Mendenhall Campground
Closed for the season. Opens May 15, 2026 and operates through September 15. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 14 days within any 50-day period. Gate closed 10pm-7am; exit gate open 24 hours.
Special Weather Statement issued June 30 at 10:51AM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
River gauge observations as of Tuesday morning indicate a release from Lake No Lake began overnight and is ongoing. Based upon basin estimates and current river levels, the river is forecast to reach bankfull. Therefore, flooding is not expected. Typically a release of this type along the Taku River lasts from 1 to 3 days. The National Weather Service and Alaska River Forecast Center will continue to monitor conditions going forward and update this statement as necessary. For Taku River near Juneau: At 10:00am the stage was 37.9 feet. Flood Stage is 43.0 feet. Forecast: Water levels will crest at around 42.0 feet or bankfull around 4:00am Wednesday.
Special Weather Statement issued June 30 at 9:16AM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
River gauge observations as of Tuesday morning indicate a release from Lake No Lake began overnight and is ongoing. Based upon basin estimates and current river levels, flooding is not expected. Typically a release of this type along the Taku River lasts from 1 to 3 days. The National Weather Service and Alaska River Forecast Center will continue to monitor conditions going forward and update this statement as necessary.
Regional Order No. 10-01 - Marijuana - Simple Possession
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on the Tongass and Chugach National Forests: Possessing, storing or transporting parts of a cannabis plant, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; including and not limited to…
About
Mendenhall Campground occupies a prime location on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, offering campers unobstructed views of the massive Mendenhall Glacier and the surrounding peaks of the Coast Mountains. At nearly 17 million acres, Tongass National Forest is the largest in the national forest system, and this campground serves as an ideal base for exploring its temperate rainforest ecosystem. The terrain is relatively flat, consisting of glacial moraines dotted with Sitka alder, black cottonwood, spruce-hemlock forest, and blueberry bushes. The campground features 67 sites across several categories: 9 full-service RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups; 9 partial-service RV sites with electric and water; 51 basic tent sites; and 7 walk-in backpacker sites with a covered cooking shelter. All sites include picnic tables, tent pads, and combination fire rings with grills. Facilities include vault toilets, flush toilets, two bathhouses with hot showers, potable water, a dump station, and trash service. A campground host is stationed at the entrance. Hiking opportunities abound from the campground. The West Glacier Trail (1,300 ft elevation gain, 5-6 hours roundtrip) departs a half-mile from the entrance. Shorter options include the 1.7-mile Nugget Falls Trail to a 377-foot waterfall, the 1.5-mile Moraine Ecology Trail, and the 0.7-mile Trail of Time. Bear activity is common; campers must store all scented items in vehicles or bear-proof containers.
Directions
From the Juneau airport: go 0.1 mile to the junction of Yandukin Shell Simmons Drive. Turn left on Shell Simmons Drive and travel 0.3 miles to the stoplight at Old Glacier Highway. Turn left on Old Glacier Highway and travel 0.5 mile to the stoplight at Egan Drive. Continue on Mendenhall Loop Road 2.2 miles to the intersection of Back Loop Road. Turn left on Back Loop Road. Continue 1.4 miles to the intersection of Montana Creek Road. Turn right and travel 0.3 miles to Skater's Cabin Road. Turn right and travel 0.3 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | Yes |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $20 - $36 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 60ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 586-8800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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