Signal Creek Campground

Star4.00
55 reviews
TONGASS-KETCHIKAN
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

125 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open May 21 - Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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
Signal Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation use fees are $10 per night for standard non-electric sites during peak season.
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See something outdated or incorrect?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

4.00

Mixed Reviews

Based on 55 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakesites

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

TONGASS-KETCHIKAN

Signal Creek Campground

TONGASS-KETCHIKAN

Driving directionsFrom the State ferry terminal, take Tongass Highway north 4.8 miles to milepost 7. Turn right onto Revila Road. Go 1.4 miles and turn right at the Ward Lake Road Intersection. Travel 1.1 miles past Ward Lake Day Use Area to the entrance sign for Signal Creek Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads leading from Tongass Highway and Revila Road. Seasonal accessibility may vary due to weather conditions.
Nearby places
Ketchikan (7 miles, approx. 15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and camping gear, can be found in Ketchikan, which is approximately 7 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Signal Creek Campground

Summer brings Signal Creek to life with mild, comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration, though visitors should come prepared for Ketchikan's legendary rainfall that keeps the forest lush and vibrant. The frequent showers create a mystical atmosphere as mist drifts through the towering trees, while brief sunny breaks reveal the forest in stunning clarity. Winter transforms the landscape into a quieter, more intimate setting, with freezing temperatures and heavier precipitation creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude and dramatic scenery.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Oct; summer offers mild temps and peak access though Ketchikan-area rain is common.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct; early fall scenic but wetter, with muddy and flood-prone conditions reported.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 21; late spring can be wet but trails and lake access begin to be available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed November–May; winter camping and ratings not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21 - October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 21 - October 31.

About Signal Creek Campground

Nestled within the enchanting Ward Lake Recreation Area of Tongass National Forest, Signal Creek Campground offers an authentic Alaskan rainforest experience where towering evergreens meet pristine waters. This tranquil retreat welcomes groups of up to 10 people per campsite, providing the perfect basecamp for adventures that range from casting a line in Ward Lake's crystal-clear waters to paddling through morning mist in your kayak. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings for evening gatherings, while seasonal drinking water and vault toilets ensure comfort during your wilderness stay. Whether you're hiking moss-draped trails, spotting eagles soaring overhead, or simply breathing in the forest's ancient rhythms, Signal Creek delivers the quintessential Pacific Northwest camping experience.
Signal Creek Campground offers standard nonelectric campsites suitable for tent and RV camping.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Checkout time is 2PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe Ward Lake Recreation Area features seven trails, with the Ward Lake Nature Trail being a popular 1.3-mile loop. User reviews praised the hiking options, describing trails as great for exploration and suitable for adventurers looking for more challenging paths, like the Perseverance Trail.
FishingFreshwater fishing is a key attraction, with Ward Lake providing opportunities to catch local fish species. Specific details on fish types were not mentioned.
BikingBiking opportunities are noted as enjoyable, with trails near the lake offering suitable terrain.
BoatingThe lake supports non-motorized boating activities like kayaking and canoeing. Facilities for docking or launching were not detailed.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity, with species like eagles, bears, and salmon commonly sighted. The campground's location in an old-growth temperate rainforest enhances the wildlife experience.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are prevalent, particularly in late summer. Flooding occurs at certain campsites during heavy rainfall. Dead fish smell may be noticeable during salmon spawning season.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each site for food storage. Guests must bring their own locks.

Weather at Signal Creek Campground

Reviews

4.0
55 reviews
Mixed 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

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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
Based on 55 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #3, #4, #6, and #7 are prone to flooding. Site #14 was mentioned as a better alternative, with only minor puddling. Site #22 was described as muddy and difficult to use during rains.
Based on 55 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews on accessibility features were identified.
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

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Signal Creek 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
Signal Creek Campground