatively difficult. It's only around 3 miles hiking, but the hike is continuously uphill. Views are stunning once reaching the top."
Waterfall viewing: Several small waterfall features are accessible along the coastal trails. During spring runoff (April-June), water flow increases dramatically, creating more impressive displays than during drier summer months.
Old growth forests: The ancient trees provide natural shelter and awe-inspiring surroundings. Angie G. from Settler's Cove State Rec Area Campground shares, "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!!!"
Marine wildlife watching: The coastal camping areas offer opportunities to spot orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions from shore. Camping near the water provides nighttime whale song experiences that many visitors find memorable.
Minus tide exploration: The extreme tidal fluctuations create unique exploration opportunities. Josiah P. notes that Settler's Cove has a "Great tidal zone for exploring extreme minus tides." These minus tides occur most dramatically during full and new moons, exposing rarely seen marine ecosystems.
Weather preparedness: Even in summer months, rainfall is common and temperatures rarely exceed 65°F. Pack waterproof gear regardless of forecasts, as conditions change rapidly in this maritime climate.
Limited facilities: Most pet-friendly sites offer minimal amenities. At Wolf Lake Shelter Site, campers have access to basic toilet facilities but must pack in all other necessities including drinking water.
Boat access requirements: Several prime camping locations are only reachable by watercraft. Black Sands Marine State Park requires boat transportation, offering no road access alternatives for campers with pets.
Cabin alternatives: For families with pets seeking more shelter, Grindall Cabin provides solid protection from elements while allowing pets to accompany the family. The cabin requires advance reservation, particularly during June-August peak season.
Beach activities: Children and pets enjoy exploring the shoreline during low tides. Bring rubber boots for everyone as tide pools can be slippery and cold water is present year-round.
Safety precautions: Keep pets leashed near wildlife areas. Black bears frequent many campsites, particularly during salmon runs from July through September. Store all food in proper containers at least 100 feet from sleeping areas.
Limited hookup availability: RV spots with pet accommodation are primarily found at Settler's Cove Public Use Cabin area, which offers electric, water, and sewer connections for vehicles under 30 feet.
Access roads: The North Tongass Highway provides the main access route to most pet-friendly camping areas. The road narrows considerably past mile 15, making larger RVs difficult to maneuver beyond this point.
Seasonal considerations: RV camping with pets is best between May 15 and September 15 when facilities are fully operational. Outside these dates, water systems may be winterized and staff presence reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ketchikan, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ketchikan, AK is Signal Creek Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ketchikan, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dog-friendly camping locations near Ketchikan, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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