F
Felix D.
Traveler
Travelersandy Beach campground
Beach camping
Pretty flat spots under tree cover right next to the shoreline. Very peaceful, there is never anyone camped here hardly.
Camping near Ward Cove, AK
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options near Ward Cove, Alaska include established campgrounds operated by both the U.S. Forest Service and Alaska State Parks. Signal Creek Campground in Tongass National Forest provides tent and RV accommodations approximately 7 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and 4 miles from the State ferry terminal. Settler's Cove State Recreation Area offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with coastal access. These areas provide alternatives to urban accommodations with varying levels of amenities and natural settings.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-September. Facilities at Signal Creek include picnic tables and fire pits at each site, with access to outhouses. "Beautiful forest and not far from Ward Lake. Conveniently near Ketchikan," noted one visitor about Signal Creek Campground. The area experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, with summer offering the most reliable camping weather. Many sites require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when tourism traffic increases. Winter camping is generally unavailable as most facilities close after Labor Day due to harsh weather conditions.
Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers visiting the Ward Cove area. Black Sands Marine State Park offers boat-in tent camping with views of Nichols Passage where "you can often hear the blows of whales as you sleep at night," according to one camper's experience. Deer Mountain Shelter provides a more rustic option for hikers willing to make the challenging uphill trek for mountain views. Several visitors highlighted the region's old-growth forests, wildlife viewing opportunities, and fishing access as key attractions. The proximity to Ketchikan allows campers to enjoy wilderness experiences while remaining relatively close to urban amenities. Campers frequently mention the striking beauty of the area's waterways, forested landscapes, and mountain views as highlights of their experience.
Best Campgrounds near Ward Cove (60)
1. Signal Creek Campground
"Stayed at the Signal Creek Campground, next to Ward Lake. Gorgeous lake, great trail around the lake to walk (Easy for kids to do with you). Dog friendly."
"It's pretty close to the ferry terminal (4 miles?). Outhouse. Close to lots of trails, good fishing, and swimming. Ketchikan is adorable, but considerable fishing and tourism traffic."
from $10 / night
Check Availability2. Settler's Cove State Rec Area Campground
"Old growth trees I couldn't stretch my arms around! Not sure I'd wanna be caught our camping here in the rain but in the sun it was amazing!!!"
from $60 / night
Check Availability3. Deer Mountain Shelter - On The AT
"It's only around 3 miles hiking, but the hike is continuously uphill. Views are stunning once reaching the top."
4. Black Sands Marine State Park - Blank Island Campsite
"Great wild camping spot close to town. Beautiful views of Nichols Passage. You can often hear the blows of whales as you sleep at night. There is a fire ring and a pit toilet."
5. Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area
"With small to medium vessel anchorage just 8 miles South of Ketchikan, this is a conveniently located & beautiful getaway. Enjoy hiking Black Mountain Trail from shore."
6. Three Cs Group NF Campground
7. Tongass National Forest Three C's Group Use Campground
8. Last Chance Campground
from $10 / night
Check Availability9. Totem Bight Park
10. Settler's Cove Public Use Cabin — Settler's Cove State Recreation Site
from $60 / night
Check Availability
Recent Camping Photos near Ward Cove, AK
2 Photos of 60 Ward Cove Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Ward Cove, AK
17 Reviews of 60 Ward Cove Campgrounds
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Eric L.TravelerBlack Sands Marine State Park - Blank Island Campsite
Wilderness next to town
Great wild camping spot close to town. Beautiful views of Nichols Passage. You can often hear the blows of whales as you sleep at night. There is a fire ring and a pit toilet.
Kate K.
GuideSignal Creek Campground
Beautiful and convenient
Each space has a picnic table and fire pit. It's pretty close to the ferry terminal (4 miles?). Outhouse. Close to lots of trails, good fishing, and swimming. Ketchikan is adorable, but considerable fishing and tourism traffic. I would suggest going March-early April. The energy in tourism towns starts building but you get there before the tourists do. Also, there’s just something special about the crisp, spring air.
- Josiah P.Guide
Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area
Epic Moorage for Camping & Hiking
With small to medium vessel anchorage just 8 miles South of Ketchikan, this is a conveniently located & beautiful getaway. Enjoy hiking Black Mountain Trail from shore.
- Josiah P.Guide
Signal Creek Campground
Beautiful Tongass National Forest
Beautiful forest & not far from Ward Lake. Conveniently near Ketchikan, 7 miles north of downtown, & just 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. The campground is on Signal Creek & Ward Lake. Ward Lake used to have amazing fishing before a now defunct dam was placed on the creek. Hopefully it will be removed & the amazing runs of salmon will return!
- Josiah P.Guide
Settler's Cove State Rec Area Campground
Epic tide flats & Curious 🦅
Great tidal zone for exploring extreme minus tides.
- BBarbara F.Traveler
Twelvemile Cabin
Little Paradise
Beautiful semI-remote location. Sleeping for six, beachfront and lots of places to explore. Accessible both by road or via ocean. Outhouse privy, counter space and wood stove. Views are breathtaking! Outdore fire ring and bench is a bonus!
- KKatie R.
