Looking for an adventure where you can explore Ketchikan and then fall asleep in your tent? Finding a place to camp in Alaska with your tent has never been easier. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Ketchikan, Alaska's most popular destinations.
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).
This is 16' X 16' A-frame shelter that was reconstructed in 2008-09. The shelter offers great views of the surrounding mountains and alpine as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing. FACILITIES: • 2 double bunks for 4 people • Sleeping loft for 4 people • Oil Stove (#1 Diesel fuel NOT provided) • Table and benches • Cooking Counter Non-reservable; First Come, First Serve Elevation: 2900
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.
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.
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.
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.
Harris River Campground is located on Prince of Wales Island on a paved highway just 10 miles from the Hollis Ferry Terminal and 20 miles from the Craig/Klawock area. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing and viewing abundant wildlife.
Hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing are popular activities. The Harris River Trail and the Twentymile Spur Trail both pass along the Harris River. The latter ends at a set of beaver ponds. A short boardwalk trail dissects the campground to offer campers a close-up view of a muskeg habitat without getting their feet wet. A bridge and short path across the Harris River connect the campground to the Harris River Picnic Area. About two miles east of the campground is the Harris River Interpretive Trail, which provides information about recent river restoration work and habitat management experiments.
The campground is situated along the Harris River, a short drive from hiking trails and fishing outposts, within the Tongass National Forest, which covers nearly 17 million acres in southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffers the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastal islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas of fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks abound. Much of the forest is a temperate rain forest.
The One Duck Trail was originally constructed by the Youth Conservation Corps in the mid-1980's. The trail offers a challenging hike and spectacular views of the Harris River watershed award those who complete it. Prince of Wales Island offers boat rentals, fishing supplies and other conveniences a short drive away.
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
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.
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.
Guide
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.
Guide
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.
Guide
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.
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!
Guide
Great tidal zone for exploring extreme minus tides.
Ranger
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 :)
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!!!
GuideGreat time
GuideGreat camping, stream fishing, hiking
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.
Traveler
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.
Camping near Ketchikan, Alaska, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. With lush forests, serene lakes, and plenty of wildlife, it’s a great spot for families and solo adventurers alike.
Camping near Ketchikan, Alaska, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of the world.
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 13 tent camping locations near Ketchikan, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
