Campgrounds and RV parks near Ketchikan, AK

Ketchikan sits on the western shore of Revillagigedo Island in Alaska's southeast panhandle, surrounded by the Tongass National Forest and reachable only by air or ferry. The city has a wet oceanic climate with cold winters, mild summers, and frequent rainfall, located on the coast in an area of islands and fjords about 60 miles from the British Columbia border. RV camping options are limited compared to road-accessible Alaska destinations, so trip planning starts with confirming ferry space for the vehicle before choosing a site. Most developed camping is clustered north of town along the North Tongass Highway. Settlers Cove State Recreation Site offers a rustic state-park experience with beach access at mile 18, while Clover Pass Resort sits 15 miles north of Ketchikan and provides RV hookups with electricity, water, sewer, cable, laundry, and a dump station. The road network is compact: the highway runs only a few dozen miles along the island's coast, so campgrounds are chosen based on proximity to fishing, ferry terminals, and trailheads rather than long touring routes.

Because Ketchikan is an island community, booking sequence matters. Reserve the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Bellingham, Prince Rupert, or another southeast port before locking in a campsite, as vehicle deck space for larger rigs sells out months ahead for summer sailings. Private parks take direct reservations. Clover Pass Resort accepts phone reservations at the resort. Settlers Cove State Recreation Site is managed by Alaska State Parks, with the public-use cabin and picnic shelters reservable through the state's ReserveAmerica portal, while the 13 primitive campsites are handled first-come, first-served. Book summer stays as early as the calendar allows, especially for waterfront sites. Confirm rig length limits and hookup type before arrival, and carry a backup plan in case ferry delays push the check-in date.