Petersburg, Alaska's camping options are situated in a temperate rainforest climate averaging 106 inches of precipitation annually. The surrounding Tongass National Forest spans 16.7 million acres with diverse terrain ranging from sea level to alpine zones. Camping facilities around Petersburg offer varying levels of amenities for both tent campers and RV travelers seeking pet-friendly accommodations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Anglers visiting Twin Creek RV Park can take advantage of its proximity to several productive fishing spots. The location provides convenient access to Petersburg's renowned salmon and halibut fishing grounds.
Wildlife viewing: The Petersburg area hosts abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. The surrounding Tongass National Forest supports populations of black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and numerous marine mammals visible from coastal areas.
Cultural exploration: Visitors can explore Petersburg's Norwegian heritage at the local museum and through seasonal festivals. The town's Scandinavian influence is evident in its architecture and cultural events held throughout the summer months.
What campers like
Convenient location: Deep Bay Cabin offers a rustic experience with strategic positioning for outdoor activities. The cabin serves as a good base camp for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas.
Natural setting: The Petersburg area campgrounds provide immersion in Southeast Alaska's coastal temperate rainforest. The combination of ocean access and forested terrain creates diverse habitat for wildlife observation and photography.
Access to town services: Travelers appreciate the ability to restock supplies in Petersburg while enjoying the natural surroundings. The town offers grocery stores, restaurants, and marine supply shops within reach of nearby camping areas.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Petersburg's high precipitation requires proper waterproof gear and shelter preparations year-round. Campers should pack rain gear even during summer months when daily weather patterns can change rapidly.
Limited availability: Cabins and established camping areas near Petersburg often require advance reservations, especially during the peak summer season from June through August. Weekend availability is particularly limited during salmon fishing season.
Pet policies: Dog friendly campgrounds near Petersburg have varying restrictions regarding pets. Most require dogs to be leashed at all times and owners must properly dispose of waste. Wildlife interactions are a concern that pet owners need to manage carefully in this remote region.
Tips for camping with families
Safety planning: Families camping near Petersburg should maintain appropriate food storage practices to prevent wildlife encounters. Storing food in vehicles or approved containers is essential when camping with children in bear country.
Activity scheduling: Plan outdoor activities according to tide schedules when camping with children near Petersburg. Tide fluctuations in Southeast Alaska can exceed 20 feet, significantly affecting beach access and water activities.
Pack accordingly: The variable weather conditions require layered clothing and extra dry options when camping with children. Waterproof outer layers and moisture-wicking base layers are recommended even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV campers seeking full hookups have limited options near Petersburg. Those requiring water, sewer and electrical connections should confirm availability before arrival as pet-friendly RV sites with full services are especially limited in the region.
Road considerations: RVers should note that some access roads to camping areas around Petersburg may have tight turns or steep sections. Larger RVs may face challenges navigating to more remote camping spots, particularly after periods of heavy rain.
Resource management: Plan for limited dump station availability in the Petersburg area. RVers must carefully manage water and waste tanks as service points are not abundant in this remote region of Alaska.
