Map showing campground location near Haines, Alaska

Camper submitted image from Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site

Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site

Part of Alaska's Haines State Forest Resource Management Area, Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site operates as a developed campground from mid-May through mid-September under state management. The facility accommodates RVs up to 35 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections, plus a dump station for shorter stays.

Wooded campsites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and level tent areas, though space between sites runs tight according to recent visitors. The campground sits a 20-minute drive from Haines, accessible by car with additional boat launch facilities available. Campers can borrow children's life jackets from the site for lake activities.

"Keep an eye out for wildlife, there are lots of grizzlies around," notes Krista R., who biked to the area from town. Eagle activity overhead provides regular entertainment. The lake offers paddling opportunities with sunset views visible from many sites, though some campers need to walk outside the campground for broader mountain vistas.

For those seeking additional accommodations in the region, campgrounds near Haines include several RV parks closer to ferry terminals. Reservations are accepted for this site, which allows pets throughout the camping area.

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Location

Public Campground

Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site is located in Alaska

Directions

Take Lutak Road five miles past ferry terminal to Chilkoot River Road on left just before the Chilkoot River bridge.

Coordinates

59.33400034 N
135.55900097 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Tent Cabin
Yurts

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

15 hrs 11 min from Ward Cove, AK

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5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors regularly highlighted the stunning mountain scenery and lake access for paddling and picnics. The wooded sites offer standard camping amenities, though spacing can be tight between sites.

Ioan P.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2020

Like this

Nice, very vooded place but, very tight. You can see eagles activities in the sky. You have to go out of camp for a view. Haines is 20 minutes drive.

Liann W.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2018

Gorgeous!!

If anything in Haines can convince you it's one of Alaska's finest spots, it's Chilkoot Lake state recreation area. Beautiful wooded campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and flat areas for tents.. and a short walk (often can see from your site) to the lake where a beautiful show occurs each time the sun sets. I never wanted to leave!

Month of VisitMay

Krista R.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 25, 2016

Went for the day

I biked here from Haines in June, it is such a lovely area! I did a tour of the campground and it looks very nice. The boat launch area is perfect for a picnic, and the lake is perfect for a paddle! They even have childrens PFDs to borrow, should you forget to bring some. Keep an eye out for wildlife, there are lots of grizzlies around.

(8) View All

Lindsay B.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2016

Haines = Heaven

Everything about Haines is amazing. The mountains in this part of Alaska are towering and incredible. There are lots of camping opportunities in Haines including a small rustic campground right in town a short walking distance of the fast ferry. That campsite is about $5 and based on the honor system. This Chilkoot Lake area is much farther from the ferries, but a beautiful area. You will need to find a car to drive you out to the area. The area features a wide river and scenic mountain hikes and views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site has water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the max vehicle length at Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site?

Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site allows vehicles up to 35 feet.

Are fires allowed at Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.

Keep Exploring

- Skagway, AK (16 miles)
- Haines, AK (0.0 miles)