Top Tent Camping near Tongass National Forest

Looking for the best Tongass National Forest tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Tongass National Forest. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Alaska camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Tongass National Forest, AK (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from Portage Bay Cabin

    1. Portage Bay Cabin

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    85 Saves

    Overview

    The Portage Bay Cabin is located on the eastern shore of Portage Bay on Kupreanof Island, due east of Stop Island. It provides access to scenic views as well as a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors to the area enjoy fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. It is accessible by boat or float plane only. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

    Recreation

    There is excellent halibut fishing in the mouth of Portage Bay. Coho, pink salmon, steelhead and trout fishing are available in the nearby Portage Creek. Hunting for black bears, waterfowl and grouse is also available as per state or federal hunting regulations; click here for more information from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The primitive Portage Mountain Loop Trail connects the cabin with Petersburg Lake Cabin and Salt Chuck East Cabin through Goose Cove, south of the bay. The trail is especially primitive over to Petersburg Lake and is seldom used due to the level of difficulty. Sections of the trail are flooded by beaver ponds.

    Natural Features

    The cabin was originally built as an administrative site for Forest Service timber layout crews, but was converted to a recreation cabin in 1987. It sits back from the rocky eastern shore of Portage Bay in southeastern Alaska. The surrounding terrain is hilly along the east and flat and rolling south and west of the bay. Portage Mountain rises 3,577 feet in the background.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets

    $25 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Blind Slough
    Camper-submitted photo from Blind Slough
    Camper-submitted photo from Blind Slough
    Camper-submitted photo from Blind Slough
    Camper-submitted photo from Blind Slough
    Camper-submitted photo from Ohmer Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Ohmer Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Ohmer Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Ohmer Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Ohmer Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Ohmer Creek

    3. Ohmer Creek

    1 Review
    6 Photos

    The Ohmer Creek Campground is on a minimal maintenance schedule due to budget constraints. Please pack in/pack out your trash and use restroom facilities at neighboring Forest Service recreation areas if a waste containment system is not available on your camping unit. ACTIVITIES Camping: Occupancy of this Forest Service campground is by permit on site ($6 per night per party) from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Picnicking: Campground is available for day use picnicking in addition to overnight camping.

    • Tents
    • No image available

      4. Twin Creek Shelter

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      The Twin Creek Shelter is a three-sided Adirondack-style shelter located just off the Twin Creek Road. The surrounding area is forest and muskeg. ACTIVITIES Hiking: The shelter is the starting point for the Upper Twin and Twin Ridge Ski Trails and the Twin-Frenchy Snowmobile Trail. Picnicking: The shelter has a table and benches for day use picnicking with views of the forest and muskeg. Winter Sports: The Twin Creek Shelter is the starting point for the Twin-Frenchy Snowmobile Trail, the Twin Ridge Ski Trail, and the Upper Twin Ski Trail. Contact the Petersburg Ranger District office for more information and a description of these trails. Fire Lookouts/cabins Overnight: The Twin Creek Shelter is a three-sided Adirondack-style shelter located just off the Twin Creek Road. The surrounding area is forest and muskeg. Use of the shelter is free and first come, first served.

      • Tents
      • No image available

        5. Harvey Lake Cabin

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        Overview

        Harvey Lake Cabin is open year-round and sits on a beautiful, off-coast freshwater lake and provides access to great boating, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The cabin is accessible by boat or float plane. Visitors arriving by boat must hike a half-mile from saltwater to get to the cabin. It is 18 miles from Petersburg by air and 21 miles by boat. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

        Recreation

        The Harvey Lake Trail is an easy half-mile trek leading from saltwater to Harvey Lake, following Harvey Creek. The trailhead can be difficult to locate. It is east of a small islet and south of the private cabins. Look for the red and white trailhead marker on the beach, then walk northward to an opening on the right through woods. The land north of the trailhead is private. Please respect the rights of property owners. The cabin is located near a picnic site with a sandy beach and swimming area. Boating and fishing are also popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. A rowboat with oars is available at the cabin; however, life jackets are not provided. Visitors may wish to bring a small outboard motor. Anglers might see cutthroat trout in the lake and coho salmon near the mouth of Harvey Creek in early fall. Hunting in the surrounding hills is also popular among visitors. Be aware of wildlife in the area and learn about bear safety.

        Natural Features

        The cabin is located on Woewodski Island near Duncan Canal. It is situated at the west end of Harvey Lake at an elevation of 100 feet. The surrounding terrain is forested hills. Woewodski Island has a long history of mining, with remnants of mines and current exploratory activities located throughout the area. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area, including grouse, black bears, deer, moose and waterfowl. Visitors are asked to be considerate of the state's abundant biology and practice wildlife etiquette.

