Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Tenakee Springs, AK

Mendenhall Lake Campground's pet-friendly tent, RV, cabin, and glamping sites offer diverse accommodation options near Tenakee Springs. Most sites provide picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes for food storage, with pets allowed throughout the campground. The well-maintained facilities include drinking water, flush toilets, and free hot showers—a rarity at the affordable $10 per night fee. Kennel Creek Cabin and Eight Fathom Cabin also welcome pets, providing rustic overnight options with fire pits but no running water or restroom facilities. Campground sites vary in privacy levels, with many situated along Mendenhall Lake offering stunning glacier views. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Tenakee Springs, Alaska.

Dog-friendly trails surround the campgrounds, including the West Glacier Trail, Photo Point Trail, and Nugget Falls Trail—though the latter experiences heavy foot traffic from cruise ship visitors between 10am-2pm. East Glacier Trail and Trail of Time offer more seclusion for hikers with dogs. Wildlife abounds in the area, requiring proper pet management as bears frequent nearby creeks and streams from summer through September. The Estuary Loop Trail features a bird watching station popular with nature enthusiasts. Some lakefront campsites include cut-through paths to private beaches, ideal for dogs who enjoy swimming. The Starrigavan Creek Cabin area provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for ravens and bald eagles while remaining within walking distance of multiple trail systems.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Tenakee Springs, Alaska (24)

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Tenakee Springs, AK

1 Photos of 24 Tenakee Springs Campgrounds


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Tenakee Springs, AK

46 Reviews of 24 Tenakee Springs Campgrounds


  • Aubrey G.
    Jun. 19, 2021

    Mendenhall Lake Campground

    In the woods camping, in the "city"

    So lucky to have found this campground. The price cannot be beat starting at $10. Although you are aware of others around you, there is enough forest between most campsites so you get the real roughing it kind of feel without actually hiking out. We got a great site, walk down to the water's edge and see the glacier smack right in your face. Amazing! There is a river further in, so choose your site wisely if camping with kids, pets or partiers! We didn't see a bear, but we did see the beaver! They have a bear cache at every site, so amazing for the price. Highly recommended. It's a 1 way loop so don't make the same mistake I did and go the wrong way! The hosts are very nice and chatty. The troopers do drive through from time to time but never bothered us.

  • Jacquline M.
    Dec. 5, 2020

    Mendenhall Lake Campground

    I love this place just not the forest service officers so much...

    I stay here every summer with my s.o. and our pets and absolutely LOVE it here. The f.s officers could use some grooming but mostly they are okay as long as you are polite and follow the rules they usually leave you alone. They are helpful but tend to not want to listen when you try and explain a situation, any how other then that the camp grounds are usually always clean and I've never had a problem finding my site.  And if I've ever needed a food bear box or anything I've always gotten it asap. Overall pretty awesome place to just kick back enjoy the view and relax the day away.

  • Dana G.
    May. 23, 2019

    Mendenhall Lake Campground

    Views of the Glacier are beautiful!

    This is a very nice campground set back from Mendenhall lake and the famous Mendenhall Glacier.  Bears frequent this area and sometimes wolves too.  If you are looking for that wild Alaska experience you can have it here.  Lots of hiking around there.  Once that salmon start running you can walk on the man made walkway next to the creek and watch bears catch salmon to feed their cubs!  Truly an amazing experience!  If you make it there during the winter bring your cross country skis and ski through the campground, or across the lake to the glacier.

  • Lindsay B.
    Jun. 30, 2016

    Auk Village

    Near the slow ferry

    I always visited Juneau by ferry. This campground is accessible from the slow ferry, but it is a distance from the cruise ships or airports (as you know Juneau is very spread out for its small population). There is nothing Alaska spectacular about this campground, but it is quaint and nice. It is very RV-oriented.

  • Phinneaus B.
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Starrigavan Campsites

    Best campground in Sitka

    This is our hometown campground and we love it. It’s just a few miles from town, and within walking distance from the ferry terminal. Cell service is limited, so you can feel like you’re away from it all but still go in to work in the morning, or pick up some extra supplies.

    Our favorite sites are the three “walk in” sites on the ocean side. We love to have birthday parties with a couple other families out there. The walk isn’t far at all, but the bathroom is just a bit further.

    Our next favorite sites are the hike-in sites in the estuary side. These are a bit longer walk, but there’s a great little shared shelter with picnic tables, and the sites are so pretty and rustic feeling. There’s lots of trees but plenty of level sites, and they aren’t used much. Only bummer is that a new road is being built just behind this area, it’s hard to tell how disruptive that will be.

    Regular drive in sites are fine, there are a couple pull-through but most are pull-in. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table, and they’re all pretty good and a short walk to water and pit toilets. There are also a couple of group sites with shelters that are great for bad weather camping.

    The campground is within walking distance of several nice, short trails, Old Sitka historical site & boat launch, and the shooting range and ATV trails. It’s pretty quiet and there is lots of wildlife- you have to keep your food abc other smelly things locked in your car or in the bear proof food lockers. You’ll definitely see bald eagles, and please don’t feed the ravens. Pink salmon run up the creek in August, you can catch them at the mouth.

    Check out my other review to learn about the cabin that’s in the same campground!

  • Phinneaus B.
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Starrigavan Creek Cabin

    Easy access rustic cabin

    This is a great little cabin to get away from town for a couple days, without being too far away. Locals use it for birthday parties and company retreats. Best to reserve well in advance, especially during the summer and the weekends.

    The cabin is located within Starrigavan Creek Campground, which is within walking distance of the Forest & Muskeg trail, Estuary Loop trail, Mosquito Cove trail, Old Sitka, Old Sitka boat launch, and the shooting range. It’s just a few feet further to the ferry terminal.

