Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Mendenhall Lake Campground
This campground is on Mendenhall Lake, with a view of the Mendenhall Glacier, and is about 13 miles from downtown Juneau. Sites include: 9 full-service RV sites with electricity, water and sewer hook-ups; 9 partial-service RV sites with electricity and water hook-ups; 51 basic-service sites; 7 sites in a separate walk-in backpacker area with covered shelter for cooking; 48 sites that accommodate camping units larger than 30 feet. All of the sites have tent pads, picnic tables and fire grills that meet accessibility standards. Water faucets and vault toilets are dispersed throughout the campground, and two bathhouse units with flush toilets and hot showers. A central dump station is on site. The campground host and garbage dumpster is near entrance. Firewood is rarely provided and it is best to bring your own (no pallets). The maximum stay is 14 days.
To view a larger version of the Mendenhall Campground map please click here, PLEASE NOTE this is a large map and will take some time to load.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open 24 hours a day during open season, May 15 - September 15. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reservations through www.recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777. |
| Fees: | full-service RV sites with electricity, water and sewer hook-ups ($28/day, $23/day Golden Age) partial-service RV sites with electricity and water hook-ups ($26/day, $21/day Golden Age) basic-service sites ($10/day, $5/day Golden Age) |
| Open Season: | May 15 - September 15 |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Juneau, AK |
| Water: | Potable Water |
| Restroom: | Flush Toilet (8), Vault Toilet (12) |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
General Information
Directions: From the ferry terminal: turn right and travel 1.7 miles to DeHarts Store above Auke Bay marinas. Turn left uphill to Mendenhall Loop Road, and travel 2.5 miles to Montana Creek Road, turn left and travel .3 mile to Skater's Cabin Road. Turn right and travel .3 mile to campground. From downtown Juneau, Take Egan Drive northwest 8 miles to stoplight intersection of Mendenhall Loop Road. Turn right 2.2 miles to the intersection of Mendenhall Loop Road and Glacier Spur Road. Turn left 1.4 miles to the intersection of Montana Creek Road. Turn right .3 mile to Skater's Cabin Road. Turn right .3 mile to campground.Activities
Campground Camping
This site provides drive-up campground camping opportunities along a freshwater glacial lake. Some sites have views of Mendenhall Glacier. Sites are nicely separated by trees.
| No. of Sites | 69 single 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 www.recreation.gov . |
| Fire Information | Each site has a fire ring. Firewood can be purchased locally, typically at grocery stores and some gas stations. |
| No. of Accessible sites | 55 of 69 |
RV Camping
This site provides drive-up campground camping opportunities for RV's along a freshwater glacial lake. Some sites have views of Mendenhall Glacier. Sites are nicely separated by trees.
| No. of Sites | 15 |
| 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 www.recreation.gov. |
| Hookup - Water | Yes |
| Hookup - Sewer | Yes |
| Dump Stations | Yes |
| Fire Information | Each site has a fire ring. Firewood can be purchased locally, typically at grocery stores and some gas stations. |
| Hookups - Electric | Yes |
Day Hiking
The campground is a short 1/4 mile walk to the trailhead of West Glacier Trail which follows along the shore of Mendenhall Lake in the trees then rises atop rocky ground as the trail approaches the Mendenhall Glacier.| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
Arctic Terns nest around the lake in the summer. Goat can be spotted with binoculars on the mountains around the glacier. Black bears are seen occasionally in the area. Keep food secure so bears don't get the idea they can come to the campground for meals.Viewing Plants
Viewing Scenery
Experience the young forest as it becomes established after the action of the glacier stripped the rock bare as it receded. Towards the lake shore are views of Mendenhall Glacier.| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Picnicking
Each camp site has a picnic table for campers who have a reserved spot.Boating - Non-Motorized
There are commercial and non-commercial launch areas down the road from the campground at the West Glacier Trailhead. Only non-motorized use is allowed on the lake and can include rafts, kayaks, or canoes. The water on the glacial lake is icy cold, so be prepared with floatation and warm gear.| Trailer Parking | There is room for trailers in the parking lot, however, the only trailer launch available is for commercial use. If needing to launch a vessel from a trailer, coordinate with the commercial operators there while they get their clients loaded and out of the way. |
| Class of rapids | There are no rapids on the lake, but white water conditions can occur with high winds. |
| Type of Craft | Canoe, kayak, or raft. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|