ScoutPolk Camp
Polk Camp million dollar experience
Stayed there numerous times, usually in fall for hunting. If this were private property it would be worth several million. Ranch style building was converted from a surveyor camp to a rental cabin 2 years ago. Drive right up to it on your own gated road. Call to get code, number below. The view of Polk Inlet is stunning. Fantastic crabbing and fishing at certain times. Easy to bring a boat or ATV's to cruise hundreds of miles of logging roads in the area. Cabin has running hot and cold water (as of last year...check before you go at 907-826-3271 Forest Service). A shower and sinks, but no toilet due to septic regulations. Sleeps as many as you want: 3 bedrooms with one bunk rack each. Wood stove.
- KKatie R.Scout
Twelvemile Cabin
Twelvemile Cabin a delight
I've stayed here numerous times. Your view is a majestic saltwater inlet with mountains as the backdrop. A gradual, wheelchair-accessible gravel path leads to a roomy, light cabin, done in local cedar. Many windows, large living area and adjoining room with 2 bunks. Young growth hemlock all around. Great crabbing in bay directly in front of cabin. All you need is a Canoe and a crab pot! Drive right to the trailhead, trail is an easy 5 min walk. Twelvemile Arm is a fantastic area for kayaking, and excellent hunting (deer and bear) as well. Wood stove.
Guide to Ward Cove
Camping sites near Ward Cove, Alaska offer access to protected coves and fjords with average summer temperatures around 65°F and winter lows near 30°F. The region receives approximately 160 inches of annual rainfall, with September typically recording the heaviest precipitation. Most campgrounds in the area sit within the temperate rainforest ecosystem with dense understory vegetation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Signal Creek Campground provides access to local streams where campers can try their luck. "Great camping, stream fishing, hiking," notes camper Larae S. about the Signal Creek experience.
Hiking trails: The Ward Lake area connected to Signal Creek Campground offers easy walking paths suitable for various skill levels. "Gorgeous lake, great trail around the lake to walk. Easy for kids to do with you," explains Shawna M.
Mountain climbing: For more adventurous visitors, the Deer Mountain Shelter offers a challenging uphill trek. "It's only around 3 miles hiking, but the hike is continuously uphill. Views are stunning once reaching the top," according to Rachel H.
Whale watching: Coastal campgrounds provide opportunities to observe marine wildlife. At Black Sands Marine State Park, "You can often hear the blows of whales as you sleep at night," reports Eric L.
What campers like
Old-growth forest: The ancient trees around Settler's Cove State Rec Area impress many visitors. "Old growth trees I couldn't stretch my arms around!" remarks Angie G. about the impressive forest.
Tidal exploration: The changing tides create excellent opportunities for natural discovery. "Great tidal zone for exploring extreme minus tides," notes Josiah P. about Settler's Cove.
Proximity to town: Many camping locations balance wilderness with convenience. Icehouse Cove offers "epic moorage for camping & hiking" while being "just 8 miles South of Ketchikan," making it "a conveniently located & beautiful getaway," according to Josiah P.
Coastal views: Waterfront campgrounds provide scenic vistas. Black Sands Marine State Park features "beautiful views of Nichols Passage" according to visitors who appreciate the marine environment.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most Ward Cove area campgrounds operate from May through mid-September. Signal Creek Campground specifically runs "April 14 to September 15" according to forest service information.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant rainfall year-round. "Not sure I'd wanna be caught camping here in the rain but in the sun it was amazing!!!" advises Angie G. about Settler's Cove.
Transportation logistics: Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area requires water transportation. "With small to medium vessel anchorage just 8 miles South of Ketchikan, this is a conveniently located & beautiful getaway," explains Josiah P.
Limited facilities: Many sites offer minimal amenities. The Deer Mountain Shelter includes "a pretty basic outdoor toilet" that Rachel H. describes as "a mountaintop loo nestled between several small ponds."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Ward Lake near Signal Creek provides family-friendly recreation. "Dog friendly. Places around the lake to see wildlife and scenery," notes Shawna M.
Spring visit timing: Consider visiting before peak tourist season. "I would suggest going March-early April. The energy in tourism towns starts building but you get there before the tourists do," recommends Kate K.
Sheltered camping: For families seeking more protection, cabin options exist. The Deer Mountain Shelter is described as "cozy, enough space for 2 people with a tiny sitting area and built in table on the lower level and a small loft for sleeping as well," according to Rachel H.
Water features: Settler's Cove offers "great little hikes with beautiful water features" that Angie G. notes aren't "quite what I would consider waterfalls" but still engage younger visitors.
Tips from RVers
Campsite amenities: At Signal Creek Campground, "Each space has a picnic table and fire pit," notes Kate K., providing essential information for RV setup.
Hookup availability: Some sites offer basic utilities. Signal Creek provides outhouse facilities but limited hookups, while Settler's Cove offers more extensive services including electric hookups.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sound. Signal Creek Campground was "near the main road, so a bit noisy for Alaska.....but quiet overall," according to Shawna M.
Ferry terminal proximity: For RVers arriving by ferry, Signal Creek Campground sits "just 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal," according to Josiah P., making it convenient for those traveling with vehicles on the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Ward Cove, AK?
Which is the most popular campground near Ward Cove, AK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ward Cove, AK is Signal Creek Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
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