How much does camping cost at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site?

Camping fees at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site first-come first-served or reservation?

Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site before I book?

Yes! Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site?

Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site?

Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site?

Cell phone service at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site have?

Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site?

Yes, pets are allowed at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site?

Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site

Q: Can I have a campfire at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site?

Fire policies at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site: Fires must be in fireplace grills provided or in portable grills. No beach fires allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.36

28 reviews

9883 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, Alaska, 99901, United States

Top 21% in AKFall

Featured in:Beach Camping Alaska#1 Summer Camping Alaska#3 Swimming Camping Alaska +5 more

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Direct Line Official Website

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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9883 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, Alaska, 99901, United States

Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site

9883 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, Alaska, 99901, United States

Weather at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site

Current alerts(1)

There is no winter road maintenance on the Settlers Cove Road. Access down the road to the public use cabin and day use parking lot is at your own discretion, as the road may be icy or snow packed. Plan accordingly and proceed with caution.

Best Time to Camp at Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site

Summer brings the best conditions: daytime highs of 50–65°F, long daylight, and reduced rainfall. Trails dry out enough for comfortable hiking to Lunch Falls. The beach and Clover Passage become practical for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Wildlife viewing peaks during these months. Late winter and early spring deliver storms, freezing temperatures, and heavy rain. The temperate rainforest climate means rain gear is necessary year-round. Reviewers mention damp firewood as a recurring issue. Cell service exists but remains limited. Weekend crowds show up in summer, though the 13-site capacity keeps numbers manageable.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer best: 50–65°F, long daylight, drier trails; ideal for hiking, kayaking and beach use.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site

Settlers Cove State Recreation Site sits on Clover Passage in Southeast Alaska, 13 miles north of Ketchikan. The site has 13 primitive campsites, one public use cabin, and a sandy beach. Rare for this part of Alaska. Trails lead to Lunch Falls and Hollow Cedar Beach through temperate rainforest. The campground accepts RVs up to 35 feet, though sites are primitive with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Settler's Cove State Recreation Site features 13 primitive campsites, space for RVs up to 35 feet, tent camping areas, and one Public Use Cabin available for rent.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions: daytime highs of 50–65°F, long daylight, and reduced rainfall. Trails dry out enough for comfortable hiking to Lunch Falls. The beach and Clover Passage become practical for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Wildlife viewing peaks during these months. Late winter and early spring deliver storms, freezing temperatures, and heavy rain. The temperate rainforest climate means rain gear is necessary year-round. Reviewers mention damp firewood as a recurring issue. Cell service exists but remains limited. Weekend crowds show up in summer, though the 13-site capacity keeps numbers manageable.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a slice of temperate rainforest where Sitka spruce and western hemlock create a dense canopy along Clover Passage. The area receives over 150 inches of rain annually, feeding moss-covered branches and keeping everything green. A sandy beach stretches along the passage, unusual for this region. Bald eagles patrol the shoreline. Sitka black-tailed deer move through the forest at dawn and dusk. Reviewers report humpback whale sightings in the passage, along with seals. Lunch Falls cascades through the forest, accessible by trail. Lunch Creek runs alongside the path. The beach provides access to the water for kayaking and swimming when conditions allow.

Geological RegionPerched on the edge of the Alexander Archipelago in Southern Southeast Alaska, Settlers Cove occupies a magical intersection where the vast temperate rainforest meets the intricate waterways of Clover Passage. This remarkable ecosystem represents one of the planet's last intact temperate rainforests, where annual rainfall exceeding 150 inches nurtures a lush, green world unlike anywhere else. The geological forces that carved these deep fjords and passages have created a dramatic landscape where mountains plunge directly into the sea, forming countless protected coves and inlets that have sheltered travelers for millennia.

Scenic ViewsUser reviews describe spectacular views, with sightings of humpback whales, sea lions, starfish, and bald eagles.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground includes the Settler's Cove Public Use Cabin, which is available for rent. This is a unique feature that provides an additional accommodation option beyond traditional camping.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Acampsite must be vacated by 12 PM (noon).

