Looking for an adventure where you can explore Skagway and then fall asleep in your tent? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Skagway's most popular destinations.
The small town of Haines lies at the north end of Alaska's southeast panhandle. Unlike most towns in Southeast Alaska, you can reach Haines by road as well as ferry. The Haines Highway runs from Haines Junction, Yukon, 150 miles south to Haines, AK. Portage Cove State Recreational Site sits on the shoreline near downtown Haines and offers a wonderful view of the Chilkoot Inlet and surrounding mountains. There are a handful of campsites, but only for bicycle or walk-in camping. Facilities: ADA Facility - Yes 7 Acres 9 Campsites ($10) Tent Only Camping Limit - 7 nights Latrines - Handicap symbol Water Parking Scenic Overlook
Guide
Hot showers, laundry, and a great price. It’s easy to walk to downtown Skagway and close to the library for free WiFi. No fire pits is the only downside.
Traveler
I don't know when it was shut down but it is day use only now.
Traveler
Take Dyea road all the way down over the the Taiya River bridge. It says the max height is 11’2” - That’s not correct - Mack Trucks fit over this bridge and drive it regularly. Take a left after the bridge and go past the town historic site and campground. You’ll likely already see other RVs on the flats. They’re not monitored by the campground other than someone coming by occasionally to check the site for clean up.
Do not park too close to the beach - it has a infamously high tide. You’ll see the algae lines from past tides. It is beautiful and quiet but is frequented by tourists during the day and ATVs.
There are two brown tipped black bears that frequent the area. You can see them looking for fish at low tide or playing together in the meadow. They are small but not cubs. Most black bears in the area are very small.
There is a long to do around this area of Dyea and you’re about a 20-25 min drive from Skagway.
Legend
Just a few miles south of downtown Haines, this campground offers an amazing launching site for adventures in the Chilkat Inlet and around the peninsula. We arrived here without any reservation in late June on our way to Juneau and Glacier Bay and were delighted by this quiet and lovely campground. If you’re on foot or bike, there is a much closer walk-in campground just south of downtown. The approach to the Chilkat campground is on a steep dirt road which is pretty good by Alaskan standards, but the campsites cannot accommodate larger rigs. There are plenty of downtown RV parks for those.
There are a few pull-through sites, but the rest have a double-parking set up, where two campsites share a paved parking area and the campsite is to the left or right of the pavement, perfect for small groups. Bathrooms are vault-style and we found them clean and well stocked. Water spigots are scattered throughout the loop. For walk-in fans, there are a few lovely sites down near the water. We were without our trailer on this trip so found a lovely spot to pitch our tent. These sites don’t offer electrical hookups, so bring your solar panels and/or solar generator and you’ll be all set.
There is a day use area down by the water with a full boat launch, picnic tables, and vault toilet. The views of the surrounding coastal mountains here are stunning. The park would make the perfect place to launch your sea kayaking adventures in the area. There appear to be some longer-term parking areas just up the hill next to the Ranger/ Camp Host cabin.
With downtown Haines just a few miles away, you have access to everything you might need: full grocery store, liquor store, restaurants and coffee shops as well as an excellent Visitor’s information center right in the middle of town.
RangerBeautiful views of the ocean, recommend an extra tarp above and below for when it rains. Very close walk to town.
RangerBeautiful park and campground. During busy months this place will be packed but on the shoulder season I had almost the whole campground to myself. Clean facilities, AT&T cell service as good as in town when in the day use area
Legend
Nice, very vooded place but, very tight. You can see eagles activities in the sky. You have to go out of camp for a view. Haines is 20 minutes drive.
Legend
The advantage to be here is the convenience to walk to the train station for tours, and olso downtown. Reasonable price.
GuideSuper Expensive! Most summer seasonal workers. Too crowded and not many facilities. Trash, outhouses. Though, a plus, it's just a short walk to downtown. RV or tent camping. But I suggest finding another place in Skagway.
GuideMaybe in the winter this would be a better spot. Though beautiful, it's very busy. It's right next to the small boat harbor, and the rail road dock, so there's traffic from fishing boats, the small ferry, and the cruise ships. It's convenient to town, close to the liquor store. The plus side-it's close to Pullen Creek where the salmon run, there are plenty of facilities, and it's close to the trailhead for lower and upper lake.
GuideLots of benefits to this spot-- Haines is one of my most favorite towns in the South East because it's small, residential, and not as touristy. There are plenty of affordable RV parks in the area, but I prefer pitching it on the coast at Portage Cove (no RVs, walking or bike only). It's not far from the ferry terminal or downtown. There are public restrooms. Plus the view of the Chilkat Inlet is perfect to wake up to. Lots of spaces! Though it’s quieter before and after the tourist summer season, the Haines state fair is a blast!!! Art, music, food. Great time to go!
