The best camping near Chilkat State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Chilkat State Park adventure.

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

Popular ways to camp

Top-rated campgrounds near Chilkat State Park

Haines River Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Haines, AK

We have owned this property since 1996 and have found it to be a special healing place and have now decided to share it with other special people. It is approximately 6 acres on the Chilkat river, with about 1200 feet of river frontage. The Cathedral Peaks are directly across the river from the property, which has southern exposure and each campsite has sunset views. All the salmon species swim up the river. The subject property has nursery streams for the salmon. They do not spawn here, but the fry come from upstream spawning grounds to grow up a bit before heading out to the ocean. Swans nest in a nearby pond and sometimes play in the river out front. Evenings and nights are quite and peaceful

The best camping near Chilkat State Park 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.