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Best campgrounds near Metlakatla, AK
Camping near Metlakatla, Alaska
Metlakatla sits on Annette Island in Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage, roughly 15 to 20 miles south of Ketchikan. It is the only Indian reservation in Alaska and the sole community of the Tsimshian people in the United States, reached from Ketchikan by Alaska Marine Highway ferry (about a 45-minute crossing on the MV Lituya) or by floatplane. The Annette Island Reserve and its surrounding waters are locally governed and not subject to state jurisdiction, which shapes access rules for visitors and their vehicles.
There is no road connection between Annette Island and the mainland Ketchikan road system, so most RV travelers base themselves on the Ketchikan side of Clover Passage and treat Metlakatla as a day trip. Two campgrounds anchor that area: Settlers Cove State Recreation Site at Mile 18 of the North Tongass Highway, and Clover Pass Resort just off the same highway on North Point Higgins Road.
The two options serve different needs. Settlers Cove is a small, forested state park campground with basic amenities, while Clover Pass Resort is a private, full-hookup RV park geared toward sportfishing groups. Both put visitors within an easy drive of the Ketchikan ferry terminal for the Annette Bay run.
Things to do around Metlakatla
In Metlakatla itself, guided cultural tours cover the community art center, totem poles, the Duncan Cottage Museum, and the traditional Long House, where Tsimshian song and dance are performed. Walden Point Road, a scenic route of roughly 14.5 miles from the village to Annette Bay, opens up coastal and forest views. The Yellow Hill trail climbs a boardwalk and stair system to sweeping island views.
On the Ketchikan side, Clover Passage supports salmon and halibut fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, with humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles regularly seen from shore. Settlers Cove has one of the area's few sandy beaches, tidepools at extreme low tides, and trails to Lunch Falls and up Lunch Creek onto Tongass National Forest land toward the Emery Tobin Lakes.
Day trips from Ketchikan reach Misty Fjords National Monument and Totem Bight State Historical Park.
Camping spots and RV parks near Metlakatla, AK
When to visit Metlakatla
- spring
March - May
50° / 37°F 180 mmDrier shoulder; campgrounds reopen in May
- summer
June - August
63° / 50°F 200 mmPeak season; salmon runs; book RV sites early
- fall
September - November
50° / 41°F 380 mmWettest months; storms can disrupt Annette Bay ferry
- winter
December - February
41° / 32°F 330 mmCool and wet; Settlers Cove access road not maintained
The practical RV season in the region runs from May through September, with June, July, and August drawing the most visitors. Summer brings the mildest temperatures, longest daylight, and peak salmon and halibut runs, which is when charter operators, ferry schedules, and campgrounds all operate at full capacity. Clover Pass Resort operates seasonally, roughly May through October, so early and late shoulder trips need confirmation before booking.
Spring and fall are quieter and wetter. October is the wettest month on this coast, and fall storms can occasionally disrupt ferry service to Annette Bay. Winter is cool rather than deeply cold thanks to the marine climate, but snow accumulates from November through March and there is no winter road maintenance on the Settlers Cove access road, so RV access can be limited or icy.
Rain is a year-round factor. Even in the driest early-summer months, rainfall still occurs on a large share of days, so waterproof gear and site drainage matter more than seasonal timing alone.
How to book campgrounds near Metlakatla
Settlers Cove State Recreation Site is managed by Alaska State Parks. Its 13 campsites are first-come, first-served, while the two picnic shelters and the on-site public-use cabin are reservable through the Alaska State Parks system on ReserveAmerica or by phone with the Ketchikan district office, up to seven months ahead. The cabin books up quickly for summer weekends and should be reserved well in advance.
Clover Pass Resort takes RV reservations directly by phone or through its website, and reservations are strongly recommended because a large share of sites are held by seasonal anglers. Maximum RV length at Settlers Cove is 35 feet with no hookups; Clover Pass offers full hookups but tight sites.
For the Metlakatla side trip, book the Annette Bay ferry through the Alaska Marine Highway System and confirm the current MV Lituya sailing schedule, since frequency has changed in recent years.
What to expect on the ground
Expect a temperate rainforest environment: old-growth red cedar, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce, damp ground, and frequent rain even in summer. Sites at Settlers Cove are tucked under tall trees rather than on the water, with vault toilets, seasonal hand-pump water, fire rings, and no hookups. Firewood may be available from the on-site host.
Clover Pass Resort is a working sportfishing base with a marina, fish processing, laundry, showers, and cable, plus 20, 30, and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer. Sites are gravel and can be tight, and hookup positions vary, so bring extra hose and cord length. Cell and Wi-Fi coverage can be inconsistent.
Bears are present throughout the region, so food, coolers, and trash must be secured. Leashes no more than nine feet are required for pets, and RV travelers should plan resupply stops in Ketchikan before heading north on the Tongass Highway.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Metlakatla, AK
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Metlakatla, AK?
Campsite prices near Metlakatla, AK depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Metlakatla, AK?
Free camping near Metlakatla, AK depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Metlakatla, AK?
Camping near Metlakatla, AK works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Metlakatla, AK?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Metlakatla, AK. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Metlakatla, AK?
Dump stations near Metlakatla, AK are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Metlakatla, AK?
Renting a RV in Metlakatla, AK works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Metlakatla, AK?
RV rentals in Metlakatla, AK peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Metlakatla, AK?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Metlakatla, AK?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Metlakatla, AK at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.