GuideLocation is convenient next to the rec center and a few blocks from town. The restrooms are clean. There’s a coin operated shower and coin operated laundry on site. There are picnic tables and vending machines as well. Skagway is a great place to stop and this is definitely my favorite rv park. The rate is pretty reasonable in comparison to other parks in town. Plus, you can't beat the view. More spots available during "shoulder seasons" (April or October)
GuidePrivate spaces, beautiful views, northern lights, eagles, bears, river, ocean….all the things. Perfect for an over-night or several days in seclusion. It’s about a twenty-thirty minute drive from town. The tougher your vehicle, the better, but 4wd not needed. You can camp on the outskirts of the grounds for an open view of the flats, or get a more secluded spot in the trees. It’s a dream. Dyea has such amazing history. There’s a bar/restaurant/Airbnb on the way. The sweetest woman runs it and she’ll tell you all you need to know about the area.
GuideThe camping spaces are a little close together, though there are enough it’s easy to get to some privacy. It’s got everything you need, though for better views and further privacy, I’d recommend driving a little further toward the flats. Dyea always seems like the perfect kind of quiet, though it gets the most traffic during the summer and both US and Canadian holidays. I suggest going in September. The weather is perfect-not too cold, solid breeze but warm sunshine. The leaves start to change to a beautiful yellow.
Guide
St. James State Marine Park is located approximately 35 miles northwest of Juneau and 45 miles south of Haines. The park encompasses St. James Bay, Boat harbor, and continues north up the valley which drains the area. The area has abundant protected anchorages, concentrations of fish and wildlife, and beach landing areas.
The average temperatures in the summer are in the 60's, rare highs hitting 80, which I was blessed to experience. Have warm clothing and quality rain gear, as inclement weather can set in quickly and last for days. Snow can begin to accumulate as early as October.
The recreational use of St. James Bay is extremely high. The bay, easily accessed by small boat from the Amalga Harbor boat launch, Auke Bay, or Juneau, is a popular area for wildlife viewing, photography, waterfowl and big game hunting, sport fishing, boating, kayaking, and camping.
Scoutwe loved this campground, road is curvy and rough with a low bridge, so don’t attempt if your over 11’1”. short drive to town, great views, and an interesting walk through the interpretive part of the park, lots of history there!
TravelerIf anything in Haines can convince you it's one of Alaska's finest spots, it's Chilkoot Lake state recreation area. Beautiful wooded campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and flat areas for tents.. and a short walk (often can see from your site) to the lake where a beautiful show occurs each time the sun sets. I never wanted to leave!
RangerThis site is a great basecamp for boating but there are also some great trails within the park. You can see to the mainland on both sides of the fjords so bring the best binoculars you can afford. This area is also famous for its Bald Eagle Preserve, salmon, and everything else you think of when you think of Alaska. There’s a nice nature center and rangers who offered tips on where to see the latest wildlife and which trails to try. The campsites are fairly open which makes for stunning views in all directions and an opportunity to get to know a few of your neighbors. Absolutely recommended, especially if you have a boat.
GuideJust a short walk from 'downtown' Haines, this lovely little campground is just great! There is easy access to the beach, with a wonderful view of Haines and the fjords and mountains. It is a very basic walk-in tent campground, which was absolutely perfect!
GuideI biked here from Haines in June, it is such a lovely area! I did a tour of the campground and it looks very nice. The boat launch area is perfect for a picnic, and the lake is perfect for a paddle! They even have childrens PFDs to borrow, should you forget to bring some. Keep an eye out for wildlife, there are lots of grizzlies around.
RangerEverything about Haines is amazing. The mountains in this part of Alaska are towering and incredible. There are lots of camping opportunities in Haines including a small rustic campground right in town a short walking distance of the fast ferry. That campsite is about $5 and based on the honor system. This Chilkoot Lake area is much farther from the ferries, but a beautiful area. You will need to find a car to drive you out to the area. The area features a wide river and scenic mountain hikes and views.
RangerThis campground is unbelievable and makes me always want to to stay out longer when I come out here. There are tables and is really chilly at night. It is really depressing seeing the ice glaciers melt right in front of you because of global warming.
RangerThe Dyea campground is the trail head for the Chilkoot Trail. The Chilkoot Trail was my first backpacking experience and pure heave. Spend time on the Canada side (in the rain shadow and sunny and amazing). Bring bear mace. Grizzlies love Dyea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Skagway, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Skagway, AK is Portage Cove Campground with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Skagway, AK?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Skagway, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
