Best RV Parks & Resorts near Ketchikan, AK

Settler's Cove State Recreation Area offers RV camping sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups north of Ketchikan on North Tongass Highway. Pull-through rv pads accommodate both small and large rigs with fifty-amp and thirty-amp electrical service available during the operating season of May 15 through September 15. A visitor commented that the campground features "great secluded camping areas" with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Signal Creek Campground and Last Chance Campground provide additional RV sites with varying amenities, though most lack utility hookups. Both accommodate big rigs, but travelers should verify current conditions before arrival.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer tourism season when ferry traffic increases demand for available rv sites. Cell service varies throughout the region with spotty coverage in more remote locations. Most parks welcome pets, though Signal Creek notably prohibits them according to the campground data. RV travelers should be prepared for limited amenities as several campgrounds lack drinking water, showers, and dump stations. For RVs requiring bigger spots, the Signal Creek area offers more maneuvering room, but expect natural forest settings rather than concrete pads. The camping season generally runs from May through mid-September, with facilities closing during Alaska's harsh winter months.

Best RV Sites Near Ketchikan, Alaska (4)

    1. Signal Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Ward Cove, AK
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 225-2148

    $10 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Settler's Cove State Rec Area Campground

    2 Reviews
    Ward Cove, AK
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 269-8400

    $60 / night

    "Beautiful views and great secluded camping areas. Great little hikes with beautiful water features (not quite what I would consider waterfalls)."

    3. Last Chance Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Ward Cove, AK
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (907) 225-2148

    $10 / night

    4. Harris River

    1 Review
    Craig, AK
    47 miles
    Website

    $8 / night

    "Amenities are brand new which is a plus, and the river is gorgeous. Come here, catch some fish, and go relax :)"

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Recent RV Camping Photos near Ketchikan, AK

1 Photos of 4 Ketchikan Campgrounds


RV Park Reviews near Ketchikan, AK

8 Reviews of 4 Ketchikan Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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. 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!

  • 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!!!

  • Katie K.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Harris River

    Wonderful, bring your fishing pole!

    I loved Harris River, it probably helped that it was a nice sunny day! There were quite a few downed trees that distracted from the natural beauty, but overall we had a wonderful stay. Amenities are brand new which is a plus, and the river is gorgeous. Come here, catch some fish, and go relax :)

  • L
    Aug. 30, 2016

    Signal Creek Campground

    Signal creek Ketchikan alaska

    Great camping, stream fishing, hiking


Guide to Ketchikan

Camping near Ketchikan offers access to the vast Tongass National Forest, America's largest national forest at 16.7 million acres. Campgrounds in the region range from sea level to 1,200 feet elevation with the camping season running primarily from mid-May through mid-September due to Southeast Alaska's heavy rainfall patterns and cooler temperatures.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Harris River, visitors can take advantage of excellent stream fishing. "Come here, catch some fish, and go relax," notes Katie K., who mentioned the river is "gorgeous" despite some downed trees in the area.

Wildlife viewing: The Ketchikan area offers numerous opportunities to observe eagles, bears, and marine wildlife in their natural habitat. At Signal Creek Campground, campers appreciate the location next to Ward Lake which provides wildlife viewing areas. "Places around the lake to see wildlife and scenery," mentions Shawna M.

Hiking: The area features numerous trails suitable for different ability levels. "Great trail around the lake to walk (Easy for kids to do with you)," says Shawna M. about Signal Creek Campground, while Larae S. simply notes "Great camping, stream fishing, hiking" in the same area.

What campers like

Tidal exploration: The dramatic tidal changes create unique exploration opportunities at Settler's Cove State Rec Area Campground. According to Josiah P., there are "Great tidal zone for exploring extreme minus tides," making this a popular spot during low tide periods.

Forest settings: The old-growth forest provides a distinct camping experience. Angie G. notes the "Old growth trees I couldn't stretch my arms around!" at Settler's Cove, offering perspective on the impressive size of the timber in this temperate rainforest environment.

Water features: Several campgrounds feature streams, lakes and ocean access. Signal Creek Campground sits "on Signal Creek & Ward Lake," according to Josiah P., who adds that "Ward Lake used to have amazing fishing before a now defunct dam was placed on the creek."

What you should know

Weather considerations: Rain is common in this temperate rainforest region with over 150 inches of annual precipitation. Angie G. cautions about Settler's Cove: "Not sure I'd wanna be caught our camping here in the rain but in the sun it was amazing!!!"

Limited amenities: Most campgrounds in the Ketchikan area provide basic services only. Kate K. notes that at Signal Creek, "Each space has a picnic table and fire pit... Outhouse," but does not mention additional facilities.

Seasonal timing: The best times to visit may be before peak tourist season. Kate K. recommends: "I would suggest going March-early April. The energy in tourism towns starts building but you get there before the tourists do."

Tips for camping with families

Child-friendly trails: Look for level paths appropriate for younger hikers. According to Shawna M., Signal Creek offers a "great trail around the lake to walk (Easy for kids to do with you)."

Swimming options: Some locations provide safe water recreation. Kate K. mentions Signal Creek Campground is "Close to lots of trails, good fishing, and swimming."

Educational opportunities: The diverse ecosystem provides learning experiences about salmon runs, eagles, and temperate rainforest ecology. Josiah P. notes that at Signal Creek, "Hopefully [the dam] will be removed & the amazing runs of salmon will return!"

Tips from RVers

Ferry proximity: For RVers arriving by Alaska Marine Highway System, certain rv parks in Ketchikan, Alaska are more convenient. Kate K. points out that Signal Creek is "pretty close to the ferry terminal (4 miles?)," making it accessible for those traveling with vehicles on the ferry.

Site features: At rv campgrounds near Ketchikan, basic amenities vary by location. Many Ketchikan rv parks include standard features as Kate K. describes at Signal Creek Campground: "Each space has a picnic table and fire pit."

Tourism traffic: The summer influx of visitors impacts rv camping availability. Kate K. observes that "Ketchikan is adorable, but considerable fishing and tourism traffic," suggesting advance planning for those seeking rv spots during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular RV campsite near Ketchikan, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Ketchikan, AK is Signal Creek Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find RV camping near Ketchikan, AK?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 RV camping locations near Ketchikan, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.