Eagles Nest Campground


Eagle's Nest Campground is nestled in the forest above the scenic Balls Lake. The campground provides 12 camping sites, including ten drive-in sites and two walk-in locations along the lake side. One centrally located, two-stall outhouse is provided. Eagle's Nest is perfect for families traveling through Prince of Wales Island that want to stop and rest at a beautiful, well-cared for campground in the center of the Island. Eagle's Nest also offers an accessible Interpretive Trail that describes the salmon cycle in the stream, as well as longer hiking trail. Special Features: Eagle's Nest Campground offers something for all visitors. A boat launch on Balls Lake provides a launching point for campers with a canoe or kayak. Fish from boat or shore for trout and Dolly Varden. The Balls Lake Trail passes through the Campground, offering a 2.5 mile hike all the way around the lake. Swans, kingfisher, and ducks may be seen along with an array of riparian plants. The accessible Eagle's Nest Interpretive Trail (.5 miles one-way) provides a path through huge spruce trees, beside Control Creek, where salmon come to spawn.

At a Glance

Reservations: To reserve Recreation.gov
Fees: $8/night peak season May 1 – September 30
$8/night non-peak season October 1 – April 30
Usage: Light
Closest Towns: Thorne Bay
Water: No
Restroom: Vault Toilets (2)
Operated By: Forest Service

General Information

Directions: The Campground Is located off of Forest Highway 42 (State Highway 925) two miles east of Control Lake Junction. USGS Map Craig C-2.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Reservation and fee required ($8 a night) May 15 to Sept 15.
No. of Sites 9 single site(s), 2 double site(s)
Reservation Info This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70751&topTabIndex=CampingSpot
Fire Information Campfire rings provided at each camp site.
No. of Accessible sites None

Lake and Pond Fishing

Fishing from boat or shore on Balls Lake or in Control Creek adjacent to Campground. Easy canoe and small boat access to Lake.
Fish Species Silver salmon, sockeye salmon, pink salmon, dolly Varden, steelhead trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout
Special Designations Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged for steelhead and cutthroat as wild populations are fragile in many waters throughout the area.
Fishing Mode Boat or bank
Water Temperature Mixed cold/warm
Fishing Method Fly or lure

Day Hiking

Eagle's Nest contains a system of trails. Hike the accessible Eagle's Nest boardwalk trail to see sockeye in Control River, or access the 2.3 mile Balls Lake Hiking Trail.
Fire Information campfires allowed in designated sites.
Elevation desc little elevation change
Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult

Interpretive Areas

Eagle's Nest Campground is set right on the shore of Balls Lake, where sockeye salmon come to spawn and deer and beavers make their home. The early morning camper is likely to catch a glimpse of one or more of the resident wildlife.
Difficulty Level: Easy

Picnicking

Eagle's Nest is perfect for families traveling through Prince of Wales Island that want to stop and rest at a beautiful, well-cared for campground in the center of the island. Eagle's Nest also offers an accessible interpretive trail that describes the salmon cycle in the stream. There are 12 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings that can be used for picnicking with no reservation or fee needed.
No. of Sites 12
Reservation Info None
Fire Information Yes, in fire ring
No. of Accessible sites 12

Boating - Non-Motorized

Canoeing or kayaking on Balls Lake offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, or recreational boating in an idyllic setting.

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
55.706667

  Longitude : 
-132.851667

  Elevation : 
400