Best Tent Camping near Ketchikan, AK

Tent camping options around Ketchikan are primarily boat-accessible or remote sites on Alaska's southeastern coast. Black Sands Marine State Park on Blank Island offers tent campers a wilderness experience just 8 miles from town, with basic amenities including a fire ring and pit toilet. Additional tent options include primitive sites at Wolf Lake, Icehouse Cove, and Three Cs Group Campground, which serve as gateways to the surrounding Tongass National Forest.

Most tent sites in the Ketchikan area require either boat transportation or hiking to access. Black Sands Marine State Park's tent camping area features minimal development, with sites situated on natural terrain. Wolf Lake Shelter offers free tent camping with toilet facilities, accessible by hiking trails. Icehouse Cove provides anchorage for small to medium vessels, making it suitable for boaters seeking shore access for tent camping. These primitive tent setups typically lack amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

The walk-in tent locations near Ketchikan provide exceptional wilderness experiences with minimal crowds. At Black Sands Marine State Park, campers can often hear whale sounds at night while enjoying views across Nichols Passage. Tent campers at Icehouse Cove gain access to the Black Mountain Trail system directly from shore, creating opportunities for day hiking from basecamp. The remote nature of these sites ensures genuine solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities not found at more developed campgrounds. A camper noted, "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."

Best Tent Sites Near Ketchikan, Alaska (11)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ketchikan, AK

10 Reviews of 11 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!!!

  • L
    Aug. 30, 2016

    Signal Creek Campground

    Signal creek Ketchikan alaska

    Great camping, stream fishing, hiking


Guide to Ketchikan

Tent camping near Ketchikan, Alaska offers primitive wilderness experiences in the southeastern panhandle. The region's temperate rainforest climate receives over 150 inches of annual rainfall, making waterproof gear essential for campers. Most sites are accessible only by boat or hiking trails, with camping season primarily running from May through September when temperatures average 45-65°F.

What to do

Hike the Black Mountain Trail: From Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area, access the trail system directly from shore. "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," notes camper Josiah P.

Wildlife viewing: Bring binoculars for spotting marine mammals from shore. The waters surrounding camping areas host diverse wildlife including humpback whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions. Eagle sightings are common throughout the Tongass National Forest areas.

Fishing opportunities: Catch salmon, halibut, and rockfish from shorelines or small watercraft. Many campsites offer direct water access for launching kayaks or small boats. Fishing licenses required and available online through Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

What campers like

Natural solitude: Black Sands Marine State Park provides isolation despite proximity to town. Eric L. noted it as a "Great wild camping spot close to town" with "Beautiful views of Nichols Passage."

Easy access to wilderness: Most tent sites provide immediate immersion in pristine environments with minimal development. The natural terrain serves as the camping surface at most locations, requiring careful site selection for comfort.

Marine wildlife encounters: Campers frequently report hearing and seeing marine mammals from shoreline camping spots. The sounds of whales breathing can often be heard during quiet evenings at waterfront sites.

What you should know

Pack in/pack out required: No trash facilities exist at Wolf Lake Shelter Site, which offers free camping with toilet facilities but no other amenities. All supplies must be carried in and waste packed out.

Weather preparation critical: Rain gear and waterproof shelter setup are essential even during summer months. Temperatures rarely exceed 70°F even in July and August, with rapid weather changes possible.

Limited communication: Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most camping locations. Satellite communication devices recommended for emergency contact ability.

Water treatment necessary: Natural water sources require proper filtration or treatment before consumption. No potable water is available at any tent camping locations near Ketchikan.

Tips for camping with families

Shelter options for inclement weather: Lake Shelokum Shelter provides basic covered structures that can supplement tent camping during heavy rain periods, offering families additional protected space.

Wildlife safety education: Teach children proper food storage techniques and wildlife awareness before arrival. All food items must be secured in bear-resistant containers at night and during absences from camp.

Tidal awareness: When camping near shorelines, set up tents well above the high tide line. Tides in the Ketchikan area can vary by more than 20 feet between high and low, potentially flooding improperly placed campsites.

Extra clothing layers: Pack additional dry clothing for all family members, especially for children who may get wet during activities. Synthetic materials that dry quickly perform better than cotton in the humid environment.

Tips from RVers

Limited options: No developed RV campgrounds exist near Ketchikan besides ferry terminal parking. Three Cs Group NF Campground is accessible primarily for very small campervans with high clearance.

Ferry considerations: Most RVers visiting Ketchikan arrive via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. Reservations for vehicles must be made months in advance during summer season.

Overnight parking alternatives: Some commercial locations in Ketchikan permit limited overnight RV parking with prior permission. Contact local businesses directly as policies change frequently.

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.