Best Tent Camping near Ketchikan, AK

Searching for a tent campsite near Ketchikan? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Ketchikan campgrounds for you and your tent. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Ketchikan's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Ketchikan, AK (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Black Sands Marine State Park - Blank Island Campsite

    1. Black Sands Marine State Park - Blank Island Campsite

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    Ketchikan, Alaska

    The dark sandy, shallow sloping beaches and forest has been a popular recreation area since the 1930's, and historically used by the Tlingits for fishing and hunting. There is a 1/2 mile wood chip trail traversing the southern-most Blank Islands.

    The park offers exploring, kayaking, scuba diving, fishing, hiking, and camping. Access is currently by boat or aircraft.

    This park encompasses the Blank Islands and a portion of Gravina Island, at the mouth of the Blank Inlet on the East side of Gravina Island (about 4.6 miles directly south of Ketchikan).

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    Camper-submitted photo from Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area

    2. Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    Ketchikan, Alaska

    This buoy is available on a first come; first serve basis and is intended for use by small and medium watercraft. The buoy is located in 30-80 feet of water and has a 7/8 inch chain. Look for a white buoy with blue reflective tape. This buoy provides access to the Black Mountain trail.

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      3. Three Cs Group NF Campground

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      Ward Cove, Alaska

      This campground has 4 drive-in camping units available with paved road access. Facilities include fire rings, garbage cans, vault toilets, and hand pump water - no hookups. This site is available for group use and is only available to single users if other campgrounds (Signal Creek, Last Chance) are full.

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        4. Wolf Lake Shelter Site

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        Ward Cove, Alaska

        This shelter was built in 1941 by the CCC. It is not routinely maintained by the Forest Service. ACTIVITIES Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight: Forest Service Shelters are available on a first come first serve basis.

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          5. Wolf Lake Shelter Site Lookout/cabin

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          Ward Cove, Alaska

          This shelter was built in 1941 by the CCC. It is not routinely maintained by the Forest Service. ACTIVITIES Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight: Forest Service Shelters are available on a first come first serve basis.

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            6. Lunch Creek Trailhead

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            Ward Cove, Alaska

            This shelter was destroyed by a windstorm in the fall of 2010. This shelter will be out of commission until further notice. ACTIVITIES Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight

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              7. Lake Shelokum Shelter Site Lookout/cabin

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              Ward Cove, Alaska

              This 3 sided shelter is located near a hot springs by Shelokum Lake. This shelter is popular with local residents and is accessible by the Lake Shelokum trail. ACTIVITIES Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight: Forest Service Shelters are available on a first come first serve basis.

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                8. Punchbowl Lake Shelter Site Lookout/cabin

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                Ketchikan, Alaska

                This three-sided shelter is located at the end of the Punchbowl Lake trail. This area supports a variety of birds and wildlife, and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Misty Fiords. Steep granite cliffs, glacially-carved valleys and dense rainforests make this a beautiful and popular destination. ACTIVITIES Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight: Forest Service Shelters are available on a first come first serve basis.

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                  9. Lake No. 3 Campground

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                  Craig, Alaska

                  The Lake No. 3 dispersed camping area is named for the lake that one of the sites overlooks. This small camping area has 2 hardened campsites, fire rings and picnic tables available for visitors looking for a more secluded camping area. Special Features: Lake No. 3 dispersed campsite is a nice, small site without a lot of amenities. It is within a mile of the Salt Chuck Trail , which brings hikers to an interesting abandoned copper mine site. The campsite is also close to Lake Ellen and No. 3 Lake. Many visitors hike down to these lakes to swim or fish for trout and Dolly Varden. The second growth stands nearby are good spots to pick berries and may offer opportunities to see deer and bears.

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                    10. Nooya Lake Shelter Site Lookout/cabin

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                    Hyder, Alaska

                    The Nooya Lake shelter is a 3-sided shelter located on the edge of Nooya Lake. The shelter is within the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness and offers stunning views and opportunities for wildlife observation. This shelter is located in the flight seeing path of floatplanes so there may be heavy daytime plane traffic from May through August. ACTIVITIES Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight: Forest Service Shelters are available on a first come first serve basis.

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                  Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

                  Recent Tent Reviews in Ketchikan

                  10 Reviews of 11 Ketchikan Campgrounds


                  • Kate K.
                    Camper-submitted photo from Signal Creek Campground
                    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
                    Camper-submitted photo from Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area
                    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.

                  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
                    Camper-submitted photo from Signal Creek Campground
                    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.
                    Camper-submitted photo from Harris River
                    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 :)

                  • Angie G.
                    Camper-submitted photo from Settlers Cove State Rec Area
                    Sep. 1, 2016

                    Settlers Cove State Rec Area

                    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!!!

                  • S
                    Camper-submitted photo from Signal Creek Campground
                    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.



                  Guide to Ketchikan

                  Ketchikan, Alaska, offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with its lush landscapes and proximity to the water. Whether you're seeking solitude or adventure, there are several well-reviewed spots to pitch your tent.

                  Tips for tent camping near Ketchikan

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                  Frequently Asked Questions

                  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ketchikan, AK?

                    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent 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 tent camping near Ketchikan, AK?

                    TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Ketchikan, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.