        • Tents
        • Cabins

        $25 - $35 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Gut Island 1 Cabin
        Camper-submitted photo from Gut Island 1 Cabin
        Camper-submitted photo from Gut Island 1 Cabin
        Camper-submitted photo from Gut Island 1 Cabin
        Camper-submitted photo from Gut Island 1 Cabin
        Camper-submitted photo from Gut Island 1 Cabin

        6. Gut Island 1 Cabin

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        10 Photos

        Overview

        The Gut Island Cabins provide a basecamp for exploring the Stikine River tideflats. The tideflats provide for a different experience from the usual rainforest setting of Southeast Alaska and offer opportunities for paddling, wildlife watching and hunting. Gut Island 1 Cabin was built in 1982 and is the newest of two cabins on-site, which are a few hundred feet apart and connected by a trail. The cabin is 12 miles from Wrangell, Alaska, or 7 miles from the boat ramp on the south end of Mitkof Island. The site can be accessed by a shallow draft boat or a float plane, depending on conditions. Boats need a tide of at least 15 feet and float planes require at least 17 feet in order to access the cabin. A short walk is required from the anchorage point to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

        Recreation

        The waters around the cabin are ideal for exploring by kayak or canoe during high tide. The Forest Service does not provide boats, and guests must also bring their own personal flotation devices. Tide tables should be consulted before any boating excursion in the area, as certain water levels are required to reach the cabin. This cabin is also in a prime location for waterfowl hunting in the fall.

        Natural Features

        The cabins are located in the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, tucked into spruce and hemlock trees on a low rock outcropping between the Stikine River tide flats and the forest. The surrounding terrain is relatively flat with grass and shrubs growing on the tide flats. Wildflowers are prominent in May and June. Brown and black bear, moose, waterfowl, shorebirds, eagles, hawks and owls can be seen in this area ( bear safety information ). The Stikine River tideflats are a major stopover spot for during spring and fall bird migrations.

        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Cabins

        $40 / night


      Recent Tent Reviews In Tongass National Forest

      4 Reviews of 6 Tongass National Forest Campgrounds


      • Sierra  S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Blind Slough
        Jul. 25, 2018

        Blind Slough

        Swimming Hole

        This is such a beautiful spot! If your brave and the water is high, jumping off the bridge is extremely fun here!

        I have a friend that grew up at the hatchery just on the other side - what a blessed spot to grow up.

        Always a fun spot for a day picnic

      • Sierra  S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Ohmer Creek
        Jul. 25, 2018

        Ohmer Creek

        out the road

        the saying “out the road” is commonly used when living the island life.

        thankfully ohmer creek isn’t too far out the road and has a lot to offer!

        the campsites were well maintained! towards the end there are some that have direct trails to the creek as well.

        there are also newly upgraded hiking trails that go through the woods and marsh and loop back around.

        the trail is easy enough for small children and makes for a fun event!!

      • Jonathan V.
        Camper-submitted photo from Portage Bay Cabin
        Jun. 28, 2016

        Portage Bay Cabin

        Wiliwaw

        This place was great. We were able to kayak and hike up to a glacier very very close to the campground. The spaces are ample enough to have more than one tent but we rented 2 spaces just to be safe. A moose and her calves even walked through the site.



      Guide to Tongass National Forest

      Camping near Tongass National Forest, Alaska, offers a unique experience surrounded by stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: Explore the trails around the Mendenhall Lake Campground. One camper mentioned, "The trails are not far from the campground, so they are walkable," making it easy to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
      • Fishing: Try your luck at fishing in the nearby waters. A reviewer at Auk Village noted, "If you have a fishing license you can fish off the beach," adding to the outdoor fun.
      • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Auk Village shared, "Not unusual to find deer walking through the campsite," which adds to the charm of camping in this area.

      What campers like:

      • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. One visitor to Mendenhall Lake Campground said, "It had a gorgeous view of the glacier," highlighting the natural beauty surrounding the area.
      • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Portage Bay Cabin mentioned, "Not too many actual camp sites, but very quiet," making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
      • Affordable Rates: Budget-friendly camping is a big plus. A camper at Mendenhall Lake Campground noted, "Camping here will only set you back $10 per night," making it accessible for everyone.

      What you should know:

      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A visitor at Portage Bay Cabin pointed out, "It's pretty no-frills," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
      • Walk-in Only: Certain sites, like those at Elk Creek Campground, are walk-in only. A camper mentioned, "Walk-in/tents only, so no RVs," which is important to keep in mind when planning your trip.
      • Seasonal Access: The camping season typically runs from May to October. A reviewer at Mendenhall Lake Campground noted, "This was a great camp ground. Very clean and quiet," emphasizing the importance of timing your visit.

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with safe water access. A camper at Elk Creek Campground shared, "The stream was the perfect size for playing and swimming," making it ideal for families with children.
      • Privacy: Choose sites that offer some seclusion. A visitor at Auk Village mentioned, "The camping spots are very spread out and private," which can be great for family bonding.
      • Plan Ahead: Arrive early to secure a good spot. A camper at Portage Bay Cabin advised, "Best to get here early or before the weekend to snag a spot," especially during peak season.

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Compatibility: Make sure your RV can fit in the designated spots. A reviewer at Mendenhall Lake Campground noted, "Some of the sites even have great views," but it's essential to confirm if your RV can access them.
      • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Portage Bay Cabin, do not offer electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "NO electric hookups," so plan accordingly with solar panels or generators.
      • Stay Alert for Reservations: Some sites require reservations in advance. A visitor at Mendenhall Lake Campground advised, "Reservations must be made in advance," to avoid any surprises upon arrival.

      Camping near Tongass National Forest, Alaska, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful region.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tongass National Forest?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tongass National Forest is Portage Bay Cabin with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Tongass National Forest?

        TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Tongass National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.