Best Tent Camping near Tongass National Forest
Tent campgrounds around Tongass National Forest in Alaska offer primitive experiences with varying levels of access and amenities. Portage Bay Cabin provides tent sites from May to October and receives positive reviews for its ample spaces and natural surroundings. Blind Slough and Ohmer Creek also accommodate tent camping, with Ohmer Creek operating seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Twin Creek Shelter offers walk-in and hike-in tent access for more adventurous campers.
Most tent sites in this region have minimal facilities and require self-sufficiency. Campers should bring water filtration systems as drinking water is not readily available at most locations. Sites are typically situated on forest terrain with natural ground cover. Toilet facilities vary by location, with Portage Bay Cabin providing basic toilets while other areas like Blind Slough lack any permanent facilities. Weather conditions can be challenging and unpredictable, with seasonal limitations affecting accessibility. The Petersburg area campgrounds provide more accessible options for tent campers seeking backcountry experiences without difficult approaches.
Walk-in tent sites throughout Tongass offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and access to hiking trails. The area around Ohmer Creek features well-maintained campsites with direct trail access to the creek and hiking paths suitable for various skill levels. Tent campers can expect relative seclusion at most sites, particularly in less accessible areas. The natural setting provides opportunities for kayaking, hiking to nearby glaciers, and wildlife observation. According to one visitor, "We were able to kayak and hike up to a glacier very very close to the campground. A moose and her calves even walked through the site." Another camper noted that Ohmer Creek campsites were well maintained with "newly upgraded hiking trails that go through the woods and marsh and loop back around," making them accessible even for families with children.
