How much does camping cost at Signal Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Signal Creek Campground are $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Signal Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Signal Creek 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 Signal Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Signal Creek Campground has 2 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 Signal Creek Campground?

Signal Creek Campground is open May 22 to October 31. 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 Signal Creek Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Signal Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Signal Creek Campground: Firewood may be available but is not guaranteed. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Signal Creek Campground have?

Signal Creek Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Signal Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Signal Creek Campground. 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 Signal Creek Campground?

Signal Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Signal Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Signal Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Signal Creek Campground

3.90

55 reviews

TONGASS-KETCHIKAN

C-Report Card

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Alaska

Quick Facts

125 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

125 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tongass National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Signal Creek Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

907-225-2148

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Campground Map

TONGASS-KETCHIKAN

Signal Creek Campground

TONGASS-KETCHIKAN

Nearby places

Ketchikan (7 miles, approx. 15-minute drive)

Weather at Signal Creek Campground

Current alerts(7)

Black bears frequent the area, especially during August and September; all food should be stored inside closed vehicles or in bear boxes.
Check in time is 4 PM. Check out time is 2 PM.
Click here to learn more about Tongass National Forest
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.

Best Time to Camp at Signal Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, long daylight, and full access to water-based recreation — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) with frequent light showers. Kayaking, boating, trout and salmon fishing on Ward Lake, and extended hiking days beneath the old-growth Sitka spruce are all at their peak, and wildlife viewing (bald eagles, deer, black bear along stream edges) is excellent. Expect the campground to be busiest June–August, so reserve early and prepare for rain Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Best season: mild temps and long daylight, but frequent rain and reported site flooding in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Signal Creek Campground

Signal Creek Campground sits on Ward Lake in Tongass National Forest, offering tent and RV sites beneath old-growth Sitka spruce at low elevation. The small campground provides bear-proof storage, vault toilets, and potable water, with an on-site host during the seasonal operating window. Visitors fish for trout and salmon, kayak the lake, hike to nearby Frog Pond, and watch for bald eagles and black bears along forested trails.

Signal Creek Campground offers standard nonelectric campsites suitable for tent and RV camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild weather, long daylight, and full access to water-based recreation — expect daytime highs around 50–65°F (10–18°C) with frequent light showers. Kayaking, boating, trout and salmon fishing on Ward Lake, and extended hiking days beneath the old-growth Sitka spruce are all at their peak, and wildlife viewing (bald eagles, deer, black bear along stream edges) is excellent. Expect the campground to be busiest June–August, so reserve early and prepare for rain Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation125 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySignal Creek winds through the campground before meeting Ward Lake, creating a setting where forest and water intersect. The old-growth canopy. Mostly western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Towers overhead, with moss-covered logs and ferns filling the understory. Bald eagles perch in snags along the shoreline, and black bears occasionally forage near stream edges. The lake reflects the surrounding forest on calm mornings, though mist often drifts through the trees during and after the area's frequent rain showers. The campground sits at 125 feet elevation.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings available at Signal Creek Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo mentions of cultural or educational programs were found.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Signal Creek Campground's sites can accommodate up to 10 people.

Groups

Group camping options were not detailed in the source.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo explicit accessibility features were mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeEach campsite can accommodate up to 10 people.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across sites. Some sites, especially those near trails or water pumps, may experience foot traffic and noise. Specific sites like #7 and #14 have been highlighted for their proximity to activity centers and their flooding potential.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites #3, #4, #6, and #7 during the rainy season due to flooding issues and noise from foot traffic and water pumps. Sites #12 and #14 are better choices for staying dry.

Best CampsitesSites #12 and #14 don't flood during rain, according to multiple reviewers. Site #22 sits close to the water but gets excessively muddy. Avoid sites near the middle of the campground and those close to the lake's edge if heavy rain is forecast. Sites near water pumps and trails see more foot traffic and noise, particularly from kids playing at the pumps.

Need help booking Signal Creek Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Signal Creek Campground offers essential amenities with a focus on outdoor experiences. Each campsite includes a picnic table, campfire ring with grill, and a gravel parking spur. Drinking water is available via two hand pumps, although this is limited to the peak season. The campground features three vault toilets, with only one remaining operational during the winter. Firewood may be available but is not guaranteed. "Bear-proof storage bins are available," as noted by a user, though it is recommended to bring a lock for the bin. The campground emphasizes basic facilities, with no showers, electricity, or dump stations available.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Signal Creek Campground

The campground offers an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating. Ward Lake and its surrounding trails are key highlights that attract visitors.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Lake supports non-motorized boating (kayak/canoe) and has docking/access for paddlecraft.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Bald eagles, bears and salmon commonly sighted; snags along shore used by raptors.

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking called out specifically; lake is easy to paddle and accessible from campground.

Swimming2.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Eagles, lake views, mossy old-growth and wildlife provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided. Instead, vault toilets are available for use.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each site for food storage. Guests must bring their own locks.

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 PolicyFirewood may be available but is not guaranteed

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are available to maintain cleanliness and safety. However, maintenance, such as trash removal, occasionally needs attention according to user reviews.

Cell CoverageNo specific mentions of cell phone service availability were found. One user noted, "there’s no service there," suggesting limited connectivity.

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

Rate Signal Creek Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.9

55 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews highlighted the campground's natural beauty, the simplicity of its facilities, and its affordability. However, issues like flooding at certain sites, noise from foot traffic, and limited maintenance of restrooms were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 55 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 55 reviews.

Site #14Mentioned
Site #14 was mentioned as a better alternative, with only minor puddling.
Site #22Issues noted
Site #22 was described as muddy and difficult to use during rains.

What Campers Love

Users praised the scenic setting, proximity to Ward Lake, and the cleanliness of campsites. The availability of bear-proof storage and the presence of an on-site host were appreciated. "Wonderful...

Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints included flooding at specific campsites, particularly #3, #4, #6, and #7. Some users reported noise issues due to nearby trails. "No TP in the outhouse," noted one user, pointing...

Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Frequent tips include bringing tarps due to high rainfall, avoiding low-lying sites prone to flooding, and ensuring proper food storage to avoid wildlife encounters.

Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall bring heavy rains, creating muddy and flooded conditions at several campsites. Users recommend visiting during drier weeks.

Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The park attendant was on-site most of the time," "Bring a tarp to put over your tent," "We woke up with the lake in our campsite," "Beautiful place to park, designated trash receptacles are...

Based on 55 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but strict leash rules are enforced. One user recounted being harassed by a ranger for not leashing their small dog despite it being close by.

Based on 55 reviews

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Signal Creek Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-225-2148

Go if

You want affordable lakefront access for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing in a small, forested campground with an on-site host.

Skip if

You need flush toilets, hookups, or a site that won't flood during heavy rain.

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Last Chance Campground

TONGASS-KETCHIKAN

Last Chance Campground sits along a creek in Tongass National Forest, 7 miles north of Ketchikan. This small, budget-friendly Forest Service campground offers spacious tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers fish for trout, hike forest trails, boat on nearby waters, and watch for bald eagles and river otters.

Signal Creek Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Signal Creek Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Signal Creek Campground

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Signal Creek Campground

Planning Tips

About Signal Creek Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Signal Creek Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Signal Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

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Ask Camp Sage about Signal Creek Campground

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Signal Creek Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Signal Creek Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Signal Creek Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns