Mendenhall Campground

Star4.22
192 reviews
Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

100 ft

Price

$20 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Juneau Ranger District site

Official Website
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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
Mendenhall Campground
$20.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type: $36 for RV sites with electric hookups, $34 for standard electric sites, $20 for standard nonelectric and walk-to sites....
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$36.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
907-586-8800
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 192 reviews

42 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

"User reviews for Mendenhall Campground are mixed, with many praising its scenic views, well-maintained facilities, and spacious campsites. However, concerns about theft, noise, and some staff interactions have been raised."

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Campground Map

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road

Mendenhall Campground

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road

Driving directionsBy ferry: turn right out of the Ferry Terminal parking lot. Drive 1.7 miles to DeHart's Store above Auke Bay marinas. Take a left turn onto Back Loop Road. Travel 2.5 miles to Montana Creek Road. Turn left onto Montana Creek Road. Drive 0.3 miles to Skater's Cabin Road. The campground is 0.3 miles down the road. From the airport: go 0.1 mile to the junction of Yandukin Shell Simmons Drive. Turn left on Shell Simmons Drive and travel 0.3 miles to stoplight at the intersection of Old Glacier Highway. Turn left on Old Glacier Highway and travel 0.5 mile to the stoplight at the intersection of Egan Drive. Continue on Mendenhall Loop Road 2.2 miles to the intersection of Back Loop Road. Turn left on Backloop Road. Continue 1.4 miles to the intersection of Montana Creek Road. Turn right and travel 0.3 miles to Skater's Cabin Road. Turn right and travel 0.3 miles to campground.
The campground is approximately 13 miles from downtown Juneau and is accessed via the Alaska Marine Highway or Alaska Airlines. Roads leading to the campground are paved and easily navigable. The entrance and exit gate are open 24/7.
Nearby places
Juneau, AK (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, are available 2 miles away at Safeway. Additional options are available in downtown Juneau, approximately 13 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Mendenhall Campground

Experience the magic of Alaska's temperate rainforest, where summer brings endless daylight and gentle mists that dance through ancient trees. The prime camping season stretches through the warmer months when wildflowers carpet the forest floor and temperatures invite outdoor exploration. As autumn approaches, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of gold and crimson, while winter brings a hushed beauty with snow-dusted peaks and the occasional glimpse of northern lights dancing above the glacier.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 10% in AK

Prime season (May 15–Sep 14); endless daylight and many positive summer reviews praising accessibility and views.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season likely quieter with fall scenery, but fewer reviews and limited services after peak season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring is shoulder season with variable weather; limited booking season starts mid-May so services may be reduced.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Facility accessible out-of-season but reservations closed; winter reviews sparse though XC skiing noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - September 14, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 15 to September 14 for reservations. The facility is accessible out-of-season, but booking is unavailable.
  • Current Alerts: Some reviews report theft issues at campsites and noise disturbances from nearby locals.

About Mendenhall Campground

Nestled on the pristine shores of Mendenhall Lake, this enchanting 69-site campground offers front-row seats to one of Alaska's most spectacular natural wonders. Whether you choose an RV spot with full amenities, a traditional tent site, or venture to one of the secluded walk-in locations, you'll wake each morning to breathtaking views of the iconic Mendenhall Glacier reflected in crystal-clear waters. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with wilderness adventure here, where accessible bathrooms with hot showers, sturdy fire pits, and well-placed picnic tables ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.
Mendenhall Campground accommodates various camping styles, including RV camping, tent camping, and walk-in backpacker sites. Primitive camping is also offered.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Mendenhall Campground offers diverse recreational activities for all types of campers, from hiking scenic trails to wildlife viewing near Mendenhall Lake. The nearby Mendenhall Glacier adds to the appeal with its stunning vistas and outdoor exploration opportunities. Trails within the campground feature interpretive signs offering insights into the area's ecology and wildlife.
HikingHiking trails are abundant and include options for various skill levels. "The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip." Shorter trails include the 1.7-mile Nugget Falls Trail, the 1.5-mile Moraine Ecology Trail, and the 0.7-mile Trail of Time. Trails within the campground have interpretive signs detailing the area's wildlife and environment.
BoatingOpportunities for boating include kayaking or paddleboarding on Mendenhall Lake. "If you are paddling you should be experienced if heading out to the glacier but the ponds are a great spot for beginners and kids."
Wildlife viewingThe campground is rich in wildlife, including sightings of beavers, deer, and bears. "Beavers swimming around...few deer and a bear." "There are plenty of birds, porcupines, and occasional beavers and bears."
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is frequent; food storage lockers are provided. Mosquitoes are present during summer.
Active AlertsSome reviews report theft issues at campsites and noise disturbances from nearby locals.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are spacious and provide secure storage to mitigate bear risks.

Weather at Mendenhall Campground

Reviews

4.2
192 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Mendenhall Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Mendenhall Campground are mixed, with many praising its scenic views, well-maintained facilities, and spacious campsites. However, concerns about theft, noise, and some staff interactions have been raised.
Review Summaries
Based on 192 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic views of Mendenhall Glacier and lake - Clean and well-maintained facilities - Accessible amenities - Spacious campsites
Based on 192 reviews

Common Concerns

- Noise from campers and helicopters - Theft incidents (food, gear, and hammocks) - Inconsistent staff behavior - Shower limitations (timing and cleanliness) - Reservation system challenges
Based on 192 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own firewood - Use bear-proof containers for food storage - Choose glacier-facing sites for breathtaking views but be prepared for colder winds - Opt for secluded sites for more...
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Based on 192 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are generally favorable, highlighting the beauty of the campground and its accessibility to recreational activities. Winter reviews are sparse, with limited details on usability due to...
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Based on 192 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing campground, one of the best I have ever reserved." - Daniel "Shower rooms may be closed. You can check on recreation.gov app." - Alisa Perkins "Restrooms were well maintained." - Rachel...
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Based on 192 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes praise for spacious and glacier-facing sites but also notes issues like theft and proximity to noisy neighbors. Site #009 offers views of the glacier, while site #053...
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Based on 192 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are praised, with users highlighting the fully accessible sites and pathways. "The campground is well-equipped to accommodate campers with disabilities."
Based on 192 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews on pet policies. Some users appreciate pet-friendly accommodations, while others note issues with enforcement of leash rules. "People need to keep their dogs on a leash!! It needs to be...
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Based on 192 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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