Top Tent Camping near Skagway, AK

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Skagway and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent camping near Skagway, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Skagway, AK (6)


Recent Tent Reviews In Skagway

23 Reviews of 6 Skagway Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Garden City RV Park
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Garden City RV Park

    Great Campground

    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.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

    Dyea Flats

    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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
    Oct. 6, 2022

    Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

    Tucked Away & Gorgeous!

    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.

  • SJ D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Portage Cove Campground
    Sep. 24, 2021

    Portage Cove Campground

    Great tent spot by town

    Beautiful views of the ocean, recommend an extra tarp above and below for when it rains. Very close walk to town.

  • SJ D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
    Sep. 24, 2021

    Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

    Gift on a sunny day

    Beautiful 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

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garden City RV Park
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Garden City RV Park

    Tent city!

    Super 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.

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pullen Creek and RV Park
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Pullen Creek and RV Park

    Not ideal

    Maybe 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.

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Portage Cove Campground
    Oct. 31, 2018

    Portage Cove Campground

    Scenic

    Lots 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!

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Garden City RV Park
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Garden City RV Park

    Great location and facilities

    Location 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)

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
    Oct. 9, 2018

    Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

    Dyes Flats are like a dream

    Private 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.

  • Kate K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
    Oct. 9, 2018

    Dyea Campground — Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

    Everything you need.

    The 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.

  • Josiah P.
    Camper-submitted photo from St. James Bay State Marine Park
    Sep. 1, 2018

    St. James Bay State Marine Park

    St. James State Marine Park

    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.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site
    Aug. 3, 2018

    Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site

    Gorgeous!!

    If 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!

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

    Amazing blues out on a long peninsula

    This 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.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Portage Cove Campground
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Portage Cove Campground

    Lovely little tenting site

    Just 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!

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site
    Aug. 25, 2016

    Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site

    Went for the day

    I 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.

  • Lindsay B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site
    Jun. 28, 2016

    Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site

    Haines = Heaven

    Everything 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.



Guide to Skagway

Camping near Skagway, Alaska, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and rich history. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of the world.

What to do:

  • Explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: This area is packed with history and scenic views. One camper mentioned, "There is a long to do around this area of Dyea and you’re about a 20-25 min drive from Skagway," making it a perfect spot for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for bears and eagles. One visitor at Dyea Campground noted, "There are two brown tipped black bears that frequent the area. You can see them looking for fish at low tide."
  • Hiking: The trails around Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site offer breathtaking views. A reviewer said, "Beautiful wooded campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and flat areas for tents."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One camper at Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site exclaimed, "I never wanted to leave!" after witnessing the beautiful sunsets over the lake.
  • Privacy: Many appreciate the private camping spots. A review from Dyea Campground highlighted, "Private spaces, beautiful views, northern lights, eagles, bears, river, ocean… all the things."
  • Historical Significance: The rich history of the area is a big draw. One camper shared, "Dyea has such amazing history," making it a great spot for those interested in the past.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Dyea Campground have few amenities. A reviewer pointed out, "It has NO electric hookups, NO fires allowed, and NO pets allowed," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Road Conditions: The roads can be rough. One camper warned, "The road is curvy and rough with a low bridge, so don’t attempt if you’re over 11’1”," which is something to keep in mind for larger vehicles.
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, it’s important to be cautious. A visitor mentioned, "Do not park too close to the beach - it has an infamously high tide," reminding campers to stay aware of their surroundings.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site is family-friendly with activities like fishing and hiking. One parent noted, "They even have children's PFDs to borrow, should you forget to bring some."
  • Plan for Weather: Be ready for rain. A camper suggested, "Recommend an extra tarp above and below for when it rains," to keep your family dry and comfortable.
  • Engage with Nature: Encourage kids to explore. One reviewer said, "You can see eagles activities in the sky," which can be a fun and educational experience for children.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Vehicle Size: If you're driving an RV, be mindful of bridge heights. A camper at Dyea Campground mentioned, "It says the max height is 11’2” - That’s not correct - Mack Trucks fit over this bridge."
  • Look for Scenic Spots: Many RVers prefer spots with great views. One camper shared, "The view of the Chilkat Inlet is perfect to wake up to," highlighting the beauty of the area.
  • Stay Off the Beaten Path: For a quieter experience, consider camping a bit further from town. A reviewer noted, "Though it’s quieter before and after the tourist summer season," making it a great time for RVers to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Camping near Skagway, Alaska, is an adventure filled with natural beauty and unique experiences. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking scenic views, this area has something to offer everyone.

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.