Camping options near Tenakee Springs, Alaska range from remote forest cabins to waterfront sites across the Tongass National Forest. The region experiences heavy rainfall, with summer temperatures averaging 50-65°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most campgrounds and cabin rentals require advance booking through the US Forest Service reservation system, with seasonal closures common from November through April.
What to do
Whale watching from shore: From Auk Village Campground, visitors can spot marine wildlife without booking expensive tours. One camper noted, "I went for two hours and saw 30 ish breaches. It was incredible."
Clay pigeon shooting: Sitka Sportsmans Association RV Park offers both outdoor and indoor shooting ranges. According to one visitor, "Bring your favorite over under and plenty of clay pigeons. Or you can use the indoor range if weather isn't permitting."
Glacier viewing: Mendenhall Lake Campground provides access to multiple glacier viewing trails. A camper advises, "Photo point trail and Nugget Falls trail are a must and have the heaviest foot traffic from 10am to 2pm. There's way more seclusion on the East Glacier trail and the Trail of time which are both longer."
Kayaking: Multiple campgrounds offer kayak access, with some visitors finding rental options nearby. At Auk Village, one camper reported, "There was a guy renting kayaks out of the back of a truck which made our whole day."
What campers like
Private campsites: Auk Village features secluded sites with natural barriers. A visitor described, "Each site is very private, ours was built up on a little ring of rocks with stairs leading down from the car."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide wildlife observation opportunities. At Auk Village, a visitor noted, "It is not unusual to find deer walking through the campsite," while another mentioned seeing "otters, seals, whales, cool ducks, starfish, etc." at the nearby shore.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer proximity to fishing opportunities. One Auk Village visitor mentioned, "If you have a fishing license you can fish off the beach," while at Moser Island Cabin, a camper reported, "There is great crabbing across the bay and decent shrimping within a 10 minute boat ride."
Historical sites: Campgrounds often include access to cultural landmarks. An Auk Village visitor highlighted, "Great historical site, an ancient village with historical marker as well as a beautiful totem nearby that tells an interesting story."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity is common throughout the region. At Moser Island Cabin, a visitor warned, "Be on the lookout for bears, there was multiple signs of them so don't leave anything outside." Most campgrounds provide bear boxes.
Limited connectivity: Cell service can be unreliable or nonexistent. At Starrigavan Campsites, a local noted, "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."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Mendenhall Lake Campground runs from May 15 to September 13, while Auk Village operates from May 1 to September 30.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, particularly for cabins. As one camper at Mendenhall Lake stated, "You must reserve a spot online in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Sheltered options for rainy days: Hollywood Farms RV Park provides nearby community attractions for days when outdoor activities aren't feasible. A visitor shared, "The Fireweed Gallery, Tea and Coffee House was lovely. We went there twice and met the mayor."
Choose walk-in sites for better views: At Starrigavan, a local recommends, "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."
Bring activities for children: The unpredictable weather means having backup plans. At Mendenhall Lake Campground, families enjoy the "crystal blue" lake when weather permits, with one visitor noting, "This area is exceptional, everywhere you look is a postcard-worthy scene."
Consider accessibility needs: Site layouts vary significantly. For Auk Village, one visitor advises, "If you need accessibility check with the rangers/website for the best options."
Tips from RVers
Limited services at most rv parks in Tenakee Springs, Alaska: Few campgrounds offer full hookups. One camper at Moser Island noted, "Bring all your own camping gear," which applies to most sites in the region.
Consider alternatives to bringing your RV: When visiting Glacier Bay National Park, a Hollywood Farms RV Park visitor suggested, "Many people choose to leave their RVs in Juneau and walk on the ferry to Gustavus and stay at the lodge in the National Park. The lodge has a shuttle for guests arriving by plane or ferry."
Supply limitations: RV travelers should bring necessary supplies. At Starrigavan, a camper advised, "You have to keep your food and other smelly things locked in your car or in the bear proof food lockers."
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