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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 12 tent camping locations near Ketchikan, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
