Last Chance Campground

Star4.22
22 reviews
TONGASS-KETCHIKAN
Family Friendly

Quick Facts

213 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 21, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Tongass National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Last Chance Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season standard nonelectric and RV nonelectric sites are priced at $10 per night. Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
907-225-2148
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 22 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulspaciouslocation

Some mention

noiseunlevel

"User reviews for Last Chance Campground are mixed, with most appreciating the natural beauty, accessibility, and quiet weekdays, while some reported issues like noise disturbances, litter, and unhelpful staff during busy weekends."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

TONGASS-KETCHIKAN

Last Chance Campground

TONGASS-KETCHIKAN

Driving directionsFrom the Alaska State Ferry Terminal, take Tongass Highway north 4.8 miles. At milepost 7, turn right on Revilla Road and drive for 3 miles. The campground is on the right.
Accessible via paved roads from Tongass Highway and Revilla Road.
Nearby places
Ketchikan (9 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Ketchikan, approximately 9 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Last Chance Campground

The rhythms of Southeast Alaska's maritime climate shape every season at Last Chance Campground. Summer days unfold in a gentle dance of mist and sunshine, with temperatures hovering comfortably between the low 50s and mid-60s Fahrenheit—perfect for outdoor exploration without the sweltering heat found elsewhere. Come winter, the landscape transforms into a dramatic tableau of snow and rain, where freezing temperatures create crystalline mornings and cozy evenings by the campfire. The region's signature rainfall weaves through every season, nurturing the lush rainforest and creating the mystical atmosphere that makes this corner of Alaska so enchanting.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer offers milder weather (mist & sun), open season and best access to trails and lake.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into late October; seasonal weather and increased bear activity affect experience.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Open date is May 21; most spring period is closed for camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 21–Oct 27; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21, 2025, to October 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 21, 2025, to October 27, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are listed; caution is advised due to frequent presence of bears.

About Last Chance Campground

Nestled deep within the legendary Tongass National Forest, Last Chance Campground offers an intimate gateway into Alaska's pristine wilderness. This fully accessible retreat in the Ward Lake Recreation Area invites adventurers to immerse themselves in a world where ancient trees tower overhead and crystal-clear streams whisper through the forest floor. Whether you're casting a line into the rushing waters of Last Chance Creek, exploring moss-draped trails, or simply listening for the haunting call of eagles overhead, this campground serves as your basecamp for authentic Alaskan experiences.
The campground offers standard non-electric sites suitable for both tent and RV campers. Each site includes essential amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and gravel parking spurs.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Checkout time is 2 PM.
Check-out
Checkout time is 2 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. You may stay up to 13 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Last Chance Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking on seven trails within the Ward Lake Recreation Area, freshwater fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating. The Ward Lake Nature Trail is a notable 1.3-mile loop. Visitors often enjoy the scenic old-growth rainforest and the opportunity to observe salmon spawning in nearby creeks.
HikingHiking is a key activity with trails like the 1.3-mile Ward Lake Nature Trail. The area's seven trails offer diverse hiking experiences.
FishingFreshwater fishing opportunities are available in Last Chance Creek and Ward Creek, with salmon being a notable species.
SwimmingSwimming is mentioned as an activity, but no specific designated areas, facilities, or safety measures are detailed.
BoatingBoating is listed as an activity, but details on the types of boats allowed or docking facilities are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe area is known for its rich wildlife, including eagles, bears, and spawning salmon. One user noted seeing 'eagles swooping in' during their stay.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include black bears (especially in August and September), uneven terrain, and wet conditions. Visitors are advised to store food securely and exercise caution.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are listed; caution is advised due to frequent presence of bears.

Weather at Last Chance Campground

Reviews

4.2
22 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Last Chance Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Last Chance Campground are mixed, with most appreciating the natural beauty, accessibility, and quiet weekdays, while some reported issues like noise disturbances, litter, and unhelpful staff during busy weekends.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the scenic location along the creek, spacious campsites, and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and observing wildlife. Many found the campground quiet and peaceful during weekdays.
Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included noise from other visitors, especially during weekends and holiday periods, litter left by previous campers, and negative interactions with Forest Service staff.
Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommended bringing rain gear due to frequent rain, securing food due to bear activity, and coming prepared with firewood and trash bags.
Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is reported to be quieter and more enjoyable on weekdays and outside major holidays. Bear activity peaks in late summer, making food storage crucial during this period.
Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It was very pretty camping along the stream.' (MARY H) 2. 'Enjoyed the campsite!! Saw eagles swooping in.' (CHRISTI D) 3. 'The facilities were wonderful, the weather great, but the campground was...
Show more
Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site 006: 'My favorite campsite on the island. Hiking was fun, and I got to see salmon spawning.' (OMA L) 2. Site 019: 'Full of family and kids during Memorial Weekend. A blast!' (HOPE A) 3. Site...
Show more
Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is fully accessible. However, no specific user reviews about accessibility experiences are available.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews on pet policies or experiences with pets are available.
Based on 22 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Last Chance Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Alaska

Campgrounds
Tongass National Forest
Last Chance Campground