The remote wilderness of Point Baker, Alaska sits on the northern tip of Prince of Wales Island at approximately 56.3522° N latitude. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing with snow accumulation limiting access to many camping areas from October through April. The region's camping options require considerable advance planning due to limited services and supply availability.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Twin Creek RV Park in Petersburg serves as a practical base for wildlife enthusiasts. The surrounding Tongass National Forest provides habitat for black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and numerous bird species that can be observed from established trails.
Fishing excursions: Fishing remains the primary activity for visitors to the Point Baker region. Deep Bay Cabin in Wrangell offers direct water access. Local waters contain salmon, halibut, rockfish, and dungeness crab depending on season. Alaska fishing licenses must be purchased before arrival.
Forest exploration: The temperate rainforest surrounding Point Baker receives approximately 120 inches of annual rainfall, creating dense undergrowth and challenging hiking conditions. Waterproof gear is essential year-round when exploring the moss-covered forest floor and numerous creek crossings.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: The remote location ensures minimal crowds even during peak summer season. Twin Creek RV Park provides a convenient location for travelers with pets looking to escape busier destinations while maintaining basic amenities.
Wildlife sightings: The Point Baker area offers frequent wildlife encounters. Bear safety precautions must be taken seriously, including proper food storage and maintaining distance from wild animals. Pet owners must keep animals leashed and supervised at all times.
Limited connectivity: Most camping areas near Point Baker have no cell service or internet access. Visitors should bring physical maps, GPS devices with pre-downloaded maps, and communicate travel plans with others before departure.
What you should know
Limited supplies: No major grocery stores exist within 100 miles of Point Baker. Petersburg offers the closest full-service grocery approximately 126 miles south. Pack all pet supplies, food, and medications before departure as specialty pet items are not available locally.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures typically range from 45-65°F with frequent rainfall. Winter camping requires extensive cold weather gear with temperatures dropping into the 20s. Spring and fall bring highly variable conditions requiring layered clothing and waterproof outer layers.
Transportation logistics: Access to Point Baker requires either boat or floatplane transportation as no road connection exists. Water taxi services operate seasonally from Petersburg and Wrangell with advance reservations required. Dogs must be properly secured during transportation.
Tips for camping with families
Safety preparation: Families camping with children and pets near Point Baker should carry bear spray and know proper usage techniques. Deep Bay Cabin provides a more secure overnight option compared to tent camping when traveling with children and pets.
Activity planning: The limited infrastructure means families must create their own entertainment. Bring board games, fishing equipment, and nature identification guides to engage children. Walking beaches at low tide offers opportunities to observe intertidal marine life.
Medical considerations: No medical facilities exist in Point Baker. The nearest emergency services are in Petersburg, requiring boat or air evacuation. Bring comprehensive first aid supplies for humans and pets, including any prescription medications.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: RV camping options near Point Baker are severely limited by road access constraints. Twin Creek RV Park in Petersburg represents the closest established facility for larger vehicles, approximately 126 miles from Point Baker.
Road conditions: The limited road system requires careful planning. Narrow, winding forest roads often have no turnaround options for larger vehicles. Research specific route conditions before attempting travel to more remote camping areas with an RV.
Utility management: No dump stations exist in the immediate Point Baker area. Twin Creek RV Park offers sewer connections and a sanitary dump station. Plan water and waste tank capacity accordingly when traveling through remote areas with pets requiring frequent water access.
