How much does camping cost at Harris River Campground?

Camping fees at Harris River Campground range from $8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Harris River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Harris River Campground 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 Harris River Campground before I book?

Yes! Harris River Campground has 3 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 Harris River Campground?

Harris River Campground is open May 22 to September 07. 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 Harris River Campground?

Harris River Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Harris River Campground?

Fire policies at Harris River Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Harris River Campground have?

Harris River Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Harris River Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Harris River Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Harris River Campground?

Harris River Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Harris River Campground?

Popular activities at Harris River Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Harris River Campground

3.63

10 reviews

PO BOX 500, CRAIG, AK 99921

Tent Camping

Featured in:Boating Camping Alaska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

262 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open May 22, 2025 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

262 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open May 22, 2025 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Harris River Campground

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $8.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $8.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

PO BOX 500, CRAIG, AK 99921

Harris River Campground

PO BOX 500, CRAIG, AK 99921

Nearby places

Hollis Ferry Terminal (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive), Craig/Klawock area (20 miles)

Weather at Harris River Campground

Current alerts(6)

Click here for more information on Prince of Wales Island
Click here for more information on the Tongass National Forest
No hookups available
Parking spurs are narrow and perpendicular to the campground road; large RVs may be difficult to back in

Best Time to Camp at Harris River Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather, long daylight (up to ~15 hours), and temperatures typically between about 53°F and 65°F — ideal for hiking, boating, and fishing. Salmon runs and peak wildlife activity (including bears fishing along the river) occur in mid‑to‑late summer, giving excellent angling and wildlife‑viewing opportunities. Campsite services are open (May 22–Sept 7) and trail access is at its best, though expect moderate crowds and bring insect repellent for mosquitoes. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Prime season May–Sept; 53–65°F, long daylight, and salmon runs peak in mid–late summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 22, 2025 to September 7, 2025.

About Harris River Campground

Harris River Campground is a U.S. Forest Service site on Prince of Wales Island near Craig, offering free primitive camping along a salmon stream in the Tongass National Forest. The very small campground features spacious, private sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. Visitors come for fishing during summer salmon runs, wildlife viewing (including bears along the river), and boating, with the ferry terminal a short drive away.

Harris River Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping and standard non-electric sites. Accessible campsites are a notable feature, alongside the option for primitive camping without water or electric hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather, long daylight (up to ~15 hours), and temperatures typically between about 53°F and 65°F — ideal for hiking, boating, and fishing. Salmon runs and peak wildlife activity (including bears fishing along the river) occur in mid‑to‑late summer, giving excellent angling and wildlife‑viewing opportunities. Campsite services are open (May 22–Sept 7) and trail access is at its best, though expect moderate crowds and bring insect repellent for mosquitoes. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation262 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within temperate rainforest along the Harris River, where Sitka spruce and western hemlock dominate the canopy. Black bears fish for salmon in the river during summer runs, and bald eagles perch in riverside trees. The terrain includes dense forest groves and muskeg meadows. Moss drapes the branches, and morning mist is common. The elevation is 262 feet. Sites are spacious and well-separated by vegetation.

Programs & ActivitiesNearby attractions include the Harris River Interpretive Trail, which provides information on river restoration work and habitat management experiments.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Accessible pit toilets are provided to ensure usability for all visitors.

Site SizeSpots were big & private.

PrivacySpots were big & private.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 007 has a picnic table and clean outhouse access. Site 008 is described as spacious and private with well-maintained facilities.

Best CampsitesSites 007 and 008 get consistent praise for privacy and amenities. Arrive early if you want one of the four sites with picnic tables. The other half make do without.

Need help booking Harris River Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Harris River Campground offers a range of amenities suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, primarily centered around accessibility and simplicity. "The campground is gravel," according to user reviews, and each accessible campsite is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Accessible pit toilets and trash collection are available. "Only half of the sites have picnic tables," notes one review. However, there is no potable water on-site at this campground, as confirmed by multiple user reviews: "No water available" and "No park host, no water." Roads may be under construction, and large RVs might face difficulty due to narrow parking spurs. Firewood is not explicitly mentioned as being available, and no hookups are provided.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Harris River Campground provides recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Highlighted trails include the Harris River Trail and Twentymile Spur Trail, which pass along the Harris River and lead to beaver ponds. The Harris River Interpretive Trail nearby offers educational insights on river restoration work.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Harris River Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise Harris River Campground for its tranquility, cleanliness, and proximity to local attractions such as the ferry terminal. The gravel campground and lack of potable water are mentioned as downsides.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes the campground's cleanliness ("Bathrooms were clean & well maintained"), spacious and private spots ("Spots were big & private"), and accessibility to trails and the ferry...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of potable water on-site ("No water available") and limited facilities, such as picnic tables only being available at half the sites.

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback mentions campsite 007 as lacking water and picnic tables, leading to a rating of 3 stars. Campsite 008 is praised for its cleanliness and privacy, with a rating of 4 stars.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend preparing for the lack of water by bringing supplies and being mindful of bear country regulations to store food properly. Arriving early to secure sites with picnic tables is...

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is less visited overall, with user quotes like "We were the only ones there" during the off-peak season following Labor Day. The campground's peak usability aligns with summer months,...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were clean & well maintained." "No park host, no water." "Very convenient to catch the morning ferry with only 15 minute drive."

Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible pit toilets and campsites are positively mentioned in user reviews. Features such as wide, private spots enhance the experience for campers with disabilities.

Based on 10 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want no-cost island camping with salmon fishing, wildlife viewing, and don't need running water or full picnic table coverage.

Skip if

You require potable water on-site, guaranteed picnic tables at every spot, or wide parking spurs for large rigs.

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