Best camping in Chilkat State Park, AK 2025

Hike, whale-watch, or check out the king salmon run at this seasonal southeastern park.

The best camping in Chilkat State Park, AK

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Stories from the community

Holly

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Haines River Camp

Beautiful view, clean space and great location. We will definitely be back😊

M

Morgan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Haines River Camp

Fantastic location right on the river and close to town. Sites are comfortable and host is doing lots of work to improve the camp. Definitely do the sauna!

G

Gloria

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Haines River Camp

The location is beautiful. A great combination of natural beauty and rustic. Roger is kind and considerate.

M

Michael

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Haines River Camp

Excellent location, remote and close to town, and the host was very gracious.

D

Daniel

July 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Haines River Camp

This was an amazing camping spot in a great location on a spectacular piece of property. We had room for our 2 dogs and had 3 days of camping bliss. Roger was great. He was responsive in communicating and just a great guy to spend some time with. This experience was better than expected.

A

Annabel

July 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Haines River Camp

Really nice and private camping next to the river. The host is very responsive and helpful.

S

Scott

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Haines River Camp

Roger's passion shows in his back to the basics campsites. Nice location right beside the river.

J

Joni

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at Haines River Camp

Beautiful site right on the river! It was easy to set up the tent and there was a nice covering over the picnic table.

E

Elaine

June 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Haines River Camp

Great location with a covered area for quick camp showers! Plenty of room for dogs to hang out

Other options near Chilkat State Park

Haines Hitch-Up RV Park

2.1mi from Chilkat State Park · 1 site · Haines, AK

Discover the unique charm of Haines Hitch-Up RV Park, a beloved destination for over 30 years, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Haines, Alaska. This serene campground is ideally situated near the north end of the renowned Inside Passage and at the gateway to the stunning Haines Highway, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Haines Hitch-Up RV Park offers a prime location just a short walk from the vibrant heart of Haines, surrounded by the majestic, snow-capped Chilkat Mountains. This park serves as an excellent base for exploring local attractions, including state parks, museums, and the rich native culture of the area. Outdoor enthusiasts will find Haines to be a paradise for fishing, with abundant opportunities to catch salmon, halibut, and trout. Don’t miss the chance to experience bear viewing, a thrilling highlight of any visit to Haines! As the hub of your Alaskan adventure, Haines Hitch-Up RV Park connects you to a variety of local tours, including excursions to Juneau, Skagway, and Gustavus. For more information on available tours, be sure to check out our Tour Tickets tab. To ensure a seamless experience, we encourage you to make reservations through the link provided on this page, especially during

Pets

Oceanside RV Park

2.1mi from Chilkat State Park · 1 site · Haines, AK

Oceanside RV Park stands out as a unique destination in Haines, Alaska, thanks to its stunning location right on the shores of the Lynn Canal, the longest fjord in North America. Surrounded by breathtaking ocean and mountain vistas, our park offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Conveniently situated next to Main Street, Haines Harbor, and the vibrant downtown business district, guests can easily access local shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. As a premier waterfront campground in Alaska, Oceanside RV Park allows visitors to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the region's mountainous terrain and glacial waters. Haines is renowned as the adventure capital of Alaska, making our park the ideal base for exploring all that this remarkable area has to offer, from hiking and fishing to kayaking and wildlife viewing. Our RV sites feature individual full hookups, including 30 and 50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections. Each site is equipped with grass pads and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. With a range of amenities designed to enhance your experience, Oceanside RV Park is the perfect choice for your Alaskan getaway.

Pets

Big Nugget Gold Mine and Camper Park

2.3mi from Chilkat State Park · 1 site · Haines, AK

Discover the charm of Big Nugget Gold Mine and Camper Park, a unique destination nestled in the scenic beauty of Covenant Life, Alaska. This campground offers a distinctive experience with its rich history of gold mining, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past while enjoying the great outdoors. Located at Eagle Bluff Drive, the park features a total of 10 campsites, ensuring a cozy and intimate atmosphere for campers. Before embarking on your adventure, be sure to visit their website or reach out via phone at 907-766-3411. This will allow you to inquire about their nightly rates and any available discounts, helping you plan your stay effectively. In addition to its historical significance, Big Nugget Gold Mine and Camper Park is surrounded by stunning natural features and outdoor activities. Explore nearby hiking trails, take a dip in local swimming holes, or enjoy fishing in pristine waters. With a variety of restaurants and shops in the vicinity, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable camping experience. Whether you're a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, this campground promises a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.

Pets

Skagway RV Parks

17mi from Chilkat State Park · 1 site · Skagway, AK

Skagway RV Parks stands out for its breathtaking views and proximity to stunning natural landscapes, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of Alaska, this campground offers ample space for visitors to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings. Spanning several acres, Skagway RV Parks provides a sense of privacy that allows guests to connect with nature. The park features well-maintained sites equipped with essential amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Visitors can take advantage of the on-site facilities, including clean restrooms, showers, and laundry services, which enhance the camping experience. Adventure awaits just beyond the campground, with numerous outdoor activities available nearby. Explore the picturesque hiking trails, discover hidden swimming holes, or embark on a fishing expedition in the pristine waters. After a day of exploration, guests can indulge in local cuisine at nearby restaurants or browse charming shops that showcase Alaskan culture and crafts. Skagway RV Parks is not just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors.

Pets

Toilets

The best camping in Chilkat State Park, AK guide

Overview

About

Just outside of Haines in southeastern Alaska, on Chilkat Inlet, Chilkat State Park attracts boaters and hikers galore, particularly in the summer months. There are three trails in the park that range in length from two to seven miles plus a boat launch. There's also a visitor center with wildlife spotting scopes for those who want to try their luck at looking out for everything from whales to bears. The campground features 32 drive-in sites that can accommodate either tents or RVs (some fit vehicles up to 35 feet long). There are also three walk-in beachfront sites for tent camping.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Campsites at Chilkat State Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To secure your chances of getting a site, it's wise to arrive early in the day and, if possible, mid-week. Weekends and 3-day weekends, particularly in the peak summer months, see the most competition for sites.
If you can't secure a spot in Chilkat, check in the nearby town of Haines, where there are a few privately run campgrounds and Hipcamps. More camping options are available in BLM-managed areas and in the Haines State Forest.

When to go

Chilkat State Park is best visited in the summer, when relatively warm weather draws in wildlife and makes camping and hiking pleasant. It's particularly popular during the annual king salmon run in early June. The park is usually open from the middle of May until the end of September, and the main gate closes for the season once the first snowfall takes place.

Know before you go

You can pick up food, fuel, and supplies in the nearby town of Haines, about a 25-minute drive from the park.
The park is ADA-accessible, and wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on-site. You can camp for up to 15 days in Chilkat before you will be requested to leave.
Bears are present in this area, so it's important to store all food, cookware, and toiletries (basically anything with a scent) in the safety of a hard-sided vehicle.
Pet dogs are welcome in the park, but are required to be on a leash in most areas.

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