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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ketchikan, AK

15 Reviews

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 nestled among 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. Beautiful water features, ocean views, and beach combing opportunities abound throughout the pet-friendly camping areas near Ketchikan.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Ketchikan, Alaska (6)

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Ketchikan, AK

15 Reviews of 6 Ketchikan Campgrounds

  • S
    Jul. 30, 2016

    Signal Creek Campground

    Beautiful Alaska campground

    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. Places around the lake to see wildlife and scenery.

    Campground was near the main road, so a bit noisy for Alaska.....but quiet overall.

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area

    Epic Moorage for Camping & Hiking

    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.

  • Kate K.
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Signal Creek Campground

    Beautiful and convenient

    Each 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.

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2018

    Signal Creek Campground

    Beautiful Tongass National Forest

    Beautiful 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!

  • Katie K.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Twelvemile Cabin

    Pristine, Cozy Cabin, Adventures

    One 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.

  • K
    Jul. 28, 2017

    Twelvemile Cabin

    Twelvemile Cabin a delight

    I'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.

  • Rachel H.
    Jul. 29, 2016

    Deer Mountain Shelter - On The AT

    Secluded spot near the summit

    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. 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.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2021

    Black Sands Marine State Park - Blank Island Campsite

    Wilderness next to town

    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.

  • Angie G.
    Sep. 1, 2016

    Settler's Cove State Rec Area Campground

    Amazing Views and old growth trees

    Managed 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!!!

Guide to Ketchikan

Ketchikan, Alaska, offers a fantastic experience for pet owners looking to enjoy the great outdoors with their furry friends. With several well-reviewed spots that welcome pets, you can explore the beauty of nature without leaving your pets behind.

Pet owners like the amenities available for their furry companions

  • Settlers Cove State Rec Area features drinking water and toilets, making it convenient for pet owners to camp comfortably.

Dog owners appreciate the stunning views and exploration opportunities

  • Black Sands Marine State Park - Blank Island Campsite provides beautiful views of Nichols Passage, perfect for scenic walks with your dog.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Ketchikan

  • At Deer Mountain Shelter, the hike offers stunning views and a cozy shelter for a unique camping experience, allowing you and your pet to enjoy the great outdoors together.

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 Black Sands Marine State Park - Blank Island Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ketchikan, AK?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dog-friendly camping locations near Ketchikan, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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