    The cabin has a view of the creek, and wildlife abounds. You will see ravens and bald eagles, and you could see bears. Bird watchers love the Estuary Loop trail and its bird watching station. There is an onsite outdoor bear proof food locker, a fire ring, and a picnic table. The cabin is large and comfortable even in bad weather. Pit toilets and potable water are just across the gravel road, and there’s an artesian well a short walk away.

  • Katie K.
    Sep. 28, 2016

    John Muir Cabin

    This cabin is worth the hike (...I mean the hike is worth the hike...)

    My boyfriend and I were recommended to do the John Muir Cabin and the hike in Juneau, and we were beside ourselves. The cabin at the end is cozy and the views of the mountains are spectacular. You do not want to miss this. The boardwalks over the muskegs and the flora and fauna are unreal and so, so Alaska. Highly recommend!

  • Kaylee M.
    Jun. 12, 2018

    Auk Village

    Nature is Beautiful

    Absolutely loved this campground, It was very quite and the scenery was beautiful. This is a very quite spot tucked away from the city. We loved camping here and will be back!

  • Angie G.
    May. 26, 2024

    Auk Village

    Wilderness Bliss

    This campground has 11 sites and we were lucky to get #5, right across from the pit toilets so we didn’t have to walk far. We had a great site, bear box, campfire pit, and a fabulous view when you walk to the edge right behind your site! We didn’t put any hammocks in the trees or do any cooking on site, as it is black bear country and you don’t want any uninvited guests. We went to the picnic shelter at Lena Cove for our morning breakfast and hung our hammocks in the shelter for the morning. We had great views of Auke Bay and Lena Cove.

    I could not find any reviews to pick a site but I reserved this one and it was gold! We had a water spigot close to us in the campground, but there are no electric or water supplies at the sites. You need to bring your own firewood because some sites say it was supplied, however, due to low crew numbers they can’t keep up with demand.


Guide to Tenakee Springs

Tenakee Springs, Alaska camping options span across coastal inlets and forested areas with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The region experiences a maritime climate with summer temperatures between 50-65°F and higher precipitation in fall months. Winter camping is limited as most facilities close after September, though some cabins remain available year-round through advance reservation.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Starrigavan Creek Cabin, visitors can observe diverse bird species including ravens and bald eagles. "Wildlife abounds. You will see ravens and bald eagles, and you could see bears. Bird watchers love the Estuary Loop trail and its bird watching station," notes Phinneaus B.

Kayaking excursions: Auk Village Campground offers convenient water access for paddling adventures. "It is easy to get to the water or trails. There was a guy renting kayaks out of the back of a truck which made our whole day," shares Justin S., who spotted "otters, seals, whales, cool ducks, starfish" during their visit.

Beach exploration: Several coastal campgrounds feature shoreline access where campers can search for marine life. "I recommend whale watching if you get the chance and I also did a lot of beach combing in the area," explains Angie G. about her stay at Auk Village Campground.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Mendenhall Lake Campground offers secluded camping spots that provide separation between neighbors. "The tent sites were nicely separated, giving you that feeling that you're further away than you really are," reports Krista R.

Glacier views: The landscape offers dramatic glacier vistas from select campsites. "This beautiful site is not only spectacular but conviently close to town. After setting up camp you can explore the trail to get close to the glacier and see beautiful waterfalls!" notes Sierra S.

Off-peak tranquility: Timing visits to avoid cruise ship schedules improves the camping experience. "Best way to avoid the cruise ship crowds is to go early or late," advises Fain H., noting that trails experience "heaviest foot traffic from 10am to 2pm."

What you should know

Advance reservations required: Most sites fill quickly during peak season. "Before you go: you must reserve a spot online in advance & spots tend to fill up quickly in July & August," warns Josiah P. from his visit to Mendenhall Lake Campground.

Bear safety protocols: All campgrounds require proper food storage and clean campsites. "Great place for the family, bears do frequent the area so keep site clean," advises James L.

Limited amenities: Kennel Creek Cabin and similar rustic accommodations lack running water and restroom facilities. Campers should prepare accordingly with sufficient water and sanitation supplies.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly water activities: Auk Village offers sheltered swimming areas suitable for children. "Great site, nice woods, if you have a fishing license you can fish off the beach, great for swimming as well because it is a protected cove," recommends Eric M.

Educational opportunities: Historical sites near campgrounds provide learning experiences. "Great historical site, an ancient village with historical marker as well as a beautiful totem nearby that tells an interesting story," notes Eric M. about Auk Village Campground.

Multiple trail options: Sitka Sportsmans Association RV Park provides access to trails of varying difficulty for different age groups. "It's right on the water and beautiful. The people are always very nice. Open all year," explains Chris O.

Tips from RVers

Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have limited RV sites or challenging access. "I don't think there were any RVs, not sure if it was an off week or the road here is too much," mentions Justin S. about Mendenhall Lake Campground.

Year-round availability: While most campgrounds close seasonally, select locations remain open. "There's a limited amount of spaces for your rv but they have tent sights too. Open all year," notes Chris O. about Sitka Sportsmans Association RV Park.

Pet-friendly options: Multiple campgrounds welcome pets, making them suitable for travelers with animals. Pet owners should note that wildlife encounters require proper pet management and control, particularly during bear season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Tenakee Springs, AK?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Tenakee Springs, AK is Kennel Creek Cabin (AK) with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Tenakee Springs, AK?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 dog-friendly camping locations near Tenakee Springs, AK, with real photos and reviews from campers.