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to seven days only

Guests Allowed Per Site

The number of persons occupying a campsite is limited to 12

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 13 primitive sites spread through the forest with two picnic shelters. One by the beach, one near the waterfall trail. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, though the primitive setup means no hookups. Platform sites exist alongside ground-level options.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityThe site includes accessible trails and the Hollow Cedar Beach Access Trail, which provides ADA access with assistance to the beach picnic shelter.

Site SizeSome campsites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and scenic views, campsite 8 is recommended. Campsites 9 and 15 are ideal during rainy conditions due to platform availability.

Best CampsitesSite 8 sits on the water side of the campground, offering direct passage views. Sites 9 and 15 have platforms, which reviewers recommend for rainy conditions. Platform sites keep gear and tents above standing water when storms move through.

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Amenities available

Settler's Cove State Recreation Site offers a variety of amenities within a serene setting. The campground features 13 primitive campsites including some that can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Water is available seasonally through a hand pump, and there are two vault toilets in the camping area, with two additional ones in the day-use parking area. Accessible picnic shelters and trails make the site welcoming for diverse visitors. There are fire ring grills and picnic tables scattered throughout the campground, and firewood may be available for purchase from the camp host. The site also includes observation areas, a beach with ADA access via the Hollow Cedar Beach Access Trail, and several trails such as those leading to Lunch Falls and Lunch Creek.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Settler's Cove State Recreation Site offers a variety of recreational opportunities, from camping and hiking to kayaking and wildlife viewing. The nearby Lunch Creek offers salmon viewing during the late summer and fall, while the beach allows for beachcombing and other water-related activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears, as food storage rules are strict. Pets must be leashed, and safety measures are outlined for wildlife interactions.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires must be in fireplace grills provided or in portable grills. No beach fires allowed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 11pm to 6am.

Trash & RecyclingRefuse created in the park must be placed in the dumpster provided. Refuse should not be brought into the park for disposal. Proper waste management, including pet waste, is required.

Water FeaturesLocated next to Clover Passage, a kayaker's haven, with creek access and a sandy beach.

Camp HostA camp host is present, and firewood may be available for purchase.

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate that there is some cell phone service at the campground, although it may be somewhat limited. One reviewer noted, "There's a little cell service out there if you need to arrange transportation."

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

28 reviews

Recommended

Settler&Apos;S Cove State Recreation Site is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise Settler's Cove for its spectacular views, wildlife sightings, well-maintained trails, and clean facilities. The small size of the campground and its scenic location contribute to its charm.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted include wildlife sightings (including humpback whales and bald eagles), clean vault toilets, well-maintained trails, and scenic views. The beach and nearby trails are also...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned that the firewood available on-site was damp, recommending purchasing wood in town instead.

Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites 9 and 15 are praised for having platforms, which are useful in rainy weather. Site 8 is noted for its proximity to the water.

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend securing campsites with platforms, such as sites 9 and 15, especially during rainy conditions. Site 8 is noted as being on the water side, which is highly desirable.

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late summer and fall are highlighted for salmon viewing at Lunch Creek. Rainy conditions are frequently mentioned, indicating that weather considerations are essential when planning a visit.

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great, small campground with spectacular views. We saw two humpback whales, sea lions, deer, and loads of starfish." (Amy Wise) "The trails are well groomed with nonskid surface on the boardwalks."...

Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground features accessible trails and beach access. The Hollow Cedar Beach Access Trail provides ADA access to a beach picnic shelter.

Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but they must be on a leash no longer than 9 feet. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up pet waste, ensuring a clean environment for all visitors.

Based on 28 reviews

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Go if

Wildlife-obsessed campers and kayakers will get the most out of this place. Site 8 sits closest to the water on Clover Passage, and platforms on sites 9 and 15 keep your gear dry when the rain moves in. Buy firewood in Ketchikan before you arrive.

Skip if

Winter access on Settlers Cove Road is unplowed and potentially icy, so off-season visits carry real risk. No hookups and no dump station rule this out for anyone who needs powered sites, and the 7-day stay limit cuts off longer Alaska stays.

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