Camping near Tongass National Forest

The Tongass National Forest spans 16.7 million acres across Southeast Alaska, making it the largest national forest in the United States. Most camping options in this temperate rainforest region require advance planning due to remote locations and limited transportation access. Average annual rainfall exceeds 150 inches in many areas, with conditions ranging from mild summers averaging 55-70°F to winters with temperatures frequently below freezing.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Tongass National Forest cabins provide strategic locations for observing Alaska's diverse wildlife in natural settings. According to one visitor at Portage Bay Cabin, the area is "primitive, but adequate" for establishing a wilderness base camp.

Glacier hiking excursions: Many cabins serve as starting points for day hikes to nearby glaciers and alpine terrain. Petersburg Lake Cabin offers relatively accessible trails compared to other more remote options in the region.

Kayaking and water activities: The extensive coastline of the Tongass provides numerous protected waterways for paddling. Salt Chuck East Cabin sits near protected waters suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers, with minimal motorboat traffic in certain areas.

What campers like

Remote wilderness experience: The isolation of many Tongass cabins creates genuine opportunities to disconnect. Big John Bay Cabin exemplifies this quality with its positioning away from the more frequently visited Petersburg area cabins.

Multi-day exploration: Cascade Creek Cabin serves as an effective base for extended stays allowing campers to venture into different areas of the forest without relocating gear daily.

Minimal campsite development: The basic amenities at most Tongass cabins maintain the wild character of the region. Towers Arm Cabin provides only essential shelter, requiring campers to be self-sufficient but allowing for a more authentic wilderness experience.

What you should know

Transportation logistics: Most cabins require boat or floatplane access, with few road-accessible options. Ravens Roost Cabin represents one of the more accessible options but still requires planning for transportation.

Limited facilities: Potable water is unavailable at all Forest Service cabins in the region. Campers must bring water treatment options or pack in all drinking water.

Reservation requirements: All Forest Service cabins must be reserved in advance through the recreation.gov system, with peak season bookings filling months ahead. West Point Cabin typically requires reservations 3-6 months in advance during summer.

Tips for camping with families

Age-appropriate cabin selection: Choose cabins based on access difficulty and available activities. Spurt Cove Cabin offers a balance of wilderness experience with relatively protected waters for safer family kayaking.

Weather preparation: Pack multiple layers of synthetic or wool clothing for all family members, as temperature fluctuations and precipitation can occur rapidly throughout summer months.

Activity planning: Structure days with multiple shorter activities rather than single long excursions. Salt Chuck East Cabin provides nearby shorter hiking options suitable for children with varying stamina levels.

Tips from RVers

Limited road access: Traditional RV camping in Tongass National Forest is severely restricted due to minimal road infrastructure. Le Conte RV Park in Petersburg provides one of the few options for RVers wanting to access the forest.

Vehicle size restrictions: Roads leading to accessible areas of the Tongass often have width and clearance limitations. Many secondary roads prohibit trailers or RVs exceeding 25 feet in length.

Supply planning: RVers should stock all necessary supplies in Petersburg before venturing to more remote locations, as service stations and supply points are extremely limited throughout the forest.